Indiana Winery Wins Wine of the Year

Nearly 2400 wines traveled to West Lafayette for one of the nation’s largest wine competitions, the 21st Indy International Wine Competition, August 1-3 at Purdue University.Wines from 41 states and 14 countries – as far away as France, Australia, Chile, and Ethiopia – were judged on appearance, aroma, taste, and aftertaste by 52 international judges. And for the first time in the event’s history, an Indiana winery – River City Winery of New Albany  has won Wine of the Year at The INDY, topping all 2400 competitors to be named “the best of the best” for their 2011 Vignoles.  “I am shocked and humbled to be awarded Wine of the Year,” said Gary Humphrey, owner and winemaker at River City Winery. “To have only been in business for three years, and to be recognized as the best wine, validates all of the hard work we have done!”

“I am so excited to see River City Winery win Wine of the Year,” said Jeanette Merritt, director of
marketing for the Indiana Wine Grape Council. “This proves that Indiana wines can compete with
wineries from all around the world! – and now we can say we have the best wine in the world!”
“This is a proud moment for the Purdue Wine Grape Team,” said Christian Butzke, Professor of
Enology at Purdue University. “Gary and his wife, Melissa, have been active members of the Indiana wine industry, have traveled on extension trips, and Gary has judged at The INDY.”
River City Winery opened in May 2009 in a restored building in downtown New Albany. They
operate as a winery and also have restaurant facilities on site.

The Indy International is held at Purdue University and run by the Indiana Wine Grape Council. For a list of all medal-winning wines, visit www.indyinternational.org.