Source:  NCDA&CS, 10/12/09

Childress Vineyards took home the N.C. Winegrowers Cup and Best of Show honors with its 2006 Cabernet Franc at the 10th Annual N.C. State Fair Wine Competition, held Oct. 7 and 8.

Fifty-one N.C. wineries submitted 416 wines for the competition. Biltmore Winery led the medal count with 42 awards. Cypress Bend Vineyards' Campbell took the N.C. Muscadine Cup for best muscadine wine.

Three panels of professional judges evaluated wines and awarded 26 double gold, 39 gold, 102 silver and 122 bronze medals. Double gold medals are awarded for unanimous decisions from the judges. Competitions were open only to N.C. winemakers, and commercial entries had to be submitted by bonded N.C. wineries. The state is home to 89 commercial wineries, and several more are expected to open within the next year.

In addition to the commercial wine competition, 116 amateur wines entered by hobbyist winemakers from across the state were also judged. Ribbons were presented to first-, second- and third-place winners for each class of wine. Best of Show in the amateur competition was awarded to Daisy King of Pinnacle.

Following are commercial winners:

• Best of Show: Childress Vineyards, Cabernet Franc 2006
• Best of Muscadine: Cypress Bend Vineyards, Campbell
• Best Red Vinifera: Childress Vineyards, Cabernet Franc 2006
• Best White Vinifera: Cellar 4201, Stainless Chardonnay
• Best Fruit Wine: Sanctuary Vineyards, Blackberry
• Best Sparkling Wine: Shelton Vineyards, Blanc de Blanc Brut 2005
• Best White Native American: Sanders Ridge Vineyard, Carlos
• Best Red Native American: Cypress Bend Vineyards, Campbell
• Best Muscadine Rose/Blush: Lu Mil Vineyard, Bladen Blush
• Best Vinifera Rose/Blush: McRitchie Vineyards, Pale Rider

For a complete list of winners, please visit www.nccommerce.com/wine.