24 judges from around the nation sipped and studied more than 300 wines August 15 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska. This is the only competition of its kind that focuses on wines made with cold-hardy grapes, fruit, or mead. The competition seeks to honor and promote wines of exceptional quality produced in these unique cold-climate regions. The competition is a partnership between the University of Minnesota Grape Breeding and Enology Project and the Minnesota Grape Growers Association. Many wonderful industry sponsors also support the event.
These wineries were from 10 states and 1 Canadian province, a true international competition.
Six trophies are awarded to the top wines and wineries in the competition, in addition to medallions. The top awards include Best-of-Show from each competition category, Winery of the Year, and the prestigious Minnesota Governor’s Cup. Winery of the year is awarded based on a weighted medal count. The Minnesota Governor’s Cup is chosen from gold and double gold award-winning wines that are produced in Minnesota. The selection is made from the entire judge panel. This year’s judging panel included sommeliers, wine consultants, wine importers, wine makers, enologists, biochemists, and wine writers.
Minnesota Governor's Cup
Blue La Crescent (2017) The Winery Sovereign Estate, Waconia Minnesota
Winery of the Year
Dancing Dragonfly Winery, Saint Croix Falls, WI
Best of Show White Wine
St. Pepin (2017) Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery, Kewaunee, WI
Best of Show Rosé Wine
You Betcha Blush (2018) Carols Creek Winery, Alexandria, MN
Best of Show Red Wine
Marquette (2018) Vintage Escapes Winery, Kilkenny, MN
Best of Show Speciality/Fortified Wine
Lindy (2017) Dancing Dragonfly Winery, Saint Croix Falls, WI
Medals
Double Gold
Dancing Dragonfly Winery |
Hula |
2017 |
Saint Croix Falls |
WI |
Schram Vineyards |
Marquette |
2017 |
Waconia |
MN |
Tassel Ridge Winery |
Blackberry |
2018 |
Oskaloosa |
IA |
Three Oak Wines |
Crescent Rose |
2018 |
Albert Lea |
MN |
Gold
August Hill Winery/Illinois Sparkling Co. |
Demi Sec Rosé |
2016 |
Peru |
IL |
Carlos Creek Winery |
You Betcha Blush |
2018 |
Alexandria |
MN |
Carlos Creek Winery |
Frontenac Gris |
2018 |
Alexandria |
MN |
Carlos Creek Winery |
Solera |
nv |
Alexandria |
MN |
Chateau St. Croix Winery |
Ruby Port |
2009 |
St. Croix Falls |
WI |
Cold Country Vines & Wines |
La Crescent |
2018 |
Kewaunee |
WI |
Dancing Dragonfly Winery |
Promenade |
2017 |
Saint Croix Falls |
WI |
Dancing Dragonfly Winery |
Ballet |
2017 |
Saint Croix Falls |
WI |
Dancing Dragonfly Winery |
Lindy |
2017 |
Saint Croix Falls |
WI |
Danzinger Vineyards |
Midnight Voyage |
2017 |
Alma |
WI |
Danzinger Vineyards |
King Cranberry |
2018 |
Alma |
WI |
Grace Tyler Estate Winery, LLC |
Marquette Rosé |
2018 |
Constantia |
NY |
Lincoln Peak Vineyard |
La Crescent |
2018 |
New Haven |
VT |
Northern Hollow Winery |
La Crescent |
2018 |
Grasston |
MN |
Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery |
Blue Moon |
2017 |
Kewaunee |
WI |
Saint Croix Vineyards |
Frontenac Gris |
2017 |
Stillwater |
MN |
Schram Vineyards |
Marquette Reserve |
Non Vintage |
