Coyote Moon Vineyards in the Thousand Islands region and Eagle Crest Vineyards above Hemlock Lake led the Gold medal run at the recent San Francisco International Wine Competition, which had more than 4,000 entries from around the world. 

        Coyote Moon took two Double Golds (2010 River Time White and 2009 River Run Rose) and two Golds (2010 Brianna and 2010 Concord labelled as Fire Boat Red), while Eagle Crest had a Double Gold for its Cayuga-based On-no-lee and Golds for 2010 Semi-Dry Riesling and 2010 Niagara.  Merritt Estate's Bella Ice Wine took the only other Double Gold among New York wineries.

         Other Gold medals went to Fulkerson Winery 2009 Riesling-Traminette and 2008 Cabernet Franc Ice Wine; Goose Watch 2010 Diamond and 2010 Melody; Hazlitt 2008 Cabernet Franc; Keuka Lake Vineyards 2009 Riesling Falling Man Vineyard; Keuka Spring 2010 Vignoles and Clara's Red; Penguin Bay Percussion; Red Tail Ridge 2010 Semi-Sweet Riesling; Swedish Hill 2009 Reserve Chardonnay and 2010 25th Anniversary Vignoles; and Whitecliff Vineyards 2010 Traminette.

          New York wineries also captured dozens of Silver and Gold medals for a wide array of wines.  This competition, among others, reaffirms that New York wineries are producing high-quality wines from a broad range of grape varieties, and that our judging friends in California and other places are appreciating their unique tastes.       

        Keuka Spring Vineyards Miller's Cove Red took "Best of Show" honors at the 2011 New York State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, with Lucas Vineyards 2009 Semi-Dry Riesling receiving the "June Phillips Award" for Best Riesling as well as Best White Wine.

         Other Best of Category awards went to Goose Watch Classic Cream Sherry (Dessert); Montezuma Bee Vodka (Distilled); Goose Watch Pinot Noir Brut Rose (Sparkling); Goose Watch Cabernet Franc Rose (Rose); and Hazlitt Brambleberry (Fruit).

          Additional Double Gold medals went to Chateau LaFayette Reneau Seyval Chardonnay; Glenora 2010 Vidal Iced; Thirsty Owl 2010 Riesling; Martha Clara 2007 Estate Reserve Merlot; Swedish Hill 2010 25th Anniversary Reserve Vignoles.

          Other Gold medals were awarded to Brotherhood 2010 Dry Riesling; Casa Larga 2009 Riesling; Hunt Country 2010 Seyval Blanc; Glenora 2010 Dry Riesling; Hazlitt White Stag, 2009 Gewurztraminer, and 2010 Sauvignon Blanc; Heron Hill 2007 Eclipse; Jd Wine Cellars Free Flight and Marquette;  Keuka Spring 2009 Seyval Chardonnay and 2010 Riesling; Lucas 30TH Anniversary Extra Dry and Butterfly; Knapp 2010 Dry Riesling, 2010 Riesling, and 2010 Estate Bottled Vignoles; Swedish Hill 2010 Dry Riesling; Thirsty Owl 2010 Diamond, 2010 Snow Owl, and 2010 Vidal Blanc;  Ventosa 2009 Ventosa Vineyards Tocaice, 2010 Ventosa Vineyards Riesling and 2008 Ventosa Vineyards Pinot Noir; Wagner 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling and 2008 Vidal Ice; and Young Sommer 2009 Cherry Breeze.        

Perseverence Pays 

          I am delighted to report that our good friends in the great State of Maryland have succeeded in liberating wineries and consumers by finally getting the law changed to allow direct interstate shipping. 

             For years, Maryland has been one of the most backward states in lots of ways, including this area, but thanks to the perseverence of great people like Rob Deford of Boordy Vineyards and Kevin Atticks of the Maryland Winery Association, with assistance from Cary Greene of WineAmerica, Maryland consumers are "free at last".  Cheers!