Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery Recognized at Top Wine Competitions in the US, Internationally

It’s been an exciting spring season for Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, located on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City. The estate winery has been recognized in the recent weeks with top honors at some of the world’s most esteemed wine competitions – including the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London.

In London, Brys Estate was honored with a “Gold” medal for its 2011 Gewurztraminer – one of only 15 such awards presented to the U.S. The Northern Michigan winery was also among only 17 “Best of Class – Silver” medal winners for its 2011 Pinot Noir and the 2007 “Dry Ice” ice wine. Brys Estate also took two “Bronze” medals for its 2007 Artisan Cabernet Franc and their 2007 Artisan Merlot.

"This is truly an honor to receive these awards. For many winemakers, this would be the highlight of their career, but for me, it's just another example of what can be achieved by proper vineyard management and winemaking," says Brys winemaker, Coenraad Stassen.

The International Wine and Spirits Competition is one of the most prestigious wine competitions on the globe. Entries include more than 15,000 wines from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Wines are put through a blind judging, with the winners continuing onto a chemical analysis to verify that all wines are true to varietal, provide longevity and overall health. If the wines pass the chemical analysis, they then move to London for the final judging.

In another recent competition, Brys Estate garnered three “Best of Class” awards for its 2012 Pinot Blanc, 2012 Riesling and 2011 Merlot, from among the 2000 entries at the 2013 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition, held in Orange County, CA.

"Winning a Best of Class is really a great accomplishment," says Stassen, "but winning a ‘Best of Class’ for a Merlot in California is pretty exciting!"

During the 2013 Riverside International Wine Competition, Brys Estate received “Gold” and “Best of Class” for its 2012 Pinot Blanc, as well as the “Chairman's Award” (Unanimous Gold) and “Best of Class” for its 2011 "Dry Ice" ice wine. There were more than 3500 entries in a variety of categories.

This year’s Tasters Guild International Wine Competition hosted wines from 10 countries and 28 states. Brys Estate was awarded a “Double Gold” for its 2012 Riesling and three “Gold” medals for its 2011 Pinot Noir, 2012 Pinot Blanc and 2012 Naked Chardonnay.

Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery is centrally located in the heart of the Old Mission Peninsula-situated on 80-acres with breathtaking views of the East Grand Traverse Bay-in Traverse City, Michigan. This boutique winery began with the planting of 38 acres of European vinifera grapes in 2001 and opened the tasting room in May of 2005. Using the highest quality standards, Brys hand picks its grapes and hand crafts its small batch, single vineyard, estate grown and bottled wines.

BRYS ESTATE VINEYARD & WINERY
3309 Blue Water Road • Traverse City, MI 49686
231.223.9303

www.BrysEstate.com
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