JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The 2024 Missouri Governor’s Cup Wine Competition was held in Columbia, Missouri, July 10-11. Our 8 esteemed judges spent two days blind tasting wines entered from across the state. 239 wines were entered in this year’s competition. Prestigious judges with many different skill sets, experiences and qualifications from across the United States awarded 35 gold, 124 silver and 56 bronze medals.
The highpoint of the competition is the Governor’s Cup, which recognizes the best wine in Missouri. Eleven Best of Class nominees vied for this coveted award, showcasing the pinnacle of Missouri winemaking.
Stone Hill Winery 2022 Cross J Norton was awarded the prestigious Governor’s cup, the highest award at the competition.
“Once again, I am deeply honored to win the Missouri Governor’s Cup. It is especially meaningful to win this award with our 2022 Cross J Norton,” shared Jon Held, President Stone Hill Winery. “The Cross J is a single vineyard Norton and a tribute to my late father, Jim, the “J” following the Cross. This makes seven consecutive Governor’s Cups for Stone Hill and five consecutive C.V. Riley Awards for the best Norton. My goal has always been to make the finest wines possible from our estate grown grapes. Achieving this goal is only possible with a truly incredible team in the vineyard and winery. They deserve all the credit for our consistently superb wines.”
Additionally, two special awards were presented: the C.V. Riley Award, honoring the best Norton wine, and the Husmann-Jaeger Award, recognizing the best white varietal wine. The C.V. Riley Award pays tribute to Missouri’s first state-appointed entomologist, who played a crucial role in saving the French wine industry with his discovery of pest-resistant rootstock. The Husmann-Jaeger Award is named after George Husmann and Hermann Jaeger, pioneers in Missouri’s wine industry and pivotal players in the efforts to save France from the Phylloxera crisis in the late 1800s.
C.V. Riley Award: Stone Hill Winery 2022 Cross J Norton
Husmann-Jaeger Award: Adam Puchta Winery 2022 Dry Vignoles
The Missouri Governor’s Cup winner was selected from the 11 Best of Class honorees:
- Dry Red: Stone Hill Winery – 2022 Cross J Norton
- Semi-Dry Red: Stone Hill Winery – 2022 Ozark Hellbender
- Sweet Red: Adam Puchta Winery – Riefenstahler
- Dry-White: Defiance Ridge Vineyards – 2023 Katy Traminette
- Semi-Dry White: Adam Puchta Winery – 2023 Dry Vignoles
- Sweet White: Stone Hill Winery – 2023 Vignoles
- Semi-Dry Rosé: Montelle Winery – 2022 La Rosée
- Sparkling: Les Bourgeois Vineyards – Brut
- Fruit: Stone Hill Winery – Peach
- Dessert: Stone Hill Winery – 2022 Port
- Late Harvest/Ice Wine: Montelle Winery – 2022 Vidal Blanc Icewine
This year also marked the fourth appearance of the label competition, celebrating the artistry behind wine presentation. Wineries with standout labels were recognized in categories including Best Traditional Label, Best Contemporary Label, and Best Wine Series. Additionally, the People’s Choice Award for Best Wine Label was determined by nearly 700 votes, highlighting consumer favorites in label design.
Best Traditional Label: Defiance Ridge Vineyards – 2022 1897 Norton
Best Contemporary Label: Noboleis Vineyards – Small Batch Series V
Best Wine Series: St. James Winery – Explorer Series
People’s Choice Award: Defiance Ridge Vineyards – 2022 Poppy’s Vidal Blanc
The Missouri Governor’s Cup Wine Competition is a premier competition designed to recognize and promote the quality wines of Missouri.
“I am immensely proud of the exceptional quality of wines produced in the Show Me State. Recognizing and celebrating this quality is essential, and we are committed to showcasing our distinguished wines throughout the year,” stated Jim Anderson, Executive Director, Missouri Wine & Grape Board. “From local tastings to national events, we will highlight the craftsmanship and dedication of our winemakers, ensuring that Missouri wines are appreciated by connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike.”
Cat Neville has been a judge in our wine competition for nearly a decade. When asked why she keeps coming back she shared, “It’s the people who are making these wines, who are running the wineries, who are going out to the vineyards everyday tending the vines. They are what make the industry special. I can try wines from vineyards around the world, but this is my home, these are my neighbors, this is my community, and they are making world class products.”
The winning wines will be on display at the 2024 Missouri State Fair from August 8-18 in Sedalia.
The Missouri Wine & Grape Board extends its congratulations to all the winners and participants of the 2024 competition. The exceptional quality and diversity of Missouri wines continue to elevate the state’s reputation in the world of viticulture.
For a complete list of winners and more information about Missouri wines: