July 13, 2010

2010 Missouri Wine Governor's Cup Winner to be Announced July 15

Event in Columbia will feature local wine and foods

Award-winning local wines and foods are the spotlight of the 2010 Missouri Wine Governor’s Cup Awards Presentation to be held Thurs., July 15, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Reynolds Alumni Center-Great Room on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.

The event, An Evening in the Vineyard, will follow the 2010 Missouri Wine Competition, held July 14-15, where ten judges from across the country will judge 242 wines submitted from 35 Missouri wineries. Best of Class and Gold medal award-winning wines from the competition will be served on the evening of July 15 with a selection of locally-sourced cheeses, vegetables, herbs and meats

“Missouri wines continue to capture the taste buds of connoisseurs from across the world and are increasingly receiving the recognition and respect they deserve,” said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. “This competition among Missouri’s finest will give them the opportunity to show off their hard work and will give attendees the chance to appreciate the fine work of our winemakers and grape growers in our state.”

This year’s event attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with both local and national wine professionals, including local winemakers, grape growers, wine educators and wine competition judges from California, New York, Indiana and Florida.  Doug Frost, master sommelier and master of wine, will introduce the judges to guests as they await the much anticipated announcement of the 2010 Governor’s Cup Winner – the highest honor given in Missouri. 

“Regional wines have captured the attention of wine lovers throughout the U.S.,” said Jim Anderson, executive director of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board.  “In Missouri, our wine varieties may not be traditional, however, their flavors and quality are exceptional.”

The 2010 Governor’s Cup Awards Presentation is presented by the Missouri Wine and Grape Board, Inside Columbia Magazine, the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, the Missouri Vintner’s Association and Hagan and Maxwell, LLC. Event proceeds will benefit the University of Missouri Center for Wine, Food and Hospitality.

Tickets for the event are available at missouriwine.org or by calling 800-392-9463.