Waconia |
MN |
Sovereign Estate |
Marquette |
2016 |
Waconia |
MN |
Sovereign Estate |
Marquette Reserve |
2017 |
Waconia |
MN |
Sovereign Estate |
Blue La Crescent |
2017 |
Waconia |
MN |
Spirits of Norway Vineyard |
Leon Millot |
Non Vintage |
Franksville |
WI |
Three Oak Wines |
Three Oak Frontenac Blanc |
2017 |
Albert Lea |
MN |
TUG HILL VINEYARDS |
White Out |
2017 |
Lowville |
NY |
Vintage Escapes Winery |
Marquette |
2018 |
Kilkenny |
MN |
Winehaven Winery |
Deer Garden Red |
2018 |
Chisago City |
MN |
Winehaven Winery |
Edelweiss |
2018 |
Chisago City |
MN |
Winehaven Winery |
Rhubarb Wine |
N/V |
Chisago City |
MN |
Winehaven Winery |
Strawberry-Rhubarb Wine |
N/V |
Chisago City |
MN |
Silver
Cannon River Winery |
Family Reserve Red |
2017 |
Cannon Falls |
MN |
Cannon River Winery |
Sogn Blush |
2018 |
Cannon Falls |
MN |
Cannon River Winery |
La Crescent |
2017 |
Cannon Falls |
MN |
Cannon River Winery |
Sogn Blanc |
2018 |
Cannon Falls |
MN |
Carlos Creek Winery |
Petit Ami |
2018 |
Alexandria |
MN |
Carlos Creek Winery |
Wobegon White |
2018 |
Alexandria |
MN |
Carlos Creek Winery |
Minnescato |
2018 |
Alexandria |
MN |
Cellar 426 Winery |
Aspire Reserve Frontenac |
2016 |
Ashland |
NE |
Cellar 426 Winery |
Linoma Lighthouse |
2017 |
Ashland |
NE |
Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery |
Lone Oak Tree Vineyard |
2017 |
Kasota |
MN |
Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery |
Reserve Marquette |
2018 |
Kasota |
MN |
Dancing Dragonfly Winery |
Sashay |
2017 |
Saint Croix Falls |
WI |
Dancing Dragonfly Winery |
Marquessa |
2016 |
Saint Croix Falls |
WI |
Dancing Dragonfly Winery |
Tap Dance |
2017 |
Saint Croix Falls |
WI |
Dancing Dragonfly Winery |
Bill's Waltz |
2016 |
Saint Croix Falls |
WI |
Dancing Dragonfly Winery |
Calypso |
2018 |
Saint Croix Falls |
WI |
Danzinger Vineyards |
Sunset Ridge |
2018 |
Alma |
WI |
Danzinger Vineyards |
Golden Sunrise |
2018 |
Alma |
WI |
Danzinger Vineyards |
Crescent Moon |
2017 |
Alma |
WI |
Danzinger Vineyards |
Raspberry |
2018 |
Alma |
WI |
Dennis Drummond Wine Company LLC |
House Rosé |
Non Vintage |
Brainerd |
MN |
Door 44 Vineyard and Winery |
F2 |
2018 |
Sturgeon Bay |
WI |
Door 44 Vineyard and Winery |
Pink Door |
2018 |
Sturgeon Bay |
WI |
Door 44 Vineyard and Winery |
Sparkler |
2018 |
Sturgeon Bay |
WI |
Forestedge Winery |
Apple Wine |
NV |
Laporte |
MN |
Forestedge Winery |
Raspberry Wine |
NV |
Laporte |
MN |
Forestedge Winery |
Rhubarb Wine |
NV |
Laporte |
MN |
Forestedge Winery |
Rhubarb Raspberry Wine |
NV |
Laporte |
MN |
Four Daughters Vineyard |
LaCrescent |
2018 |
Spring Valley |
MN |
Four Daughters Vineyard |
Fronk |
2016 |
Spring Valley |
MN |
Four Daughters Vineyard |
Sparkling Brianna |
2016 |
Spring Valley |
MN |
Fox Fire Farms Winery |
Fox Fire Farms Marquette |
2017 |
Ignacio |
CO |
Fox Fire Farms Winery |
Fox Fire Farms Chloe Petite Pearlf |
2017 |
Ignacio |
CO |
Fox Fire Farms Winery |
Fox Fire Farms Brianna |
2018 |
Ignacio |
CO |
Indian Island Winery |
Marquette |
2017 |
Janesville |
MN |
Indian Island Winery |
Hunter's Red Reserve |
2017 |
Janesville |
MN |
Indian Island Winery |
Island Smoke |
2017 |
Janesville |
MN |
