For many, Champagne is a celebratory sip at life’s big moments. For Avid Vines, it’s a story of heritage, sustainability, and uncompromising quality. At the PR%F Awards 2024 in Las Vegas, Avid Vines cemented its place among the industry’s elite, earning top honors for its portfolio of exceptional, family-produced Champagnes. These accolades mark a pivotal moment for the company, its winemaking partners, and the evolving tastes of wine enthusiasts.
Avid Vines: Preserving Legacy While Embracing Sustainability
Founded by wine aficionado David Aferiat, Avid Vines is more than an importer; it’s a champion of thoughtful winemaking. The company specializes in bringing sustainably produced Champagnes to U.S. markets, showcasing family vineyards that prioritize minimal intervention farming.
Aferiat’s passion for wine began with a love of storytelling. “Each bottle represents generations of hard work, respect for nature, and a commitment to quality,” he says. By partnering with independent producers like André Tixier and Fils and Rafflin Lepitre, Avid Vines ensures that every sip celebrates tradition while embracing modern sustainability practices.
With growing demand for eco-conscious products, Avid Vines has positioned itself as a leader in the wine industry’s sustainability movement.
Why the PR%F Awards Matter
Winning at the PR%F Awards is no small feat. Known as one of the beverage industry’s most rigorous competitions, the awards attract nearly 100 judges, including top beverage buyers from leading restaurants, hotels, casinos, airlines, and retailers.
What makes the PR%F Awards unique is its two-step judging process:
- Masked Tastings focus purely on the sensory experience—aroma, taste, balance—ensuring an impartial review.
- Unmasked Design Competitions evaluate branding, packaging, and storytelling, underscoring the importance of first impressions in today’s marketplace.
For Avid Vines, excelling in both categories highlights the holistic excellence of its portfolio. This year’s standout entries included:
- Rafflin Lepitre Blanc de Blanc Champagne:
- Gold Medal for Masked Tasting (91 points)
- Gold Medal for Unmasked Design
- Best in Show for the Champagne category
- André Tixier and Fils Brut Rosé Champagne:
- Silver Medal for both Masked Tasting and Design
- Rafflin Lepitre Classique Brut Champagne:
- Silver Medal for Masked Tasting
- Gold Medal for Design
“These awards validate the incredible artistry and dedication of the winemakers we represent,” says Aferiat. “They also reflect what today’s consumers value: authenticity, quality, and a deep connection to the story behind the wine.”
Champagne at the Intersection of Taste and Sustainability
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a growing consumer priority, and Avid Vines delivers. Both André Tixier and Rafflin Lepitre embrace practices that limit chemical intervention, preserve biodiversity, and protect their unique terroirs.
For example, the Rafflin Lepitre Blanc de Blanc won high praise from PR%F judges for its vibrant acidity and refined elegance, a testament to its natural production methods. Meanwhile, the visually striking packaging of both brands captured the essence of their Champagne’s stories, appealing to a generation that values beauty and substance in equal measure.
Why This Win Resonates Across the Industry
For the beverage industry, Avid Vines’ PR%F Awards win is significant. It reinforces the rising importance of family-produced wines that balance heritage with innovation. As consumer preferences shift toward sustainable, small-batch products, Avid Vines’ portfolio represents a bright future for the Champagne market.
The awards also carry weight for distributors, retailers, and restaurateurs, offering reassurance that these wines meet the highest standards of quality and presentation. For consumers, they provide an easy way to identify standout choices for celebrations and everyday indulgences alike.
Raising the Bar for U.S. Wine Lovers
Looking ahead, Avid Vines plans to expand its reach, continuing to introduce wine enthusiasts to its carefully curated selection of Champagnes. “We’re not just selling wine,” Aferiat explains. “We’re inviting people to be part of a legacy—to taste the difference that care, respect, and sustainability make.”
About Avid Vines
Avid Vines is dedicated to sourcing sustainable, family-crafted Champagnes for U.S. consumers. Each bottle in its portfolio tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a commitment to the planet, making every sip an unforgettable experience.
For more on their award-winning Champagnes, visit avidvines.com.
