Record Number of Wines Entered in Kentucky Commonwealth Event

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 21, 2018) — Some familiar names topped the leaderboard at the Kentucky Commonwealth Commercial Wine Competition & Commissioner’s Cup earlier this month at the University of Kentucky Research Farm in Lexington.

“Congratulations to all the Kentucky wineries that participated in the competition this year,” Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said. “The 2018 Commissioner’s Cup-winning wineries have all won in previous years, showing the consistent excellence that consumers expect in a quality winery, while other newer and lesser-known wineries broke through and took home some medals this year.”

The Commissioner’s Cup awards – for the top Kentucky wines in each of four categories – went to:

• Best Rosé/Blush Wine – StoneBrook Winery, Camp Springs, Dry Rosé

• Best Red Wine – Wildside Winery, Versailles, Cabernet Franc

• Best Sweet/Dessert/Fruit Wine – Prodigy Vineyards & Winery, Frankfort, Vidal Blanc, 2017

• Best Boutique Wine – Up the Creek Winery, Burkesville, Burley Blend II, 2016

Purple Toad Winery of Paducah led the competition with seven gold medal-winning wines, followed by Prodigy with five and Wight-Meyer Winery of Shepherdsville and 1922 House Vineyards & Winery of Nicholasville with three each.

A record 182 wines were submitted for the competition. The wines were assessed by judges from Kentucky, Alabama, Missouri, and South Carolina.

The Kentucky Commonwealth Commercial Wine Competition & Commissioner’s Cup is held annually to promote Kentucky’s grape and wine industry and to recognize the best wines produced in the state. Wines are judged blind based on individual merit.

Kentucky’s wine industry has grown from zero wineries a generation ago to 70 today. Kentucky wines can be found in many retail establishments. Most Kentucky wineries invite guests for tours, tastings, concerts, and other activities.

“Kentucky’s wine industry continues to grow in quality as well as quantity,” Commissioner Quarles said. “Tyler Madison, our Grape, Wine & Spirits Program manager, works closely with Kentucky wine makers, grape growers, and educators to help Kentucky’s wineries succeed and prosper.”

For more information about Kentucky’s grape and wine industry, go to kentuckywine.com. For a complete list of winners and medalists in the 2018 Kentucky Commonwealth Commercial Wine Competition & Commissioner’s Cup, go to competition.kentuckywine.com.
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