Two local craft beverage producers — and members of the Cazenovia Beverage Trail — recently brought back to Cazenovia multiple medals from the 14th Annual 2014 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
The Critz Farms Harvest Moon Cidery won silver medals for its Cherry Moon and Heritage Hops hard ciders, and a bronze medal for its Rippleton Original champagne-style hard cider; while Owera Vineyards won silver medals for its 2012 Frontenac Gris and its 2011 Cabernet Franc, and bronze medals for its 2012 Chardonnay and 2012 dry Reisling.
“We are thrilled, really excited because these are the last two of our ciders that have not won awards — so now all eight of our ciders have medals,” said Critz Farms co-owner Juanita Critz.
Critz Farms Harvest Moon Cidery, which makes eight varieties of hard cider from its own apples, opened its tasting room on Rippleton Road in the town of Cazenovia in 2011. Its ciders have won numerous awards in multiple competitions in 2012 and 2013, including three medals in last year’s Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
The Critzes are pleased by their latest medals not only because their Heritage Hops and Rippleton Original have never won medals, but because competitions are beginning to recognize hard cider as its own category and not keep it subsumed under the wine category, Critz said.
Also, the Rippleton Original was Harvest Moon’s first creation, which gives its award last week an especial meaning, she said.
For Owera Vineyards, its four medals last weekend come barely one month after winning two silver medals at the 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Owera’s two winning wines in San Francisco — the 2012 Frontenac Gris and 2012 Chardonnay — also were two of its winning entries at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
“Owera Vineyards is incredibly pleased with the recent awards, especially since the Frontenac Gris is produced from our very own Cazenovia-grown estate grapes,” said Owera’s owner Nancy Muserlian. “Congratulations to our Cazenovia Beverage Trail partner, Critz Farms for their awards as well.”
Owera Vineyards, which currently produces 12 different wines, had its “first crush” of grapes in 2010 and since then has won more than two dozen awards in various competitions. The winery opened its tasting room on East Lake Road in the town of Cazenovia in June 2013.
The 14th Annual 2014 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, held March 29 and 30 in Rochester, is recognized as North and South America’s largest charitable wine competition, with its proceeds going to benefit Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges, according to its website. Seventy-five of the world’s top judges blind judged 3,756 entries from across the globe.
Award-winning wines will be featured at several public events following the competition, including a charitable gala on May 3 at the Rochester Plaza Hotel to benefit Camp Good Days and Special Times.
Both the Harvest Moon Cidery and Owera Vineyards tasting rooms are now open for the 2014 season, and offerings from each producer are currently available in restaurants and wine shops across the region.
For more information on Critz Farms Harvest Moon Cidery, its ciders and previous awards, visit harvestmooncidery.com. For more information about Owera Vineyards, its wines and previous awards, visit oweravineyards.com.
Jason Emerson is editor of the Cazenovia Republican. He can be reached at [email protected].
