The Story Behind McConnell Estates Winery's Award-Winning Sangria

Overview

What will you discover when Elk Grove’s bars, restaurants, and wineries are tasked with creating a drink recipe to fuel a friendly community competition?

Last year, Explore Elk Grove hosted the Sangria Showdown, an event that celebrated creativity and collaboration, ultimately granting one business the first-ever trophy and named “Best Sangria in Elk Grove”.

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Credit >> McConnell Estates Winery

McConnell Estates Winery is a token in Elk Grove’s “Corks & Caps” scene. Their classic blends attract visitors from near and far, and each summer their refreshing sangrias are celebrated. Zachary Wackman, General Manager, is the visionary behind the winning sangria in 2023 and is eager to share their special creation with guests at the Sangria Showdown this fall.

From the young age of six, Zach was immersed in the wine industry. After graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a bachelor's degree in Wine & Viticulture, Zach returned to the family winery eager to continue expanding his palette and creating unique wines that would appeal to guests of all kinds; one of which being, McConnell’s famous sangria.

McConnell has been producing their signature red sangria for over 10 years. The initial goal in creating the summertime concoction was to elevate their Barbera’s standard, which turned out to be a major success. Since running out of the original Barbera, Zach was put to the test to replicate the 2014 recipe for McConnell visitors to continue enjoying for years to come.

Zach enjoys the sangria making process because of its’ natural introduction for non-wine drinkers. “Even if you don’t like wine, you’ll like the sangria. That’s kind of our whole point in making it. It’s well balanced with acidity and sweetness; it doesn’t have any tannic in it. It is especially good on a hot day, which is why we only run it during the summer.”

McConnell’s Sangria Showdown entry was perfected with staff recipe pitches and several trials over one month. Any fruit inclusions are sourced directly, with lemon and orange trees on the property, or from local farmers’ markets. Zach says that the recipe is quite easy to make, comparing the 5-gallon bucket or 15-gallon keg to a “giant mixed drink”.

Credit >> McConnell Estates Winery

The 2nd annual competition is set for Friday, September 13 at Sky River Casino with tastings, food, music, and more. Zach explains that the Sangria Showdown is a great opportunity to try different styles and interpretations of sangria. “There were sangria recipes that I didn’t even think of making because we’re so used to our own.”

Come enjoy the finest sangrias in Elk Grove this fall!

Sangria Showdown

Sangria Showdown

Join the fun at the 3rd Annual Sangria Showdown on Friday, September 12 at Sky River Casino. Enjoy delicious tapas, dueling pianos entertainment, and cast a vote for your favorite sangria, created by Elk Grove's creative professionals!

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