IOWA WINE AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DES MOINES, IA—The Iowa Wine Growers Association has announced the list of Iowa Wine Award nominees for the upcoming Iowa Wine Awards Banquet. They will be announcing and presenting the 2019 Iowa Wine Awards at the banquet being held on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at The District Venue in Ankeny, Iowa. The banquet is held in conjunction with the 2019 Iowa Wine Growers Association Annual Conference, taking place Feb. 17 & 18 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.
The Iowa Wine Awards Banquet will feature a multi-course evening dinner specially paired with a selection of quality Iowa wines, as well as a social cocktail hour, evening entertainment provided by a local musician, in addition to the awards presentation ceremony. The event is open to the public, ages 21 and over. Tickets are $50 each or a table of 8 for $375 and can be purchased online at the Iowa Wine Growers Association website or by calling 515.664.7754.
Six winemakers in Iowa were nominated for the 2019 Winemaker of the Year Award. This award honors an Iowa winemaker who has served as a leader in the wine industry by crafting superior Iowa wines utilizing locally sourced products when possible, adhering to best practices of winemaking, and demonstrating a willingness to experiment and try new techniques while positively contributing to the industry as a whole. Nominees include Doug Bakker, Madison County Winery in St. Charles; Brenda Broulik/Anna Wilson, Glyn Mawr Vineyard & Winery in Mt. Vernon; Dave Cushman, Park Farm Winery in Durango; Kent Foulker, Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery in Swisher; Lucas McIntire, The Winery at Kirkwood in Cedar Rapids; and Seth Miller, Cedar Valley Winery in Batavia.
Two vineyards were nominated for the 2019 Vineyard of the Year Award. This award honors an Iowa vineyard positively contributing to the industry through demonstrated superior viticulture practices, adhering to viticulture best practices to provide high quality produce for Iowa wineries, while continually seeking to improve their business through education and advancement. Nominees include Chris Larsen, Compass Hill Vineyard in Winterset and Lucas McIntire, The Winery at Kirkwood in Cedar Rapids.
Three industry members were nominated for the 2019 Retail Partner of the Year Award. This award honors an Iowa retailer who has supported the wine and grape industry growth in Iowa through partnership with Iowa wineries and vineyards and demonstrating willingness to showcase Iowa wines in the retail setting. Nominees include Jeremy & Tara Kohlhaas, The Wijn House in Pella; Lindsey and Bryan Mutchler, Hometown Market in Earlham; and Nikki L. Schneider, The Whimsical Wine Trailer.
Four industry members were nominated for the 2019 Outstanding Industry Partner Award. This award honors an individual or organization that has supported the growth of the wine and grape industry in Iowa, served as an advocate for the industry and has positively impacted the quality of the Iowa grape and wine industry. Nominees include Terry Bockenstedt, Nutrien Ag Solutions in Dyersville; Lauren Chalupski Cannon, The Secret Cellar in Swisher; David Petersen, Parker Balston and Wayne Martens, Midwest Heritage.
The 2018 Award Winners include Winemaker of the Year - Anne Zwink, Soldier Creek Winery, Vineyard of the Year - Brian and Sheila Jones, Three Sons Vineyard, Retail Partner of the Year - Jeremy & Tara Kohlhaas, The Wijn House and Outstanding Industry Partner - Dennis Dieters, Iowa Wine Tours.
Peers from within the industry appoint nominees and the awards are coordinated and given out from the Iowa Wine Growers Association. Members are then able to vote electronically during a one-week period prior to the event, with the award recipients being announced at the banquet in February.
QUOTE:
"These awards recognize the quality and innovation of our Iowa wine industry. These nominees represent some of the best winemakers and industry partners. In addition, Iowa wines and wineries have received national and international recognition in the past year. We are thankful for the members and partners who support our association and fine Iowa wines," said Doug Lewis - Cedar Valley Winery, IWGA Board Member and Conference Chairperson.
ABOUT IOWA WINE GROWERS ASSOCIATION:
The Iowa Wine Growers Association (IWGA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth of the wine and grape industry in Iowa. Established in 2000, the Iowa Wine Growers Association (IWGA) supports the industry through education, marketing/promotion and legislative support.
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