By Blake Jackson
Three small farm wineries from Kentucky dominated the 2023 Kentucky Commonwealth Commercial Wine Competition and Commissioner's Cup, taking home all five prestigious Commissioner's Cup awards.
Reid's Livery Winery and Talon Winery, both located in Lexington, and Up the Creek Winery in Burkesville each secured their fourth or fifth Commissioner's Cup, solidifying their positions as top producers in the state.
Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles congratulated all the winning wineries, acknowledging Kentucky's rich history in winemaking and the continued growth of the industry.
Commissioner's Cup Winners:
- Best Red: Norton - Reid's Livery Winery
- Best White: Vidal Blanc - Talon Winery
- Best Rosé/Blush: Coyote Red - Talon Winery
- Best Sweet/Dessert/Fruit: Rhythm & Blues - Up the Creek
- Best Boutique: Norton - Reid's Livery Winery
To qualify for the Commissioner's Cup, wine must receive a gold medal in the competition and be crafted with at least 75% Kentucky-grown fruit. A panel of five professional wine judges blind-tasted the 95 wines from 15 participating wineries, evaluating them based on individual merit.
In addition to the Commissioner's Cup awards, 73 medals ranging from gold to bronze were distributed across the Kentucky Commonwealth Commercial Wine Competition.
For a complete list of winners and medalists in the 2023 Kentucky Commonwealth Commercial Wine Competition and Commissioner’s Cup, go to competition.kentuckywine.com/awards.
For a convenient way to explore Kentucky's thriving wineries and craft breweries, download the free Drink KY® app. This progressive web app provides a virtual guide with map and list views, allowing you to discover tasting rooms, earn rewards, and plan your next adventure.
For more information about Kentucky’s grape and wine industry or to chart your own journey, go to the Department’s official interactive experience at www.drink-ky.com.
Photo Credit: pexels-aiselin
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables