Southern 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.

Other wineries receiving medals were Chateau Pomije near Cincinnati, which received two gold medals, one silver medal, and five bronze medals. Corydon�s Turtle Run Winery was awarded two gold medals, three silver, and two bronze. While Evansville based Kauffman Winery won two silver and three bronze. Windy Knoll Winerybased in Vincennes received one silver and two bronze, and Winzerwald Winery won one silver and six bronze.

The Madison area wineries were also successful at the event. The Ridge Winery in Vevay received a concordance gold medal for their 2002 Country Red Concord and two bronze medals. Lanthier Winery received three bronze medals. Madison Vineyards took home one gold and one bronze, and Thomas Family Winery took home one 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