News Release

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) -- A Vignoles wine from Missouri was named White Wine of the Year recently at the Indy International Wine Competition. Stone Hill Winery's 2008 Vignoles took home the top prize for a white wine entered in the competition, besting wines from across the U.S. as well as 10 countries.

"Congratulations to Stone Hill on their big win at the Indy competition," said Jim Anderson, executive director of the Missouri Wine & Grape Board. "Vignoles continues to be a very popular variety here in Missouri and it's great to have national and international recognition for it."

Overall, Missouri wineries did well in the Indy competition capturing not only the top prize for white wine but also two Double Gold and eight Gold medals. Double Gold (or Concordance Gold) is given when a panel of five judges unanimously agrees to give gold. Stone Hill Winery's 2008 Vignoles and Les Bourgeois Winery's 2008 Collector's Series Vidal Blanc both earned this honor. Gold awards went to St. James Winery Country Red, Montelle Winery 2008 Seyval Blanc, St. James Winery 2008 Vintner's Select Vignoles, St. James Winery Strawberry and St. James Winery 2005 Norton Dessert wine.

"We are proud of the growth and success of Missouri's wine industry. Congratulations to Stone Hill Winery for receiving this prestigious award," said Dr. Jon Hagler, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. "Missouri has one of the best wine programs in the country and it shows in international competitions."

Over 3,000 wines entered the competition held in Indianapolis on June 16 - 18, 2009. The Indy International is one of the nation's largest competitions with 72 judges from the U.S. and Canada evaluating the thousands of entries.

For more information on Missouri wines, contact the Missouri Wine & Grape Board at (800) 392-9463 or visit www.missouriwine.org