Iowa Wine Takes Home Wine of the Year at Indy International Wine Competition
May 24, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IOWA WINE TAKES HOME WINE OF THE YEAR AT INDY INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION
Iowa wine named Wine of the Year at 2019 Indy International Wine Competition. Submitted photo, Anne Zwink.
DES MOINES, IA — An Iowa wine has just been named “Wine of the Year” at the 28th Annual Indy International Wine Competition. There were more than 1,800 wines entered into the 2019 Indy International Wine Competition. Wines were submitted from 361 wineries in 36 US states and 14 countries around the world.
Dubuque Heritage’s white wine, “Eagle Point American White Table Wine” is made from locally grown cold-climate La Crescent grapes. Dubuque Heritage Winery, a small boutique winery out of Dubuque, Iowa operates a production only facility, selling wine only at several area farmers’ markets and select Iowa wine retailers in central Iowa. They took home the highest award from the competition, beating out wines from top selling wineries out of more recognizable wine regions like California, Italy and France. The past few years, wines from Washington and California have taken home this trophy.
“This award validates the efforts of the hard-working men and women making wine in Iowa today, and will help put Iowa wines on the map for wine lovers nationwide and internationally,” said Anne Zwink winemaker and general manager of Soldier Creek Winery in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Zwink was a judge at the recent competition, serving her sixth year of judging for the Indy competition, held each year at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Dubuque Heritage owner and winemaker Matt Haas commented on the live stream of the competition on Facebook, “I just watched the final live tasting. I’m beyond speechless that my “Eagle Point” won “Wine of the Year”, what an honor to be selected for this award amongst so many outstanding wines!”
"Iowa wineries are consistently one of the top tourist destinations in our state according to the most recent survey by Travel Iowa, so it’s nice to see wineries receive recognition for more than the experience they offer to consumers. Receiving this award shows that Iowa wineries are making some delicious and quality award-winning wines,” said Nicole Eilers, marketing director for the Iowa Wine Growers Association.
“Vineyards in Iowa grow cold-climate grapes, which are different from the varietals most people are more familiar with, but they're making excellent wines that are being recognized in international competitions and in the marketplace. If you haven’t tried an Iowa wine recently, we encourage you to visit one of our wineries to experience what Iowa has to offer.”
The Iowa Wine Growers Association and its membership of wineries, vineyards and other industry members encourage adult residents and tourists alike to help celebrate Iowa Wine Month by visiting wineries across the state and responsibly enjoying a glass of quality Iowa wine. On Wednesday, May 29, 2019, Iowa’s Governor Reynolds will be recognizing the celebration by signing the official proclamation for Iowa Wine Month with industry members in attendance. Wineries are holding many events during May in celebration of Iowa Wine Month. For a listing of all events throughout the month, visit our website.
About the Iowa wine industry:
Average grape yields in Iowa are typically in the 3 to 4 tons/acre range. One ton of Iowa grapes will produce approximately 150 gallons of wine, filling about 750 bottles. Iowa grows cold-climate grape varietals.
Iowa is home to nearly 100 wineries and more than 250 vineyards across the state, covering roughly 1,200 acres.
According to the most recent economic impact study, the full economic impact of the Iowa wine industry totaled $420 million. Wine-related tourism in Iowa had an economic impact of $41 million, drawing nearly 360,000 visitors to the state.
Iowa has eight wine trails across the state.
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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