2013 Gold Rush

Some people might consider 13 an unlucky number, but 2013 was an exceptional year for St. James Winery located in St. James, Missouri. During the 2013 wine competition season, St. James Winery entered wines in 22 national and international wine competitions. By the end of the year, the winery recorded 15 Best of Class awards, 10 double gold awards, and 40 gold medals.

The Best of Class awards St. James Winery received went to Peach wine and 2012 Vignoles, each wine bringing home Best of Class three times; to Friendship School White which received two Best of Class awards; and to 2011 Estate Norton, Cynthiana, Moscato, Friendship School Red, Velvet White, Strawberry, and Raspberry which each received one Best of Class recognition.

“This is a family business, and just like parents aren’t always objective about their children, we might not be the most objective judges of our wines,” said Peter Hofherr, CEO of St. James Winery. “When I taste our Friendship School White or Vignoles, I think it’s wonderful, but when the LA Wine Competition designates those wines Best of Class it means that experienced wine judges think the wine is wonderful, too. Awards are third party validation of our exceptional quality.”

“We’re growing wines in a very special place, the Ozark Highlands AVA, and this area is continuing to be recognized as an emerging wine region,” said Hofherr. “Combine that with our passion for research, use of new techniques in the cellar, and the care we give our vines, and wines of exceptional quality and character are the result. The fact we receive these awards year in and year out prove our wines are among the best in the country.”

St. James Winery is the largest and most awarded winery in Missouri. Celebrating more than 40-years as a family owned and operated winery, St. James Winery wines are sold in stores throughout the Midwest and the South. St. James Winery is online at www.stjameswinery.com.