Business : Wine Competitions Recognize Iowa Wine Trail wines as Outstanding

The Olympics aren’t the only place where gold medals are awarded!  Several eastern Iowa winemakers have another thing to be proud of as the Iowa State Fair began Thursday and the results from commercial wine competitions are released.  A total of 47 wine competition medals were awarded to Iowa Wine Trail member wineries this summer.

Jay Halvorson (Eagles Landing Winery, Marquette) , the 2013 Iowa Winemaker of the Year, continues to craft exceptional wines and earned one of the six double gold medals at the Iowa State Fair Commercial Wine Competition and two Best of Show Awards. Overall, Eagles Landing won a total of 26 medals in two important wine competitions this summer!

According to the Iowa State Fair Commercial Wine Competition organizers, “to achieve the honor of Double Gold status, the wine must be awarded gold by all judges. The competition uses an awards system based on how the wine should be shared. A Gold award means the wine is one you would be “proud to take to a dinner or party.” A Silver award denotes a wine that you would be “proud to serve to friends in your home,” while a Bronze award signifies a wine that a person “will enjoy drinking at home.” The judges selected winners through a blind taste test of 171 wines entered by 30 Iowa wineries. Over 100 wines were given awards.” To qualify for a Best of Show award all the wine judges must agree the wine is gold medal worthy, and then decide if it is the best of the best.

While not every winery on the Iowa Wine Trail enters their wines into competition each year several do. Brick Arch Winery (West Branch) earned eight prestigious awards in competition; Wide River Winery (Clinton) won recognition with four of their wines; and Winneshiek Wildberry Winery (Decorah) got the attention of judges with nearly a dozen of their tasty wines.

“Ultimately our Iowa Wine Trail wineries strive to make exceptional wines that appeal to our customers and are the best expressions of the special wines that we grow in our region.  Winning recognition in competition only reinforces what our customers tell us…’that they love our wines’,” said Christie Steffen, Iowa Wine Trail Board President.

The 11 wineries (located between West Branch and Decorah) are open throughout the year offering wine tastings and fun events. Local wine enthusiasts are encouraged to visit and attend the upcoming “Around the World with Iowa Wine” food and wine event over the November 5-6 weekend.  Visit: iowawinetrail.com for more information.

Summer 2016 Wine Competition Results:

BRICK ARCH WINERY (West Branch)

Iowa State Fair: Gold Medal: Little Red Wagon; Silver Medals: Papilon and Über Cherry; Bronze Medal: Honey Bee

Mid-American Wine Competition: Silver Medals -Ellison (Sherry), Chambourcin (paired with Grilled Sirloin Steak), Bronze Medals: Chambourcin and Papillon

EAGLES LANDING WINERY (Marquette)

Iowa State Fair:  Double Gold/Best of Show: Sassy Cindys Wild Rhubarb; and Best of Show for Autumn Splendor. Gold Medals: Lit’l Sippi, Volga Lake Blush, Sweet Ruby, Strawberry Fest, Autumn Splendor; Silver Medals: Outstanding White, Summer Crush, Volga Lake White, Mrs. Sippi, Serenity, Port of Marquette; Bronze Medal: Constance

Mid-American Wine Competition: Gold Medals: Campfire Hootch, Sassy Cindys Wild Rhubarb, Lit l Sippi (paired with Sautéed Shrimp, spicy remoulade sauce), Volga Lake Blush (paired with Strawberries with Crème Anglais). Silver Medals: Volga Lake White, Constance (paired with Baked Trout), Outstanding White (paired with Roasted Turkey Breast), Volga Lake White (paired with Roasted Turkey Breast), Outstanding Red (paired with Smoked Pork Ribs (no sauce, dry rub only)), Mr Sippi (paired with Grilled Sirloin Steak), and Port of Marquette paired with Maytag Blue Cheese.  Bronze Medals: Lit L Sippi, Constance, and Outstanding Red (paired with Roasted Rack of Lamb)

WIDE RIVER WINERY (Clinton)

Mid-American Wine Competition: Gold Medal: Pursuit of Happiness.  Silver Medals: Caught Red Handed, Sweet Justice and Ms D Meanor

WINNESHIEK WILDBERRY WINERY (Decorah)

Iowa State Fair: Gold Medal: Plumb Wild; Silver Medals: Farmer’s Daughter, Rhubarb Crisp, Berry Patch Hoedown; Bronze Medal: Horny Heifer

Mid-American Wine Competition: Gold Medals: Rhubarb and Ole and Silver Medals for the plum and Heifer.