Indian Island Winery |
Frontenac Gris Late Harvest |
2018 |
Janesville |
MN |
L'Etoile du Nord Vineyard |
Marquette |
non vintage |
Parkers Prairie |
MN |
L'Etoile du Nord Vineyard |
Frontenac Blanc |
2018 |
Parkers Prairie |
MN |
Lincoln Peak Vineyard |
Marquette |
2014 |
New Haven |
VT |
Lincoln Peak Vineyard |
Marquette Nouveau |
2018 |
New Haven |
VT |
Lincoln Peak Vineyard |
Ragtime White |
2018 |
New Haven |
VT |
Miletta Vista Winery.com |
Petite Pearl |
2018 |
Saint Paul |
NE |
Miletta Vista Winery.com |
SOLACE |
2018 |
Saint Paul |
NE |
Miletta Vista Winery.com |
Brianna |
2018 |
Saint Paul |
NE |
Miletta Vista Winery.com |
Elephant Ear Red |
2017 |
Saint Paul |
NE |
Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery |
Freizeit |
2018 |
Dassel |
MN |
Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery |
Schnickelfritz |
2018 |
Dassel |
MN |
Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery |
Sotan |
2017 |
Dassel |
MN |
Next Chapter Winery |
Blushing Bride |
2017 |
New Prague |
MN |
Next Chapter Winery |
Frontenac Gris |
2017 |
New Prague |
MN |
Niobrara Valley Vineyards |
Brianna |
2018 |
Nenzel |
NE |
Niobrara Valley Vineyards |
Boss Cow |
2017 |
Nenzel |
NE |
North Folk Winery |
Rhubarb Wine |
2018 |
Harris |
MN |
Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery |
Carls Wild Grape |
2016 |
Kewaunee |
WI |
Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery |
Vivace |
2018 |
Kewaunee |
WI |
Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery |
La Crescent |
2018 |
Kewaunee |
WI |
Potters Settlement Artisan Settlement Winery |
Potters Settlement Marquette |
2017 |
Tweed |
ONT |
Richwood Winery |
Lady Sipper |
2017 |
Callaway |
MN |
Round Lake Vineyards & Winery |
Marquette Reserve |
2017 |
Round Lake |
MN |
Saint Croix Vineyards |
Marquette |
2016 |
Stillwater |
MN |
Saint Croix Vineyards |
La Crescent |
2017 |
Stillwater |
MN |
Saint Croix Vineyards |
Itasca |
2018 |
Stillwater |
MN |
Schram Vineyards |
Barrel 4 |
2018 |
Waconia |
MN |
Schram Vineyards |
Oaked Frontenac Blanc |
2018 |
Waconia |
MN |
Schram Vineyards |
Frontenac Blanc |
2016 |
Waconia |
MN |
Shelburne Vineyard |
Marquette |
2017 |
Shelburne |
VT |
Shelburne Vineyard |
Marquette Reserve |
2016 |
Shelburne |
VT |
Shelburne Vineyard |
La Crescent |
2018 |
Shelburne |
VT |
Sovereign Estate |
Marquette |
2017 |
Waconia |
MN |
Sovereign Estate |
La Crescent |
2017 |
Waconia |
MN |
Sovereign Estate |
Ignatius |
2016 |
Waconia |
MN |
Tassel Ridge Winery |
IA Edelweiss |
2018 |
Oskaloosa |
IA |
Three Oak Wines |
Three Oak Wines Frontenac |
2018 |
Albert Lea |
MN |
TUG HILL VINEYARDS |
43 Lat Red |
2017 |
Lowville |
NY |
Vintage Escapes Winery |
Frontenac |
2018 |
Kilkenny |
MN |
Walloon Lake Winery |
Mainsail |
Non Vintage |
Petoskey |
MI |
Winehaven Winery |
Marquette Reserve |
2016 |
Chisago City |
MN |
Winehaven Winery |
Raspberry Wine |
N/V |
Chisago City |
MN |
Youngblood Vineyard |
Frontenac |
2018 |
Ray |
MI |
Youngblood Vineyard |
Marquette |
2018 |
Ray |
MI |
Youngblood Vineyard |
Petite Pearl |
2018 |
Ray |
MI |
Youngblood Vineyard |
Frontenac Blanc |
2018 |
Ray |
MI |
Bronze
August Hill Winery/Illinois Sparkling Co. |
Brut |
2016 |
