JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The 2025 Missouri Governor’s Cup Wine Competition was held in Columbia, Missouri, July 8-10. Our eight esteemed judges spent two days blind tasting wines entered from across the Show-Me-State. 260 wines were entered in this year’s competition. Prestigious judges with a variety of different skill sets, experiences and qualifications from across the United States awarded 56 gold, 116 silver and 53 bronze medals.
The pinnacle of the competition is the Governor’s Cup, which recognizes the best wine in Missouri. 13 Best of Class honorees vied for this coveted award, showcasing the diversity of wines Missouri offers.
Adam Puchta Winery’s 2024 Dry Vignoles was awarded the prestigious Governor’s Cup, the highest award at the competition.
“It’s been 25 years since we have been honored with this award, and I can’t express how meaningful it is. Being able to make this a reality again is incredibly humbling. I want to give special recognition to my father, Tim Puchta, for reviving the winery and carrying forward the legacy of our family’s name. His vision and passion laid the foundation for where we are today. This year marks the 170th anniversary for our winery, making this honor even more special.” Said Parker Puchta, President and Owner of Adam Puchta Winery in Hermann, Missouri. “This is truly a team effort. From the dedicated growers who supply us with high-quality grapes, our hardworking vineyard crew, our talented wine production team, and our marketing and sales staff — every person plays a role. Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of our outstanding customers, who continue to believe in us year after year. I’m incredibly proud of the village we’ve built here and all we have achieved.”
Two additional awards are also presented at the competition. The C.V. Riley Award honors the best Norton wine. This 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 roots resistant to pests. This will be the 13th year the C.V. Riley Award is awarded. The Husmann-Jaeger Award recognizes the best white varietal wine. This award is named after George Husmann and Hermann Jaeger, integral in the early-development and viewed as the forefathers of the Missouri wine industry. This year’s competition marks the 3rd year of the Husmann-Jaeger Award.
C.V. Riley Award: Spencer Manor Winery | 2023 Norton
Husmann-Jaeger Award: Jowler Creek Winery | 2024 Estate Vignoles
The Missouri Governor’s Cup winner was selected from the 13 Best of Class honorees:
- Dry Red: Adam Puchta Winery | 2024 Chambourcin
- Semi-Dry Red: Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery | 2024 Sweet Hadley Jo
- Sweet Red: Adam Puchta Winery | Cats Meow
- Dry-White: Jowler Creek Winery | 2024 Estate Vignoles
- Semi-Dry White: Adam Puchta Winery | 2024 Dry Vignoles
- Sweet White: Stone Hill Winery | 2024 Vignoles
- Dry Rosé: Adam Puchta Winery | Dry Rosé
- Semi-Dry Rosé: Defiance Ridge Vineyards | 2024 The Pinnacle
- Sweet Rosé: Stone Hill Winery | Pink Catawba
- Sparkling: Adam Puchta Winery | Bubbly
- Fruit: Stonehaus Farms Winery | Apple Cranberry
- Dessert: Adam Puchta Winery | 1855
- Late Harvest/Ice Wine: Les Bourgeois Vineyards | 2022 Collector’s Series Late Harvest Vignoles
This year also marked the fifth 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, Best Alternative Packaging, and Best Wine Series. Additionally, the People’s Choice Award for Best Wine Label was determined by nearly 1,400 votes, highlighting Missouri wine enthusiasts’ favorite label.
- Best Traditional Label:Noboleis Vineyards | 2022 Bethlehem Valley Norton
- Best Contemporary Label: Eagles’ Landing Winery | Crunchy!
- Best Wine Series: St. James Winery | Explorer Collection
- 2022 Estate Norton
- 2024 Vignoles
- 38 Degrees North
- Project 1970
- Best Alternative Packaging: Noboleis Vineyards | Swirl Red Sangria
- People’s Choice Award: Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery | Sweet Backroads White
The Missouri Governor’s Cup Wine Competition is a premier competition designed to recognize and promote Missouri wines.
“It is always an honor to see the exceptional quality of wines produced in the Show Me State at our competition. Recognizing and celebrating the quality wine from Missouri is essential,” stated Jim Anderson, Executive Director, Missouri Wine & Grape Board. “We will share and display these wines at national and local events while highlighting the skill, dedication and passion of our wineries and winemakers, ensuring that Missouri wines are appreciated and enjoyed.”
“It is a big deal.” stated Mike Ward, Competition Judge, CWE, WSET L2. “There is a whole process that goes into making a gold medal wine. The wine shows that great care has been taken in the grape growing, when and how the grapes were harvested, how they made they wine, how it was taken care of after. There are people and nature behind it, and you can rest assured that it is a high-quality wine that people will enjoy.”
The winning wines will be on display at the 2025 Missouri State Fair from August 7-17 in Sedalia.
The Missouri Wine & Grape Board extends its congratulations to all the winners and participants of the 2025 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, please CLICK HERE.