Third-party recognition means something different than self-promotion. When an independent editorial platform takes the time to evaluate a brand and put their name behind it, that's a signal worth sharing. Beringer Vineyards was recently featured on Honest Brand Reviews, written by Cori Trandafir, and the review opens with a fact that sets the stage for everything that follows.
At a Glance
- Publication: HonestBrandReviews.com
- Author: Cori Trandafir
- Key Distinction Cited: First and only winery to hold the #1 spot in Wine Spectator Magazine's Wine of the Year in both red and white wine categories
- Founded: 1876, St. Helena, Napa Valley
- Winery Age: Approaching 150 years of continuous operation
What the Review Highlights
The review leads with what Honest Brand Reviews describes as the defining credential: Beringer is the first and only winery to hold the #1 position in Wine Spectator Magazine's Wine of the Year in both the red and white wine categories. It's a milestone that speaks directly to the breadth of the winemaking program — not just excellence in one style or varietal, but across the full spectrum of what the portfolio produces.
The review draws particular attention to the Private Reserve collection, noting that for those with more exclusive palates, these wines represent some of the most sumptuous bottles in the portfolio. The Private Reserve program has been in production since 1977, when winemakers Myron Nightingale and Ed Sbragia set out to create wines that represented the pinnacle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
The review also spotlights the 2016 8th Maker Cabernet Sauvignon, one of Beringer's single vineyard expressions, describing its deep garnet color, aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and wild mountain blueberry, full body, fine-grained tannins, and an evolving complexity that rewards patience in the cellar.
The Private Reserve Program
The Private Reserve collection is Beringer's benchmark tier — wines that have consistently earned scores in the mid-to-high 90s across multiple vintages and varietals. The Cabernet Sauvignon program has been running for close to five decades; the Chardonnay program launched in 1978, just one year after the first Cabernet vintage.
Both have earned Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year — a distinction that no other winery holds in both red and white categories.
Explore the Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Private Reserve Chardonnay collections.
A Legacy Worth Knowing
Beringer was founded in 1876 by brothers Frederick and Jacob Beringer — Frederick the financier, Jacob the winemaker. It is one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in Napa Valley. The Rhine House, built in 1884, is now part of a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.
Nearly 150 years later, the winemaking philosophy that Nightingale and Sbragia established — source from the best vineyards, intervene as little as possible, and let the fruit speak — continues to guide every wine made at Beringer.
Learn more about Beringer's history and heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What award has Beringer won that no other winery has?
Beringer is the first and only winery to hold the #1 position in Wine Spectator Magazine's Wine of the Year in both the red and white wine categories. This distinction reflects the breadth of the winemaking program across both the Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Private Reserve Chardonnay.
What is the Beringer Private Reserve collection?
The Private Reserve collection is Beringer's flagship tier of wines, launched in 1977 with Cabernet Sauvignon and expanded to include Chardonnay in 1978. The wines are sourced from Beringer's top estate vineyards, vinified separately by vineyard block, aged in custom-toasted French Nevers oak, and blended after 20 months of barrel aging. The collection consistently earns scores in the mid-to-high 90s. Explore the Private Reserve collection.
How long has Beringer been operating?
Beringer Vineyards was founded in 1876 by Frederick and Jacob Beringer and has operated continuously since then — making it one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley. Learn more about Beringer's history.
