For Immediate Release: August 1, 2008
Montelle Winery takes the 2008 Governor’s Cup Award
Third Consecutive Governor’s Cup Win for Winery Owner, Tony Kooyumjian
(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – At a wine industry event held Thursday, July 31 at Les Bourgeois Winery in Rocheport, Montelle Winery’s 2007 Dry Vignoles was named the 2007 Governor’s Cup recipient awarded to the best wine in Missouri. This is the third consecutive Governor’s Cup win for winery owner Tony Kooyumjian, whose Augusta Winery earned the top spot in both 2007 and 2006.
“Missouri wine and grapes are an important part of our state’s agriculture economy,“ said Gov. Matt Blunt. “The wineries located across Missouri offer economic advantages to many communities through agritourism opportunities and they give visitors a chance to enjoy homegrown products as well as the beauty of our state.”
Over 225 of Missouri’s finest wines were sipped at the 2008 Missouri Wine Competition held July 18-19 in Columbia. A panel of expert judges awarded 10 Best of Class, 26 Gold, 47 Silver and 66 Bronze medals to Missouri wines. Montelle Winerys 2007 Dry Vignoles was chosen as the best of the best from the Best of Class grouping.
“It is a privilege to win this award,” said Tony Kooyumjian, owner of Montelle Winery. “As everybody knows, 2007 was an extremely difficult year. We had very little fruit to work with. I’d say it worked out well.”
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder made the Governor’s Cup announcement and also recognized this year’s Best of Class winners. Those honors went to:
- Dry White 2007 Dry Vignoles, Montelle Winery
- Semi-dry White Seyval Blanc, Augusta Winery
- Dry Red 206 Original Cynthiana, Blumenhof Vineyards
- Semi-dry Red River Country Red, Montelle Winery
- Sweet White 2007 Vignoles, Stone Hill Winery
- Sweet Red River Valley Red, Augusta Winery
- Sparkling Golden Spumante, Stone Hill Winery
- Late Harvest/Ice 2007 Icewine, Augusta Winery
- Dessert/ Fortified 2005 Port, Stone Hill Winery
- Distilled Peach Brandy, Montelle Winery
Gold and Silver medal winning wines will be on display in the Agriculture Building at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia from Aug. 7-17, 2008. For a complete list of award winners from the 2008 Missouri Wine Competition, visit www.missouriwine.org.
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