Media contact:
Misti Preston
Phone: (573) 751-8596
Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov

For Immediate Release: August 3, 2007

Augusta Winery Takes the 2007 Governor’s Cup Award

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – At a wine industry event held yesterday at Summit Lake Winery in Holts Summit, Mo., Augusta Winery’s 2004 Estate Bottled Chambourcin was named the 2007 Governor’s Cup recipient awarded to the best wine in Missouri.

“Missouri’s wine industry is a growing sector of our state’s agriculture,” said Katie Smith, director the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA). “With 73 wineries across the state, wineries offer economic advantages to many communities offering agritourism opportunities and give visitors a chance to see what rural Missouri is all about.”

Over 250 of Missouri’s finest wines were sipped at the 2007 Missouri Wine Competition held July 12-13, 2007 in Columbia. A panel of expert judges awarded 9 Best of Class, 29 Gold, 79 Silver and 89 Bronze medals to Missouri wines. Augusta Winery’s 2004 Estate Bottled Chambourcin was chosen as the best of the best from the Best of Class grouping.

“This is the first time that a Chambourcin has won the Governor’s Cup, said Toney Kooyumjian with Augusta Winery. “We are proud to have our Chambourcin earn that distinction.”

Chambourcin (pronounced “sham-bor-san) wine produces a medium-bodied, red wine with fruity, cherry aromas and earthy complexities. Chambourcin goes well with barbecue, pork and pasta dishes.

Matt Boatright, deputy director of MDA made the Governor’s Cup announcement and also recognized this year’s Best of Class winners. Those honors went to:

• Best Sparkling -- Crown Valley Winery for their 2006 Chardonel Brut
• Best Sweet White -- Stone Hill Winery for 2006 Vignoles
• Best Semi-Dry White -- Stone Hill for 2006 Traminette
• Best Dry White -- Blumenhof Vineyards 2006 Seyval
• Best Dry Red -- Augusta Winery 2004 Estate Bottled Chambourcin
• Best Semi-Dry Red -- Augusta Winery Reserve Red
• Best Late Harvest/Ice -- Stone Hill Winery 2005 Late Harvest Vignoles
• Best Dessert/Fortified -- Stone Hill 2004 Port and
• Best Distilled -- Montelle Apple Brandy

“This is the premier wine competition in the state and it is an honor to receive any one of these awards,” said Jim Anderson, executive director of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board. “ Missouri’s winemakers are passionate about creating a great product and it shows in our competition.”

Gold and Silver medal winning wines will be on display in the Agriculture Building at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia from Aug. 9-19, 2007. For a complete list of award winners from the 2007 Missouri Wine Competition, visit www.missouriwine.org.

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