Yakima Valley College Wines Honored Again

Yakima Valley Vintners earned multiple honors in the 2025-26 Great Northwest Wine Platinum Awards last month.

Three YVV wines, the 2024 Bright Idea Sémillon, 2024 Scholaris Sémillon and 2024 Yak Attack Blanc, received double-platinum awards while the 2021 Dean’s List Malbec earned platinum honors.  On top of that, double-gold honors were presented to YVV’s 2024 Alumni Albariño and 2024 Yakademic Blend with gold honors going to YVV’s 2021 Final Exam Cabernet Franc.

Yakima Valley College said more than 650 wines were reviewed during this year’s competition and 222 platinum awards were given, 74 double-platinum and 148 platinum.

This year’s honors bring YVV’s overall platinum awards in the competition to five double-platinum and 14 platinum awards, with those 19 total platinum awards being the most of any college in the Pacific Northwest.

All award-winning wines submitted by Yakima Valley Vintners were produced by students completing course work in YVC’s Vineyard & Winery Technology program. The wines are marketed through the program at YVC’s Grandview Campus, which houses a winery facility and tasting room. All wines were judged blind by a panel of prominent wine professionals. YVC student wines were included with all of the other commercial wineries during the competition. 

2024 Bright Idea Sémillon, Noel Vineyard 

Bright Idea Sémillon is a fresh, lively expression of the Noel Vineyard fruit. This balanced wine offers crisp aromas of green apple and pear, with a refreshing acidity that makes each sip shine. It’s perfect for sharing with friends on a sunny afternoon and pairs well with light salads, fresh seafood or a creamy cheese platter. Whether celebrating a small victory or enjoying good company, Bright Idea reflects the spirit of curiosity and craftmanship in every glass. 

2024 Scholaris Sémillon, Noel Vineyard 

Crafted with dedication and curiosity by the winemaking students of Yakima Valley Vintners, Scholáris Sémillon is a testament to both education and artistry. Scoured from premium vineyards and carefully vinified at our college winery, this off-dry Sémillon offers a beautifully balanced profile. Aromas of green apple and ripe pear greet the senses, while a touch of tropical fruit adds depth to the palate. A bright acidity harmonizes with its semi-sweet finish, creating a wine that is both refreshing and complex. Scholáris, Latin for “scholar,” celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and the hands-on craftsmanship that shapes the future of winemaking. 

2024 Yak Attack Blanc, Yakima Valley 

Bold, resilient and full of character — just like the Yaks of Yakima Valley College. This Sauvignon Blanc was crafted by students with passion and expertise, delivering crisp citrus, green apple and tropical fruit flavors with a refreshingly smooth finish. Whether you're celebrating a big win, wrapping up finals or kicking back with friends, Yak Attack Blanc is the perfect way to toast your journey. Stay bold. Stay curious. Stay Yak strong! 

2021 Dean’s List Malbec, Sugarloaf Vineyard 

Aromas of toast, hazelnut, blackberry and mocha from this Malbec jump out of the glass. You’ll notice the smooth, silky body of the wine is followed by flavors of s’mores, brown sugar and black cherry. Pair it with pork, steak fajitas or get adventurous while camping and enjoy it with your marshmallow and chocolate treat. 

YVC officials noted that award winning wines are available for purchase online and at tasting rooms on the Yakima and Grandview campuses. The school added less than 10 cases remain of the Bright Idea and Dean’s List Malbec.

Learn more about Yakima Valley Vintners or the Yakima Valley College Vineyard and Winery Technology Program.

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