Attention wine lovers: Chateau Elan has done it again. Appily Élan, the winery's first-ever cider-inspired wine, has earned Gold with 92 points at the 2026 Sunset International Wine Competition. This is a major honor for a wine that represents everything exciting about what is happening at your neighborhood winery.
The Sunset International Wine Competition is one of the most respected wine competitions in the western United States, drawing thousands of entries from across the country each year. A Gold medal and 92 points is a standout achievement for any wine, let alone one that breaks new ground as a co-fermented cider-wine hybrid.
What Is Appily Élan?
Appily Élan is not your typical Chateau Elan wine. It is a co-fermented union of Blue Ridge apple juice and Moscato grape juice, bringing the crisp, refreshing character of hard cider together with the soul of Chateau Elan winemaking. Think of it as the best of both worlds: the bright, orchard-fresh notes of apples from the Blue Ridge foothills combined with the floral elegance of Moscato grapes.
The result is an effervescent, floral, and refreshingly easy-to-enjoy wine with a light-to-medium body, bright apple notes, and a lively Frizzante finish. It was designed for summer evenings, relaxed gatherings, and light food pairings. It is small-batch, limited-release, and already a conversation starter among residents and visitors alike.
2026 Sunset International Wine Competition
Appily Élan earned a Gold medal with 92 points at one of the nation's most respected wine competitions. A testament to the creativity and skill of the Chateau Elan winemaking team.
A Wine That Reflects the Community
For those of us who call Chateau Elan home, this award is especially meaningful. Having a world-class winery and resort right in your backyard means you are always close to award-winning wines, incredible dining, and experiences like this. Appily Élan is not just a bottle of wine, it is a taste of what makes this community unique.
The winemaking team at Chateau Elan continues to push boundaries while honoring the traditions that have made the winery a destination for nearly four decades. A Gold medal from Sunset International validates what locals already know: Chateau Elan wines belong on the national stage.
Free Shipping on Wine Orders
For a limited time, Chateau Elan is offering free shipping on online wine orders of $180 or more. This is a great opportunity to stock up on Appily Élan and other award-winning wines without leaving home. Whether you are hosting a dinner party, celebrating a milestone, or just enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, having a bottle of Gold medal wine in your kitchen is something special.
Free shipping on orders of $180 or more. Limited time offer.
Life at Chateau Elan: From Tee Times to Closing Times
Awards like this are just one more reason why living in Chateau Elan is so special. From tee times on championship golf courses to wine tastings at an award-winning winery, this community offers a lifestyle that is hard to match anywhere else in the Southeast.
If Appily Élan's success has you thinking about what it would be like to call Chateau Elan home, I would love to help. Whether you are looking for a golf course estate, a low-maintenance villa, or a home in one of the community's quiet enclaves, I know every corner of this community and can help you find the right fit.
Life's too short for ordinary homes. And at Chateau Elan, even the wine is extraordinary.
Lisa Harris
CLHMS, MBA · REMAX Center · Chateau Elan Resident · 19 Years Experience
Call or text: 404-307-9898 · LHarris@remax.net