Cedar Ridge News



Cedar Ridge Vineyards Wins “Best Iowa Grown Wine” and 24          other

 Medals at Mid-American Wine Competition

Company Takes Home More Awards than Any Other Iowa Winery 

Swisher, Iowa—July 13, 2011-- Cedar Ridge Vineyards, Winery and Distillery received top honors for “Best Iowa Grown Wine” for its La Crescent wine, as part of 25 total awards for the winery, at the Fifth Annual Mid-American Wine Competition.  Cedar Ridge Vineyards’ awards include two sweepstakes awards, two additional gold medals, 12 silver medals and 10 bronze medals at the three-day competition—the highest number of awards granted to any Iowa winery.

The event,  judged by professional wine judges from all over the United States,  included wines from 14 Midwestern states. Over 530 wines were entered by 82 different wineries.  A broad array of Cedar Ridge Vineyards’ products received awards, including many produced solely from grapes grown in Iowa. 

“The Mid-American Wine Competition shines the light on the great products being made in our region. We are humbled by the quality and quantity of our awards,” noted Cedar Ridge Vineyards founder Jeff Quint.  “We chose the site for our vines for the silty, loam soil and steep hills. We don’t irrigate, and the terrain is difficult to cultivate. But this land produces superior fruit, allowing us to create unique, handcrafted wines. These awards support this vision.”

Cedar Ridge Vineyards began cultivating vines on Swisher, Iowa hillsides nine years ago. The first wines were released in 2005. “We continue to learn, grow and perfect our wines every year. My goal is to create local wines that drink as well as, some would say better than, nationally-branded wines. I hope everyone will give us a try,” shares Kolin Brighton, Winemaker.

Cedar Ridge Vineyards’ wines received these prestigious awards:

Wine

Category

Award

La Crescent

Best Iowa Grown Wine

GOLD

Reserve

Best Food Pairing Wine

GOLD

Edelweiss

Edelweiss

GOLD

Cedar Ridge Line

Best Series Label Design

GOLD

Marechal Foch

Foch

SILVER

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon

SILVER

White Cross Knights Red

Blends in which the primary grape is red vinifera

SILVER

St Pepin

Late Harvest White - Varietal Hybrid

SILVER

Port Lot #9

Port Hybrid

SILVER

White Cross Stormy Night

Port Hybrid

SILVER

White Cross Mittler Kabinett

Cayuga White

SILVER

Brianna

Briana

SILVER

LaCrescent

Sauteed Shrimp

SILVER

Candlelight

Poached Sole

SILVER

La Crosse

Pizza Margherita

SILVER

White Cross Oktoberfest

Riesling

SILVER

White Cross Monks Red

Blends, primary grape is a red hybrid

BRONZE

Reserve

Blends in which the primary grape is red vinifera

BRONZE

Harvest Blush

Any other fruit wines

BRONZE

White Cross Cranberry Bog

Any other fruit wines

BRONZE

St Croix

Smoked Pork Ribs

BRONZE

LaCrosse

LaCrosse

BRONZE

Candlelight

Chardonnay

BRONZE

Demi-Sac

Riesling

BRONZE

White Cross Chateau Blanc

All other white vinifera

BRONZE

White Cross Ebenezer Lieblich

All other white vinifera

BRONZE

To learn more about the Mid-American Wine Competition go to www.midamericanwine.org.



Cedar Ridge Bourbon Wins Gold Medal at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Iowa’s first bourbon garners international recognition

Swisher, Iowa, March 31, 2011--Cedar Ridge Vineyards, Winery & Distillery, Iowa’s first micro-distillery, was notified by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition that its Cedar Ridge Bourbon Whiskey, was awarded a Gold Medal at this year’s competition in the Small Batch Bourbon (10 Years and Younger) category. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the first comprehensive, international spirits judging held in the United States on an annual basis. This year’s competition, its 11th annual, was held at the Hotel Nikko on March 18, 19, and 20.

Made from corn, Cedar Ridge Bourbon Whiskey is Iowa’s first Bourbon since the Prohibition Era, and is crafted in small batches in a European-engineered 80-gallon pot still for a high-quality, smooth, premium bourbon. It has received rave reviews at tasting events across the country. The 40-percent alcohol-by-volume (80 proof) dark spirit is available in a 750-ml size bottle. It has a suggested retail price of $36 and is available at Cedar Ridge Distillery in Swisher as well as at various Iowa retailers. Cedar Ridge Bourbon Whiskey is the fourth addition to its dark spirits portfolio of Dark Aged Rum, Grape Brandy and Apple Brandy.

Jeff Quint, Cedar Ridge’s Master Distiller is pleased with the recognition Cedar Ridge’s bourbon has received. “We are proud that our bourbon is recognized by spirits experts as Gold Medal-quality. This acknowledgement further supports the viability of our commitment to take Iowa from an importer to an exporter of great tasting distilled spirits.”

There were a record number of entries at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 1106 products from 61 countries, and they were evaluated by 33 of the finest palates from the spirits industry. The judging panels were comprised of spirits experts from noted restaurants and hotels, well-known spirits journalists from major national media, spirits buyers for large purveyors, and spirits consultants. Judging is based on a blind, consensual procedure ensuring competitive integrity, making this competition the most reputable and recognized competition in the spirits industry.