Peru |
IL |
Cannon River Winery |
GoGo Red |
2017 |
Cannon Falls |
MN |
Cannon River Winery |
Sparkling Edelweiss |
2017 |
Cannon Falls |
MN |
Carlos Creek Winery |
Triumph |
2017 |
Alexandria |
MN |
Cellar 426 Winery |
Wild Rosé |
2018 |
Ashland |
NE |
Cellar 426 Winery |
2 Hearts 2 Souls |
2018 |
Ashland |
NE |
Cellar 426 Winery |
Sunflower White |
2018 |
Ashland |
NE |
Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery |
La Crescent |
2018 |
Kasota |
MN |
Chateau St. Croix Winery |
SKOL Red |
NV |
St. Croix Falls |
WI |
Chateau St. Croix Winery |
Marquessa |
2017 |
St. Croix Falls |
WI |
Chateau St. Croix Winery |
Wisconsin White |
2018 |
St. Croix Falls |
WI |
Cold Country Vines & Wines |
Heavenly |
2017 |
Kewaunee |
WI |
Cold Country Vines & Wines |
Indulgence |
2018 |
Kewaunee |
WI |
Cold Country Vines & Wines |
Rock Legend |
2018 |
Kewaunee |
WI |
Crow River Winery |
Marquette |
Hutchinson |
MN |
|
Dancing Dragonfly Winery |
Christine's Foxtrot |
2017 |
Saint Croix Falls |
WI |
Danzinger Vineyards |
Danzinger Red |
2017 |
Alma |
WI |
Danzinger Vineyards |
St. Croix |
2018 |
Alma |
WI |
Door 44 Vineyard and Winery |
M |
2018 |
Sturgeon Bay |
WI |
Door 44 Vineyard and Winery |
Bubbler |
2018 |
Sturgeon Bay |
WI |
Drumlin Ridge Winery |
Frontenac Gris |
2017 |
Waunakee |
WI |
Drumlin Ridge Winery |
Brianna - Dry Barrel Aged |
2017 |
Waunakee |
WI |
Drumlin Ridge Winery |
Brianna |
2018 |
Waunakee |
WI |
Duck Creek Vineyard and Winery |
Pearly Duck |
2018 |
Denmark |
WI |
Duck Creek Vineyard and Winery |
Cranberry Mead |
2018 |
Denmark |
WI |
Falconer Vineyard, Vine Nursery and Winery |
Frontenac Rosé |
Red Wing |
MN |
|
Falconer Vineyard, Vine Nursery and Winery |
Lumberjack Hard Cider MN Apple |
Red Wing |
MN |
|
Flower Valley Vineyard |
Marquette Rosé |
2018 |
Red Wing |
MN |
Forestedge Winery |
Cranberry Wine |
NV |
Laporte |
MN |
Forestedge Winery |
Rhubarb Crisp |
NV |
Laporte |
MN |
Forestedge Winery |
Mela Susina Reserve |
NV |
Laporte |
MN |
Forestedge Winery |
Rhubarb Blueberry Wine |
NV |
Laporte |
MN |
Forestedge Winery |
Cassis Pomme Reserve |
NV |
Laporte |
MN |
Four Daughters Vineyard |
Marquette EM VEE |
Spring Valley |
MN |
|
Four Daughters Vineyard |
Aphrogrisiac |
2017 |
Spring Valley |
MN |
Fox Fire Farms Winery |
Fox Fire Farms Marquette |
2016 |
IGNACIO |
CO |
Garvin Heights Vineyards |
Bluff Country Red |
2018 |
Winona |
MN |
Garvin Heights Vineyards |
GHV Marquette |
2017 |
Winona |
MN |
Garvin Heights Vineyards |
GHV Petite Pearl |
2017 |
Winona |
MN |
Garvin Heights Vineyards |
Great River Rose |
2017 |
Winona |
MN |
Garvin Heights Vineyards |
GHV Frontenac Blanc |
2018 |
Winona |
MN |
Hawk Meadow Winery |
Hawk Meadow Marquette |
2017 |
Hastings |
MN |
Indian Island Winery |
St. Croix |
2017 |
Janesville |
MN |
Lincoln Peak Vineyard |
Marquette |
2018 |
New Haven |
VT |
Lincoln Peak Vineyard |
Starlight |
2018 |
New Haven |
VT |
Lincoln Peak Vineyard |
Black Sparrow |
2018 |
New Haven |
VT |
Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery |
Mein Onkel |
2017 |
Dassel |
MN |
Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery |
Neuhaus |
2015 |
Dassel |
MN |
Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery |
