Merritt Winery

FORESTVILLE, N.Y. (August 31, 2009) – Merritt Estate Winery received the prestigious Double Gold Medal for Bella Ice at the Taster's Guild 14th Annual Consumers' Wine Judging in Washington, D.C. August 20-22, 2009. The competition is a unique wine judging where wine consumers evaluate the entered wines.

"It is always a compliment to receive such an award from a consumer judged wine competition," said Eileen LeMar, special projects at Merritt Estate Winery. "In truth, it is more significant to receive a consumer award because consumers are the individuals who support the wine industry and put their money on the line. It is also a chance to expose a new group of wine lovers to Merritt Estate wine."

Bella Ice is a sweet, red wine with intense Concord grape flavor. It is in a frosted 375 ml bottle and served as a dessert wine after any meal. It is served best chilled.

The Taster's Guild is a nationwide society of wine and food enthusiasts that bring together consumers, wine, food, and the wine and food service industries. It is an organization that benefits all levels of consumers, from novice to professional who have an authentic interest in learning about the use of wine and food. Five-hundred wines entered the competition from all over the world and only 24 wines were designated Double Gold by 30 consumer judges.

For more information on Merritt Estate Winery news and events, call 888-965-4800 or visit www.merrittestatewinery.com.

Merritt Estate is located in the largest grape growing region of New York State. The grapes and wines produced by Merritt rival the quality of premium vintages throughout the world.