On July 1st, of last year, Cedar Ridge released its first 250 cases of bourbon whiskey—which also has received a Five Star rating from Colleen Graham, Cocktails Editor for the New York Times’ About.com. (http://cocktails.about.com/od/whiskeyreviews/gr/Cedar-Ridge-Iowa-Bourbon-Whiskey.htm) This July 1, Cedar Ridge is planning an anniversary celebration at its distillery to commemorate this historic event.

Cedar Ridge is open to visitors Wednesday through Sunday at 1441 Marak Road, off Highway 965 near Swisher, Iowa, only 10 minutes from both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. In addition to wood-fired pizzas, a small plate menu, weekend entertainment and Sunday brunch, the winery and distillery are available for tours. As of last July, Iowa law now permits visitors to purchase up to two bottles of spirits per visitor, per day, direct from Cedar Ridge. 


Cedar Ridge Distillery Launches Iowa's First Bourbon since Prohibition Era

New Iowa Legislation Allows Cedar Ridge to Sell Spirits Directly from its Swisher Facility, Beginning July 1, 2010

June 17th, 2011 -- Swisher, IA—Cedar Ridge™ Distillery, Iowa’s first micro-distillery, announced today that it is launching Iowa’s first bourbon. Made from corn, Cedar Ridge Bourbon Whiskey is crafted in small batches in a European-engineered 80-gallon pot still for a high-quality, smooth, premium bourbon that is receiving rave reviews at tasting events across the Country. Under new Iowa legislation, Cedar Ridge will be able sell up to two bottles per person directly from its new facility near Swisher, beginning July 1, which is also the start of Cedar Ridge’s special launch event at the distillery, Bourbon & Blues Fest (July 1-4).

Cedar Ridge Bourbon Whiskey is the fourth addition to its dark spirits portfolio of Dark Aged Rum, Grape Brandy and Apple Brandy. Jeff Quint, Cedar Ridge Proprietor and Master Distiller, says that his Cedar Ridge bourbon is the ultimate home entertaining beverage, “Our customers are going to enjoy the rich flavor of Iowa’s first bourbon whiskey. Though we have pre-sold most of the 360 commemorative bottles from barrel number one already, this bourbon is not simply a collector’s item to sit on a shelf, you’re also going to want to buy another bottle to enjoy – it’s truly that good,” he stated.

Iowa imports several hundred million dollars of spirits every year from other states and countries. Cedar Ridge Bourbon Whiskey is leading the charge to reverse the trend in Iowa being a net importer of spirits consumed here. “It’s ironic that Iowa is the corn state and bourbon, by law, must be made of at least 51% corn, yet, until now, we have not been producing and exporting bourbon. We are excited to make that happen for Iowa,” stated Mr. Quint.

Stephen Larson, Administrator for the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division sees the new Iowa legislation (effective July 1st) as a positive for Iowa economic development. “We are working to create a level playing field for Iowa’s small businesses, like Cedar Ridge, to help ensure their success, and support Iowa’s economy at a grassroots level,” he stated.

While Cedar Ridge was the first distillery to open in Iowa since the end of Prohibition, Quint anticipates Iowa will have six distilleries in operation within 10 years. “Templeton Rye opened soon after we did, and I am aware of a third distillery that’s preparing to open along the Mississippi River this year, I believe.”

Bourbon Whiskey has long been enjoyed straight, often over ice, but dozens of popular cocktail recipes make it a versatile drink for today’s consumer trends. Several recipes, including the American Woman, are available on the Cedar Ridge Distillery web site www.crdistillery.com.

The Cedar Ridge Bourbon Whiskey package features a classy translucent bottle and a sophisticated design that showcases the beautiful caramel color of this premium bourbon. The 40-percent alcohol-by-volume (80 proof) dark spirit is available in a 750-ml size bottle. It has a suggested retail price of $33.99 and is available at Cedar Ridge Distillery in Swisher, beginning Thursday, July 1, but will also be available in Iowa retail stores soon.

For more information about Bourbon & Blues Fest, July 1-4, at Cedar Ridge Vineyards, Winery & Distillery, visit www.crdistillery.com or www.crwine.com.



Cedar Ridge Marechal Foch Iowa's First 90-point Wine
Awarded a Gold Medal in World Wine Championships Award by Beverage Testing Institute


Swisher, IA—June 11, 2010—Cedar Ridge Vineyards, a small, family-owned vineyard with a new events facility located between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, Iowa, announces that its estate-grown Marechal Foch red wine has received an impressive 90 points score from the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago. Cedar Ridge Proprietor and Master Wine Maker, Jeff Quint says this is a distinctive honor for his wine, “This 90 points score is, to my knowledge, the first time a wine from Iowa has scored 90 points or higher. We’ve long considered our Foch exceptional, but this outside recognition is great confirmation to have,” he stated.

