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Jefferson Cup

St. Julian Brings Home 16 Medals

Including a Coveted Jefferson Cup Award

(PAW PAW, Mich) – St. Julian Winery – the longest operating winery in Michigan, celebrating 100 years in 2021 – has been awarded an esteemed “Jefferson Cup” for its 2020 Braganini Reserve Traminette. This is the 15th such honor since its first participation in the competition in 2001. Additionally, St. Julian was awarded with one gold, 10 silver and four bronze medals in this year’s event.

Traminette has the wine characteristics of its better-known parent Gewürztraminer. This exotic fruit aromas and crisp acidity are complimented by the hint of sweetness which creates the perfect framework for a delicious wine. Flavors of mango, pineapple, and lemon zest dance through a satisfying finish, which begs another sip. The grapes in this wine come from a single Baroda Estate vineyard, grown by Matt and Emily Deitrich.

“We are honored to have been invited to participate once again in the Jefferson Cup Invitational, one of just a handful of Michigan wineries over the history of this competition,” says Nancie Oxley, St. Julian Vice President Winemaker. “In addition to our collective 15 Jefferson Cup trophies, we have earned 175 additional distinctions for our various wines. Of particular note is our Solera Cream Sherry, which has been an award winner every year we’ve participated and was our first Jefferson Cup. It has received this highest distinction a total of five times over the years: 2001, 2007, 2014, 2015, 2016.”

The Jefferson Cup Invitational was founded in 1999 in honor of Thomas Jefferson, who not only fathered the U.S. Constitution, but helped champion the international concept of human rights and was a seminal figure in America’s culture, culinary (including wine) and agricultural history. This is the only competition that recognizes the “best of the best” wines from all of America’s wine regions, with entries culled from tastings and competitions around the country (vs being open to any winery willing to submit and pay an entrance fee).

This year’s two-day competition culminated with the awarding of 34 Jefferson Cup trophies to wines made from both vinifera vines (the European species responsible for famous grapes such as chardonnay and cabernet) and non-vinifera vines, which flourish in the more extreme climates of the U.S. This year, 34 prestigious Jefferson Cups were awarded to wineries from 13 different states.

About St. Julian: For 100 years, the iconic St. Julian Winery & Distillery has been making wine, cider, and spirits in a range of styles to meet every customer’s taste. Now helmed by third and fourth generation Braganini family members, the company is committed to making authentic wine from the Lake Michigan Shore. As the largest and best-known winery in Michigan, St. Julian has led the local industry in both innovation and quality from the very beginning. From its wildly popular Sweet Revenge and Envy wines to the Braganini Family Reserve Wines, to its growing line of distilled spirits, ciders and sparkling juices, St. Julian has something for everyone. St. Julian, which is distributed in five states outside of Michigan, currently operates six tasting rooms within the state – Paw Paw, Dundee, Frankenmuth, Troy, Rockford, and Union Pier.

St. Julian’s Jefferson Cup International 2021 Awards

JEFFERSON CUP

  • 2020 Braganini Reserve Traminette

GOLD

  • 2020 Braganini Reserve Late Harvest Vidal Blanc

SILVER

  • 2017 Braganini Reserve Meritage
  • 2019 Winemaker Series Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot
  • 2019 Winemakers Series Double Barrel - Petite Pearl
  • 2020 Braganini Reserve Albariño
  • 2020 Braganini Mountain Road Riesling
  • 2020 Braganini Reserve Grüner Veltliner
  • 2020 Braganini Reserve Mountain Road Estate Pinot Noir
  • 2020 Braganini Reserve Mountain Road Estate Sauvignon Blanc
  • Ciao Bolle
  • Solera Cream Sherry

BRONZE

  • 2019 WMS Signature Series Red Blend
  • 2020 Braganini Reserve Mountain Road Estate Rosé
  • 2020 Braganini Reserve Mountain Road Estate White
  • 2020 Braganini Reserve Late Harvest Vignoles