St. Julian Winery, Michigan’s longest-operating winery, continues to build on its award-winning legacy. Most recently, the winery celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021. Now, St. Julian has earned an esteemed Jefferson Cup for its 2020 Braganini Reserve Traminette. With this honor, the winery reaches its 15th Jefferson Cup since first entering the competition in 2001.
In addition to the Jefferson Cup, St. Julian earned one Gold, 10 Silver, and four Bronze medals at this year’s competition. Altogether, these results further reinforce the winery’s long-standing commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
At its core, Traminette shares many characteristics with its parent grape, Gewürztraminer. Specifically, the wine offers exotic fruit aromas, crisp acidity, and a subtle touch of sweetness. Together, these elements create a balanced and expressive profile. On the palate, flavors of mango, pineapple, and lemon zest carry through to a lingering finish that invites another sip. Notably, the winery sources the grapes from a single Baroda Estate vineyard. Local growers Matt and Emily Deitrich cultivate the fruit.
“We are honored to participate once again in the Jefferson Cup Invitational,” says Nancie Oxley, Vice President of Winemaking at St. Julian Winery. “Over time, only a small number of Michigan wineries have earned that opportunity.” She adds, “Beyond our 15 Jefferson Cup trophies, we have received 175 additional distinctions.” Of particular note, Oxley highlights the winery’s Solera Cream Sherry. The wine has earned awards every year St. Julian has competed. In fact, it received its first Jefferson Cup in 2001 and has earned the honor five times.
Founded in 1999, the Jefferson Cup Invitational honors Thomas Jefferson. In addition to authoring the U.S. Constitution, Jefferson shaped America’s cultural, culinary, and agricultural history. Unlike open-entry competitions, the Jefferson Cup evaluates only top wines selected through prior tastings and competitions. As a result, the event recognizes the true “best of the best” from American wine regions.
This year, the two-day competition concluded with the presentation of 34 Jefferson Cup trophies. Overall, judges awarded honors to wines made from both vinifera grapes, such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and non-vinifera varieties that thrive in more extreme climates. In total, wineries from 13 states earned Jefferson Cup recognition. St. Julian’s Jefferson Cup Invitational 2021 Awards, include:
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 Winemaker 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
Founded in 1921, St. Julian Winery remains Michigan’s oldest and longest-operating winery. The family-owned winery produces award-winning wines, sparkling juices, spirits, and hard cider at its downtown Paw Paw location. In addition, St. Julian operates tasting rooms in Dundee, Frankenmuth, Rockford, Troy, and Union Pier, Michigan.