Naplemente |
2017 |
Dassel |
MN |
Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery |
Little Iza |
2018 |
Dassel |
MN |
Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery |
Salier |
2017 |
Dassel |
MN |
Next Chapter Winery |
Marquette |
2015 |
New Prague |
MN |
Next Chapter Winery |
MN Ice Wine |
2018 |
New Prague |
MN |
Niobrara Valley Vineyards |
Marquette |
2018 |
Nenzel |
NE |
North Folk Winery |
Stark Red |
Harris |
MN |
|
North Folk Winery |
Strawberry Wine |
2018 |
Harris |
MN |
Northern Hollow Winery |
Frontenac Blanc |
2018 |
Grasston |
MN |
Northern Hollow Winery |
Brianna |
2018 |
Grasston |
MN |
Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery |
Petite Pearl Reserve |
2017 |
Kewaunee |
WI |
Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery |
Vintners Reserve |
2017 |
Kewaunee |
WI |
Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery |
Drink Pink |
2017 |
Kewaunee |
WI |
Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery |
Contento |
2018 |
Kewaunee |
WI |
Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery |
Ice Wine |
2016 |
Kewaunee |
WI |
Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery |
Ice Wine |
2018 |
Kewaunee |
WI |
Parley Lake Winery |
Barn Quilt Red |
2017 |
Waconia |
MN |
Parley Lake Winery |
Frontenac Blanc |
2018 |
Waconia |
MN |
Parley Lake Winery |
Lake View White |
2017 |
Waconia |
MN |
Potters Settlement Artisan Settlement Winery |
Potters Settlement Ice Claret |
2018 |
Tweed |
ONT |
Richwood Winery |
Rosies Red |
none |
Callaway |
MN |
Round Lake Vineyards & Winery |
Frontenac Gris |
2016 |
Round Lake |
MN |
Round Lake Vineyards & Winery |
Skinny Dipping Temptation |
2017 |
Round Lake |
MN |
Saint Croix Vineyards |
Marechal Foch |
2017 |
Stillwater |
MN |
Schram Vineyards |
Marquette Rose |
2018 |
Waconia |
MN |
Shelburne vineyard |
Iapetus Subduction |
2017 |
Shelburne |
VT |
Sovereign Estate |
Frontenac Gris |
2016 |
Waconia |
MN |
Sovereign Estate |
Patina Gris |
2017 |
Waconia |
MN |
Sovereign Estate |
Frontenac Blanc |
2017 |
Waconia |
MN |
Spirits of Norway Vineyard |
Frontenac Blanc |
none |
Franksville |
WI |
Tassel Ridge Winery |
IA La Crescent |
2014 |
Oskaloosa |
IA |
Tassel Ridge Winery |
IA Brianna |
2016 |
Oskaloosa |
IA |
TUG HILL VINEYARDS |
Lake Effect |
2018 |
Lowville |
NY |
Vines & Rushes Winery LLC |
Mascoutin |
2017 |
Ripon |
WI |
Vines & Rushes Winery LLC |
St. Pepin |
2018 |
Ripon |
WI |
Vines & Rushes Winery LLC |
Ice Wine |
2017 |
Ripon |
WI |
Vintage Escapes Winery |
Edelweiss |
2018 |
Kilkenny |
MN |
Walloon Lake Winery |
North Arm Noir |
2016 |
Petoskey |
MI |
Walloon Lake Winery |
Reycraft |
2017 |
Petoskey |
MI |
Walloon Lake Winery |
Indian Garden Gris |
2016 |
Petoskey |
MI |
Walloon Lake Winery |
Wildwood |
2018 |
Petoskey |
MI |
Winehaven Winery |
Deer Garden Blush |
N/V |
Chisago City |
MN |
Winehaven Winery |
Lakeside Rosé |
N/V |
Chisago City |
MN |
Winehaven Winery |
La Crescent |
2017 |
Chisago City |
MN |
Winehaven Winery |
Stinger Mead |
N/V |
Chisago City |
MN |
Winneshiek Wildberry Winery LLC |
Brianna Breeze |
2017 |
Decorah |
IA |
Youngblood Vineyard |
Rosé of Petite Pearl |
2018 |
Ray |
MI |