Winning wineries announced in Illinois wine competition

(KFVS) – The outcomes have been introduced within the statewide wine competitors from the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance.

“Illinois wineries have made great strides within the high quality of the fruit that’s grown and their winemaking processes,” stated Lisa Ellis, director of the IGGVA. “In 2007, solely 57% of wineries in our competitors acquired a medal, which means that 43% of the submitted wines had identifiable flaws. This 12 months over 93% of submitted wines acquired a medal, exhibiting nice progress in 15 brief years. For those who haven’t sampled an Illinois wine in years – or ever – now could be the time to take one other have a look at this vibrant trade whereas supporting our native, agri-business operations and preserving hard-earned {dollars} right here in Illinois. Cheers and congratulations to all of our wine growers and winemakers for glorious progress in simply 15 years.”

The winners embrace the next, by class.

Better of Present:

• Blue Sky Winery, 2019 Chambourcin – Winemaker: Karen Hand; Grower: Property-grown fruit

Governor’s Cups for Illinois-Grown Fruit:

• Crimson Hybrid/Vinifera: Walker’s Bluff, 2020 WB Cab Franc – Winemaker: Ryan Phelps; Grower: Property-grown fruit
• White Hybrid/Vinifera: Galena Cellars, 2021 The Secret Backyard La Crescent – Winemaker Eric White; Grower: Matus Household Winery
• Blush/Rosé Hybrid/Vinifera: Hidden Lake Vineyard, Off Obligation – Winemaker: Cory Kunkle; Growers: Beaver Creek Winery, Zucherbach
• Non-Grape: West of Clever Vineyard, 2021 Blackberry Cider – Winemaker: Darrell Simmermaker; Grower: Broom Orchard
• Glowing: Illinois Glowing Co., 2018 ISC Sec – Winemaker: Mark Wenzel; Grower: Property-grown fruit, Previous Mill Winery, Woodlane Winery

Prime Awards for Wines from any Appellation:

• Crimson Desk Wine: August Hill Vineyard, La Belle Rosé – Winemaker: Mark Wenzel; Grower: Spring Valley Farm
• White Desk Wine: Blue Sky Winery, 2021 Vignoles – Winemaker: Karen Hand; Grower: Property-grown fruit
• Non-Grape Wine: Hidden Lake Vineyard, Twelve Paws – Winemaker: Cory Kunkle; Grower: Schwartz Orchard

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