KsConf3 We just returned from the 27th Annual Kansas Grape  Growers &  Winemakers Annual Conference in Topeka last week.  It was a great time, with distinguished speakers from all over the country giving lectures on grape growing and wine making. A highlight was the People’s Choice Wine Competition Friday night.  A good time was had by all, with over 70 wines from our 22 member Kansas wineries being poured and judged by the conference participants.

When the dust had settled, Somerset Ridge had won five medals (including two Best of Class and two Gold) and the four Somerset Wine Trail wineries had collectively won 12 out of the 30 medals, including four best of class! Renowned KsConfNapa Valley wine consultant Michael Jones was in attendance and declared that the increase in the level of quality from the Kansas wineries over the last three years was “astounding.” KsConf4 We agree!

 

 

 

 

Read more about the conference in The Midwest Wine Press.

Award Notes:

Nighthawk Vineyard & Winery, Middle Creek Winery, White Wind Farms and Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery comprise the Somerset Wine Trail. Their conference awards included:

Best in Class Medals

1) Buffalo Red from Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery in the Semi-sweet red category

2) Aphrodite from Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery in the Dry Rose’ category

3) Sunrise Blush from Nighthawk Winery in the Semi-sweet rose’ category

4) Cheyenne White from Middle Creek Winery in the Sweet white category

Gold Medals

1) Buffalo White from Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery in the Semi-sweet white category

2) Bandit Red from White Wind Farms in the Semi-sweet red category

3) Chambourcin from Nighthawk Vineyard & Winery in the Dry Red category

4) Somerset Sparkling from Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery in the Sparkling category

Silver Medals

1) Cabernet Franc Reserve from Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery in the Dry Red category

2) Sunflower White from Middle Creek Winery in the Dry white category

3) Honey Red from Middle Creek Winery in the Sweet red category

4) Blackberry from Middle Creek Winery in the Fruit wine category