Cold Climate Conference Photos and Review
The 9th annual Cold Climate Conference was held from February 21st to 23rd, 2013 in St. Paul Minnesota. This year’s focus was on collaboration. According to conference coordinator Missy Machkhashvilli, “As the industry expands, there is a greater need for communication across vineyard and winery lines to insure the highest quality grapes and wine to represent the industry.”
In the coming weeks, look for Midwest Wine Press articles about Cold Climate Conference presentations by Anna Katherine Mansfield on tannin additions and Paul Gospodarczyk on wine blending.
A highlight of the Cold Climate Conference was the Midwest Wine Stroll on Friday, February 22nd, at the Great River Ballroom in the Crowne Plaza Riverfront in St. Paul. Twenty three commercial wineries and several amateurs participated in addition to eleven food exhibitors. “We had 554 people at the Wine Stroll and we hope for an even bigger event next year,” said conference chair Terri Savaryn.
At the Minnesota Grape Growers Association Gala on Saturday night, Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery in Spring Valley, Minnesota was presented with the Minnesota Governor’s Cup, the top prize for all Minnesota produced gold medal winning wines in the 2012 International Cold Climate Wine Competition. The Four Daughters 2011 La Crescent also won the ‘Best of Show” award for the top white wine. This year’s Cold Climate Competition included more than 325 wines from commercial wineries in 12 states and Canada.
Four Daughters Winemaker Justin Osborne with the Minnesota Governor’s Cup is joined by his wife Kristin (far right) and other members of the Osborne family.
Conference Coordinator Missy Machkashvilli and Conference Chair Terri Savaryn at the Gold Medal Gala
Paul Hugunin of “Minnesota Grown,” winner of the MGGA Golden Achievement Award
John Maloney of Cannon River Winery recognizes former State Senator John Howe for support of the Minnesota Wine Industry.
Steve Zeller or Parley Lake Winery presents the “People’s Choice” award to Irv Geary of Wild Mountain Winery
Steve Zeller presents the award for “Best Cold Climate White Wine” to Paul Quast and Peter Hemstad of St. Croix Vineyards
Irv Geary (far left) Terri Savaryn (far right) and Dennis Emslie Drummond (second from right) recognize the contributions of Jarred Mc Carthy, UW Wisconsin River Falls; Christy Paulson, Central Lakes College VESTA and Soon Li The, University of Minnesota