Mr. Quint says that having a record-high rating for his wine is good news for all Iowa wines in that it puts Iowa on the map for being capable of producing high quality reds. Iowa State Enologist, Dr. Murli Dharmadhikari agrees, "This 90 point rating for Cedar Ridge Vineyard's Marechal Foch proves that, when tested objectively, these varieties in Iowa are capable of producing superior wines.”

The Cedar Ridge Vineyards Marechal Foch was blind tasted by judges at the 2010 Midwest Wine Challenge on May 17, 2010. It was named “Best Marechal Foch” and awarded a Gold medal in its World Wine Championships Award. Beverage Testing Institute uses a dedicated tasting lab in Chicago and its panelists are “highly experienced, professional guest tasters.” The judges, or panelists, go through several tasting rounds, with the end score being translated into a modified 100-point scale, as follows:

96-100--Superlative
90-95--Exceptional (Cedar Ridge Marechel Fosh)
85-89--Highly Recommended
80-84--Recommended
less than 80--Not Recommended

Quint describes his Marechal Foch as being smokier and spicier than most, due in part because Cedar Ridge uses some Hungarian Oak in the aging process. They also employ a three-day pre-fermentation cold maceration or "cold soak" on the must and only ferment on the skins for three days before finishing fermentation in barrels. “This cold soak and partial-barrel fermentation gives the wine better flavor and color extraction, along with a huge ‘mouth feel’ that was pointed out in the review,” stated Mr. Quint.

The Cedar Ridge Marechal Foch can be found in area retail stores, but there is a very limited supply. It can also be purchased at Cedar Ridge Vineyards at 1441 Marak Road in Swisher, Iowa, for $16.67 a bottle, or $15.00 when purchased by the case, while supplies last.

About Cedar Ridge Vineyards
Cedar Ridge Vineyards is a small, family-owned winery and distillery nestled in the beautiful Iowa countryside between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, in Swisher, producing wines from its own estate-grown grapes. At first just a dream of Proprietor and Master Wine Maker and Distiller, Jeff Quint, the now lush 5,000 vines and 7,000 square foot winery, distillery, tasting room and event center provide the highest quality wines, spirits and entertainment experience in the area. Visit www.crwines.com

Media Contact:

Josie Heskje, VP Marketing
Entrepreneurial Development Center
319-369-4955 or jheskje@edcinc.org

Jeff Quint, Proprietor & Master Wine Maker/Distiller
Cedar Ridge Vineyards
319-551-6502

Swisher, IA. -- Cedar Ridge Vineyards announced today their spirits line is now being exported from Iowa to regional markets including Illinois & Minnesota. The distribution partnerships expand the addressable consumer market six-fold and provide additional growth opportunity for the company.

 

In 2005, Cedar Ridge Vineyards opened the first legal distillery in Iowa since Prohibition. Jeff Quint, Proprietor & Master Distiller, began micro-distilling small batch spirits prominently featuring corn in the base recipes. The release of Cedar Ridge Bourbon has received local and international acclaim, garnering the 2011 Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

 

“Premium dark spirits is a hot market segment right now,” notes Quint. “Our product portfolio allows us to take advantage of this consumer trend.” In a 2010 Industry Review, the Distilled Spirits Council reported High End Premium whiskey sales were growing at 5% and Super Premium whiskeys at 8.1%.

 

Department of Treasury reports also reflect the impressive increase in US whiskey production this year.  Year to date figures through July 2011 show a 23% overall growth.  However, the US remains a net importer of dark spirits.

 

 

% Change

YTD Through July 2011 (in ‘000’s)

YTD Through July 2010 (in ‘000’s)

Total US Whiskey Production (gallons)

+ 23%

59,088

47,866

Whiskey Bottled for Domestic Use

(wine gallons)

+2.8%

41,668

40,523

Whiskey Bottled for Export

-.3%

12,004

12,049

Imported Whiskey

 

12,641

13,974


 

Iowa corn is exported worldwide and used for spirits distillation among many things. The value add to the corn is occurring internationally in Russia & France, and nationally in Kentucky.  For every $1 of corn used as raw material, the value add ranges from $5 to $20 in production, branding and distribution of the bottled spirits.

 

 “Spirits distillation is a new industry in the State of Iowa. We are very thankful to the Iowa grocers and spirits retailers who have supported our efforts locally and helped us build a brand presence.  Iowa has the natural resources to be a world leader in this market. The jobs we create are great jobs, and the industry is a lot of fun. My hope is we can grow this industry so that Iowa becomes a net exporter of spirits,” opines Quint.


Driving Directions
Take the Swisher exit from I-380.  
Turn West onto 120th St.  
Continue South on 965 for one mile to Marak Road - Vineyards to the right! 

Cedar Ridge Business Hours:
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday-Friday: 11-9
Saturday and Sunday: 11-5
Sunday Brunch: 9-1
Please order wine and food from our tasting bar.  Reservations taken for Sunday Brunch only.

Cedar Ridge Vineyards. Winery & Distillery 1441 Marak Rd. Swisher, IA 52338
Contact us at 319-857-4300 or  info@crwine.com
Copyright . Cedar Ridge Vineyards Winery & Distillery, LLC.  All rights reserved.