Small Family-owned Dry Creek Valley Winery Crushes Competition at 2013 Sonoma County Harvest Fair

HEALDSBURG, Calif., Oct. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ Estate 1856, a boutique, family-owned and -operated winery in Dry Creek Valley, swept the competition at the 2013 Sonoma County Harvest Fair, winning the coveted Red Wine Sweepstakes for its 2010 Bordeaux Blend. Husband-and-wife team, Brian Schmidt (Vineyard Manager) and Janice Schmidt (Winemaker), accepted the award on behalf of the winery. For those familiar with Estate 1856, the win is not surprising the winery has won gold medals for every wine it has produced since introducing its first vintage in 2009. But when you consider an entry field of 973 wines, which in total earned 174 gold medals, 51 double gold medals, 41 best of class awards and 3 sweepstakes winners, it was a remarkable feat for this small, young winery to have poked its head above such a large group of well-known industry giants to take the top spot.

In the heart of Dry Creek Valley, quietly farming the same land since 1856, the Schmidt family has long been known for the superior fruit grown on their Tzabaco Rancho Vineyards, which are managed by Brian Schmidt. Winemaker Janice Schmidt honed her craft at Jordan Winery, where she was Chief Enologist for 20 years, mentored by wine consultant Andre Tchelistcheff. With their expertise in enology and viticulture, Janice and Brian felt in 2009 the time was right to launch their own brand. Starting small and meticulously managing every step of the process from bud break to bottling, the winery produces only 250-300 cases annually. The Bordeaux Blend is the winery's signature wine, crafted around a strong Cabernet Sauvignon core, adding Petit Verdot for depth and richness, and Malbec for its bold fruit and complexity. The star of this year's Harvest Fair, the 2010 Bordeaux Blend was described by one of the judges as being, "luscious, fleshy, multilayered, complex. The wine was singing during the sweepstakes round. It's such a quality wine; it's age-worthyI'm wondering how much better it's going to get?"

The sweepstakes win has brought recognition not only to Estate 1856, but to Dry Creek Valley as well. Primarily known for Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley vintners are also turning out great Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals, which Estate 1856 has shown can shine. In addition to their Bordeaux Blend, Estate 1856 also produces single varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, and Malbec. With the Harvest Fair win creating unprecedented demand for the wines from this small producer, its 2010 wines are quickly selling out, leaving consumers anxiously awaiting the release of the 2011s in the next few months.

For more information, visit http://estate1856.com/, or contact Marketing Director Rachel Schmidt at Email or 925-218-0668.

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SOURCE Estate 1856 Wines

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