Winery wins two silvers at competition

A local winery nabbed two silver medals at this year’s International Cold Climate Wine Competition at the University of Minnesota last week.

Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery, east of Grand Meadow on Highway 16, received silver medals for its Nude Etude (Frontenac Gris) and Brianna wines.

Millner Heritage Vineyard and Winery in Kimball, Minn., took top honors, along with the Minnesota Governor’s Cup trophy for its 2012 Little Iza wine, made from La Crescent grapes.

The Minnesota Governor’s Cup, a large silver ice bucket, recognizes the “Best of Show” or top prize of all Minnesota gold-winning wines. This is the fifth year the traveling trophy has been awarded. Four Daughters held the cup last year for its La Crescent wine.

This year’s competition included nearly 300 wines from commercial wineries in 12 states and Canada. Awards were based on blind tastings by 21 judges, who include wine writers, restaurateurs, retailers and wine educators.