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

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Brys Estate Wins “Hardings Cup” During 2011 Michigan Cab-Franc Challenge

For the second time in three years, Brys Estate’s 2007 Artisan Series Cabernet Franc has been awarded with the “Hardings Cup” – the coveted prize of the Michigan Cab-Franc Challenge. This vintage was also the top gold medal winner in 2009, during the inaugural year for the competition. Ironically, Brys’ 2007 Cabernet Franc was the 3rd place bronze medalists both years as well – tying this year with the 2005 Cab Franc from Free Run Cellars.

The Michigan Cab Franc Challenge, which was held Thursday, August 18 at the WK Kellogg Manor House on Gull Lake in Hickory Corners, is the brainchild of Terry Stingley of Harding’s Friendly markets in Kalamazoo.

“Winning this amazing award twice in the last three years shows my commitment to producing world class and varietally-correct Cabernet Francs. I am very pleased and am looking forward to walking a long road with this amazing varietal.” says Brys Estate winemaker Coenraad Stassen. “I’d also like to thank Terry Stingley and the Harding’s team for their ongoing dedication to Michigan wines in general and the Cab Franc varietal specifically. Our wine industry has continued to raise the bar when it comes to producing world-class wines, and competitions such as this allow us the platform on which to showcase the fruits of our labor.”

The Brys Estate medal-winning wines from the 2011 Michigan Cab Franc Challenge include:

• 2007 Artisan Series Cab Franc:
The 2007 Brys Estate Cabernet Franc showcases the terroir of our beautiful estate vineyard. It is rich and complex with plum and dark berry flavors. On the nose this wine has hints of cigar box, leather, and sweet mint. This wine offers a luscious mouth feel with hints of dark chocolate and berry. A soft white pepper spice on the finish completes this wine. Enjoy our Cabernet Franc with red meats, especially lamb, or any seasonal game, or simply by itself.

• 2007 Cab Franc:
The 2007 Brys Estate Cabernet Franc showcases the terroir of our beautiful estate vineyard. It is rich and complex with cherry and dark berry flavors. This wine offers a luscious mouth feel with hints of dark chocolate and berry. A soft spice on the finish completes this wine. Enjoy our Cabernet Franc with red meats, especially lamb, or any seasonal game, or simply by itself.

Other Michigan medalists for the 2011 competition include Domaine Berrien 2005, 2nd Place; Hickory Creek 2007, 4th Place; and Domaine Berrien 2002, 5th Place.

Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery is centrally located in the heart of the Old Mission Peninsula – situated on 80 acres with breathtaking views of East Grand Traverse Bay – in Traverse City, Michigan. This boutique winery began with the planting of 32 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 wines, giving attention to every detail during the crushing, fermenting, aging and bottling process. You are invited to visit Brys Estate's old world-style tasting room and new outdoor patio this summer to sample their International award-winning estate wines.

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