A Dana Estates Sauvignon Blanc produced by a Korean-founded winery in Napa Valley has once again been named among the world’s elite wines. Following its second-place finish at an international wine competition last year, the wine secured the No. 2 spot in global wine evaluations.
Wine-Searcher, a prominent international wine search and rating platform, recently announced its ‘2026 World’s Best Sauvignon Blanc Top 10,’ ranking the Hershey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Dana Estates in second place. Dana Estates was established in 2005 by Lee Hee-sang, former chairman of Dongahwon Group, as the first Korean-owned winery in Napa Valley.
Wine-Searcher compiles scores and reviews from global wine experts and specialized publications. Sauvignon Blanc is a premier white wine grape variety known for its crisp acidity and fruity aromas.
The Hershey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc received 96 out of 100 points from experts. Its global average retail price is listed at $763 per bottle, with only seven retailers registered across all vintage years, making it an exceptionally rare wine.
The top spot went to France’s Loire Valley ‘Asteroid Pouilly-Fume’ with 97 points, while third place was awarded to ‘Pavillon Blanc’ produced by renowned Bordeaux winery Chateau Margaux, scoring 95 points.
Dana Estates also claimed second place in the white wine category at the prestigious ‘2025 Best Wine of the World (BWW)’ competition last year. Among over 5,000 white wines submitted globally, the 2019 vintage of the Hershey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc earned a platinum rating.
Commenting on the achievement, former Chairman Lee stated that he is thrilled to receive top-class recognition from Wine-Searcher—often called the Google of the wine world—following last year’s BWW success. He expressed pride in proving that world-class white wines suited for mainstream palates can be crafted in Napa Valley, and extended gratitude to the production team.
The winery name, Dana Estates, is derived from Lee’s pen name, ‘Danha.’ After acquiring existing vineyards in 2005 and completing a three-year facility overhaul, he introduced his first vintage in 2008. Since then, the winery has built an illustrious reputation, earning multiple 100-point ratings from world-famous wine critics such as Robert Parker and James Suckling.
