Northern Indiana wineries win big at Indy International Wine Competition

Nearly 3,300 wines traveled to Indianapolis for the nation�s third largest wine competition, the Indy International, held last week at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Wines from 15 countries as far away as Greece, Israel, and Hungary were judged on appearance, aroma, taste, and aftertaste by 14 panels of judges. In all, 70 judges flew in from Canada, France and across North America to evaluate the wines.

Valdivieso of Santiago, Chile was awarded the Best of Show award, sponsored by American Airlines, for its 2000 Single Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Franc. Best white wine honors went to St. Supery Vineyards & Winery�s 2002 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and best red wine to Rodney Strong Vineyards�1999 Alden Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, both of California.

Indiana was well represented in the competition, with 23 of the state�s 27 wineries entering. Hoosier wineries took home a total of five concordance gold, 13 gold, 61 silver, and 99 bronze.

�The Indiana wineries went head to head with wines from throughout the world and brought home 178 medals,� said Sally Linton, marketing director for the Indiana Wine Grape Council. �That is quite a feat for a smaller wine producing state and demonstrates that Indiana wines are of high quality.�

Huber Winery of Starlight, Indiana near Louisville was awarded the Indiana Governor�s Cup as the most award-winning Indiana winery at the competition. Huber took home 17 medals, including two concordance gold, three gold, five silver, and seven bronze.

Satek Winery in the northeast corner of the state near Angola received four silver medals and 11 bronze, while Valparaiso�s Andersons Orchard & Winery was awarded four silver medals. Dune Ridge Winery in Porter brought home a silver medal.

The Indiana wine awards reception took place July 31 at A Taste of Indiana Agriculture, an event held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds to showcase Indiana agricultural products, including its award-winning wines.

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Contacts:
Ellen Harkness, Competition Coordinator, 765-494-6704, [email protected]
Sally Linton, Marketing Director, Indiana Wine Grape Council, 765-496-3842, [email protected]
Richard Vine, PhD, Honorary Chairman, (765) 494-6500, [email protected]
Note: For a detailed list of Indiana�s winning wines, please visit www.in.gov/iwc and click on �Medal Winners