RALEIGH – Three North Carolina wineries took home the state’s most prestigious award for wine, cider and mead production in the recent N.C. Wine Competition. N.C. Wine Cups were awarded in three categories – Vinifiera/Hybrid Grapes, Muscadine Grapes and Fruit/Cider/Mead.
N.C. Wine Cup Winners:
Vinifera/Hybrid Grapes – Childress Vineyards “Reserve Series” - Cabernet Franc - 2019 – Lexington
Muscadine Grapes – Cypress Bend Vineyards “Catherine” – Carlos - NV – Wagram
Fruit/Cider/Mead – Noble Cider “Village Tart” - Apples, Montmorency and Morello Cherries - 2024 – Asheville
In addition, 19 judges, comprised of wine, cider and mead experts, beverage directors, beverage media leaders, wine shop/bar owners, chefs, American Wine Society-certified judges and wine researchers tasted 336 wine, cider and mead entries. This marks a 15% increase in entries from 2023. To qualify for entry into the competition, producers must be able to show their wine, cider and mead is produced from at least 75% North Carolina grown fruit and honey.
“The wine and grape industry continues to grow in North Carolina, offering tastings, sales and agritourism opportunities that contribute over $6 billion to the state’s $111.1 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “These awards recognize the high quality of wines, ciders and meads being produced in the state.”
This year, judges were unanimous with 17 wines receiving a gold medal score from all judges. These wines were awarded a double gold medal. The following winners scored the highest aggregate score in their category apart from the N.C. Wine Cup winners:
The Best of Category Winners:
Best Vinifera/Hybrid White - Sanctuary Vineyards - 2023 - "Pearl" - Albariño – Jarvisburg
Best Vinifera/Hybrid Rosé - Davesté Vineyards - 2023 - Chambourcin Rosé – Troutman
Best Vinifera/Hybrid Red - Brandon Hills Vineyard - 2019 - Barbera – Yadkinville
Best Vinifera/Hybrid Dessert - Windsor Run Cellars - 2015 - "Midnight Run Grand Reserve" - Fortified Red – Hamptonville
Best Muscadine White - Hinnant Family Vineyards - NV - Carlos – Pine Level
Best Muscadine Rosé - Hinnant Family Vineyards - NV - "Southern Pink" - Magnolia – Pine Level
Best Muscadine Red - Erik Martella Wines - 2023 - "Workshop Method No. 03" - Noble – Yadkin Valley
Best Muscadine Dessert - Cypress Bend Vineyards - NV - "Sweetheart Stream" - Carlos – Wagram
Best Sparkling Wine - JOLO Winery & Vineyards - 2023 - "Beach Bubbles" - White Blend – Pilot Mountain
Best Cider - Noble Cider - NV - "Spice Merchant" - Apples, Chai Spice – Asheville
Best Mead - Williamson Mead and Brewing - NV - "Freya" - Honey, Strawberry, Black Cherry – Glade Valley
Best Fruit Wine - Childress Vineyards - NV - "Sun-Kissed Peach" - Vidal Blanc, Peach – Lexington
“Our producers are committed to showcasing the quality of the land here and the ability to grow grapes, apples and other fruits as well as to produce world-class honey that contribute to their products taste and quality,” said Brianna Burns, wine marketing specialist with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and executive director of the N.C. Wine and Grape Council. “With over 190 tasting rooms across the state, we encourage both locals and visitors to explore our wine, cider and mead producers to try one of these award-winning selections.”
The Wine Feed in Durham is hosting a tasting event of these winning wines on Saturday, Aug. 31, in two sessions 1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Attendees will not only be able to taste the winners and expertly paired small plates, but producers will also be on-hand to answer questions and network. Tickets are available at https://thewinefeed.com and https://ncwine.org/events.
The N.C. Wine Competition is produced annually by the N.C. Wine and Grape Council. Judging was held at the Shelton-Badgett Center for Viticulture and Enology at Surry Community College in Dobson. The wine and grape industry in North Carolina accounts for $6.1 billion in economic impact and 44,937 jobs, according to the N.C. Wine and Grape Council’s 2022-2023 annual report. To explore North Carolina’s amazing wine, cider and mead producers, visit https://ncwine.org.
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