Hawthorne Vineyards Wins at 2015 Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition

Traverse City, MI - Winemaker Brian Hosmer earns a Jefferson Cup for his 2014 Hawthorne Vineyards Barrel Reserve Auxerrois at the 2015 competition. Winning a Cup is the equivalent to a Best in Class at other competitions. Of the 740 wines entered, 27 cups were awarded, only 3 to Michigan wines. The wine was awarded for the White Vinifera Wine class.

The Jefferson Cup Invitational has celebrated its sixteenth year as the only competition that honors the best of the best among wineries from all of America's wine regions. Many people have begun to call the Jefferson Cup Invitational, the "Olympics" of wine competitions. This competition is not open to every winery willing to submit an entrance fee. Rather, they select the best of the best, culled from tastings and competitions in America throughout 2015.

Auxerrois is a European varietal related to Chardonnay and similar to Pinot Blanc. A bright tropical fruit nose is highlighted by pineapple, apricot and guava. Neutral oak aging provides a soft mouthfeel with notes of pear and honey. Delightful served chilled with cream sauced dishes, seafood, and firm cheeses.

Cups Awarded For White Vinifera Wine:
Dr. Konstantin Frank Grüner Veltliner 2014 Great Lakes
Hawthorne Vineyards Auxerrois Barrel Reserve 2014 Old Mission Peninsula
Sheldrake Point Winery Dry Riesling 2014 Finger Lakes
Wagner Vineyards Riesling Select 2013 Finger Lakes
Wagner Vineyards Riesling Caywood East Vineyard 2014 Finger Lakes

Hawthorne Vineyards is a pristine vineyard and tasting room destination just four miles from Traverse City on Old Mission Peninsula. The 80 acre site is nestled into a ridge above Peninsula Drive with postcard views of East and West Grand Traverse Bays. Hand crafted wines are created from the vineyard's acreage of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling. Surrounding traffic and disruptions vanish as guests make their way up the winding private drive to the most peaceful and serene vineyard destination on Old Mission.

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