FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, June 30, 2008

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-4696

KENTUCKY WINERIES EARN SIX GOLD MEDALS
AT INDY INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky wineries struck gold six times at the Indy International Wine Competition June 26-28 in Indianapolis.

The haul for Kentucky winemakers included four concordance golds, meaning the judges who evaluated that wine unanimously agreed that it was worthy of a gold medal. Kentucky wineries also brought home seven silver medals and 15 bronze medals. Eight different Kentucky wineries earned medals, and four brought home gold.

The Indy International Wine Competition attracted more than 3,200 wines from 15 countries.

“Congratulations to the Kentucky wineries that won medals at Indy International,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Kentucky has a rich history in winemaking, and after many years of hard work, Kentucky is taking its rightful place among the great winemaking regions of the world.”

Wight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery won two of the four concordance golds. The Shepherdsville winery was honored in American Blush/Rose for its Kentucky Rose and in White American Varietal for its Diamond wine. The other concordance golds went to Equus Run Vineyards of Midway for its cabernet sauvignon and Jean Farris Winery of Lexington for its Tempest wine in the Red Vinifera Blend category. Chrisman Mill Vineyard of Nicholasville struck gold in Red French-American Blend for its Sweet River Bend Red, and Jean Farris’ Petite Syrah also earned a gold medal.

Other medal-winning Kentucky wines were:

• Chrisman Mill, bronze, First Vineyard Reserve (Chambourcin) and Ensemble (Vidal Blanc)
• Jean Farris, silver, Viognier, and bronze, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
• River Valley Winery, Carrollton, silver, Mendovina (Pure Honey Wines/Meads) and bronze, Bobby’s American Blush (American Blush/Rose), Cabernet Sauvignon and Cynthiana
• Shandio Valley Winery, Carrollton, bronze, Bear’s Blush (American Blush/Rose) and Riesling
• StoneBrook Winery, Melbourne, silver, Honey (Pure Honey Wines/Meads) and bronze, Blackberry (Berry), Pomegranate (Tropical/Citrus) and Estate Reserve (Vidal Blanc)
• Talon Winery, Lexington, silver, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and bronze, Blackberry (Berry) and Traminette.
• Wight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery, silver, Pine Creek Summer (Traminette) and Kentucky Vignoles, and bronze, Sweet Berry (Berry).

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To go to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's Grape and Wine Program page, click here.