As 2022 comes to a close, St. Julian Winery continues to strengthen its reputation. The winery earned 48 medals across three respected international wine competitions. These results further reinforce St. Julian’s status as Michigan’s most-awarded winery.
In mid-November, judges held the 42nd Annual San Francisco International Wine Competition. At the event, St. Julian earned 17 medals. Highlights include Double Gold awards for Sweet Nancie Traminette and the 2021 Braganini Reserve Mountain Road Estate Rosé.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential wine competitions in the United States, the San Francisco International Wine Competition has set industry standards since 1980. The competition relies on professional blind tastings conducted by an experienced panel of international wine experts. As a result, medals from this competition signal exceptional quality. Wine professionals and consumers alike recognize these award-winning wines among the best in the world.
Later in November, judges hosted the 23rd Annual Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition in Mission, Kansas. From 575 wines entered across 10 states, the competition awarded only 41 trophies. Michigan wineries earned eight Jefferson Cups overall. Notably, St. Julian claimed two of those trophies. The awards recognized Grü V in the Sparkling Wine category and the 2021 Braganini Reserve Viognier in the White Vinifera category.
In addition to the trophies, St. Julian earned one Double Gold, one Gold, 12 Silver, and two Bronze medals at the Jefferson Cup Invitational.
Many in the industry consider the Jefferson Cup Invitational the “Olympics” of wine competitions. Founded in 1999, the event honors Thomas Jefferson for his influence on American culture, agriculture, and culinary traditions, including wine. Unlike open-entry competitions, the Jefferson Cup only evaluates wines selected through prior tastings and competitions. Because of this process, the event recognizes only the best wines from each American wine region.
Meanwhile, St. Julian also achieved top honors at the annual Harvest “Terroir” Challenge. The 2020 Braganini Reserve Mountain Road Estate Syrah earned Best of Class, Best of Michigan AVA, and Double Gold. Additionally, St. Julian received six Gold and four Silver medals. The winery stood as the only Michigan participant in the competition.
Overall, judges awarded 55 Best of Show (AVA) honors, 54 Best of Class designations, and 197 Double Gold and Gold medals during the Harvest Challenge.
Wine Competition Management & Productions owns and operates the Harvest Challenge. This competition uniquely evaluates wines based on terroir, or American Viticultural Area (AVA). As of August 2022, the United States recognizes 267 AVAs across 34 states. Several AVAs span multiple states.
Michigan is home to five federally recognized AVAs: Fennville, Leelanau Peninsula, Lake Michigan Shore, Old Mission, and Tip of the Mitt. These regions vary widely in size and climate, contributing to Michigan’s diverse wine styles.
To include an AVA designation on a wine label, wineries must source at least 85 percent of the grapes from that specific region. This requirement ensures authenticity and reflects the distinct character of each AVA.
