The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the nation’s largest wine contest, proved it’s a small world after all for several East County vintners who took home top honors for their local labels.

The annual event – held this month at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds in Sonoma County – attracted more than 5,000 entries from 23 states. Competitors including such well-known names as Fetzer, Wente and Gallo.

But it was one of Brentwood’s own, Bloomfield Vineyards, that stood out from the pack, grabbing the prestigious Best of Show honors for their 2008 Pinot Noir ($25 to $29.99).

“It was a real thrill to win this award because it’s one of the highest honors you can receive,” said Becky Bloomfield, co-owner and operator of Bloomfield Vineyards. “It’s a very cool deal.”

Bloomfield Vineyards won an additional five awards: three bronze (2009 Chardonnay, Viognier and Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio) and two silver (2008 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2009 Devil’s Daughter/White Varietals and Blends).

Hannah Nicole Vineyards also did well at the event, winning a gold for their 2009 Le Mélange Blanc ($17) and four silver awards (2009 Chardonnay, 2009 Viognier and Viognier Reserve and 2007 Meritage/Bordeaux blends). Hannah Nicole owners Neil and Glenda Cohn also took home an impressive eight bronze awards (2009 Le Mélange Rose, 2007 Strobel Vineyard Zinfandel, Mt. Diablo Syrah Reserve, 2007 Merlot and Merlot Reserve, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 Petit Verdot and 2007 Le Mélange Rouge/Bordeaux Blends).

Jeff and Sara Tamayo, owners of Tamayo Family Vineyards and CA’NA Wines in Brentwood, rounded out the East County honors with four awards, including a gold medal for their 2009 Ryland’s Block Malbec ($24).

“I think it is a great honor and we couldn’t be happier, celebrating with our local vintners,” said Jeff Tamayo. “These kinds of awards year after year (in East County) also show that we, as a community of wine growers, have arrived. It’s great and it paves the way for those who want to come out here and grow great wines. We’re very proud.”

Tamayo also won two silver medals (2008 Estate Grown J. Jaden Red Desert Wine and 2009 Bailey Viognier) and one bronze award (2007 CA’NA Proprietary Estate Blend).

Wines entered in the competition were awarded bronze, silver, gold and double gold (unanimous gold by the judges). Best of Class awards were conferred for each of the wine judging categories, plus the Sweepstakes Awards for the top sparkling, white, pink, red and desert/specialty wines.

The public will get a chance to sample all the award-winning wines at the Chronicle’s public tasting on Saturday, Feb. 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco.

For a complete list of the 2010 award winners, visit www.winejudging.com.