(Cazenovia, NY – April 2014) The 14th annual Finger Lakes International Wine Competition is the world’s largest wine competition to support a charity and is open to all commercial wineries from all wine-producing countries. Over 3,750 wines were entered from more than 900 wineries, 20 countries, 6 Canadian Provinces, and all 50 United States.
Cazenovia’s local beverage producers Owera Vineyards and Harvest Moon Cidery each earned recognition at this prestigious event. The competition was judged by a diverse and highly skilled group of 63 national and international judges. All proceeds from the competition benefit Camp Good Days and Special Times, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families all over the world, whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life-threatening challenges.
Owera Vineyards won two silver medals for their 2011 Cabernet Franc, and 2012 Frontenac Gris, made from their own estate grapes. Owera also walked away with two bronze medals for their 2012 Chardonnay and 2012 Dry Riesling.
“The Cazenovia community and local wineries have such enthusiasm and support for producing fantastic local products and we are proud to be a part of The Cazenovia Beverage Trail. Owera is very pleased with the wine produced from our locally grown estate grapes that won over the hearts and taste buds of the judges at this year’s competition,” said Nancy Muserlian, owner of Owera Vineyards.
The Harvest Moon Cidery at Critz Farms, a partner of the Cazenovia Beverage Trail, also won three awards for their handcrafted hard ciders. Rippleton Original, a naturally sparkling champagne style cider, Heritage Hops, a uniquely flavored cider dry hopped with locally grown hops, and Cherry Moon, a hard cider blended with NY state cherry juice, all earned medals.
“We are thrilled that with these recent awards our entire line-up of Harvest Moon ciders are now all award winners,” said Juanita Critz, Harvest Moon Cidery representative.
The Cazenovia Beverage Trail (www.cazenoviabeveragetrail.com) is a collaboration of craft beverage producers who joined forces to share their bounty with local residents and visitors. The Harvest Moon Cidery at Critz Farms, Owera Vineyards, and the Henneberg Brewing Company are the three initial core partners in the collaboration, and the trail is continuing to grow. This collaboration helps to promote New York State farm-based, handcrafted beverages and farm products produced in the Greater Cazenovia region.
Owera Vineyards, LLC is a start-up farm winery operation located near the Northeast shore of Cazenovia Lake, less than four miles from the Village of Cazenovia. As Madison County’s first vineyard, the 57-acre farm winery includes a state-of-the-art building, which houses a rustic yet chic tasting room and a wine production facility.