JEFFERSON CITY – The 2026 Missouri Governor’s Cup Wine Competition was held in Columbia, Missouri, July 14-16. Our 8 esteemed judges spent two days blind tasting wines entered from across the Show-Me-State. 277 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 61 gold, 103 silver and 65 bronze medals.
The pinnacle of the competition is the Governor’s Cup, which recognizes the best wine in Missouri. Best of Class honorees vied for this coveted award, showcasing the diversity of wines Missouri offers.
2025 Dry Vignoles, Adam Puchta Winery, was awarded the prestigious Governor’s Cup, the highest award at the competition.
Parker Puchta, 7th Generation Owner of Adam Puchta Winery, remarks “We are incredibly honored to receive the Governor’s Cup once again. Awards like this are never the result of just one person. It’s something we’re all proud of because it reflects the hard work and dedication of so many people.
Over the past year, we have spent a lot of time evaluating our winemaking process. We made changes to our processing, experimented with different yeasts, enzymes, refined our techniques, and sought advice from friends and colleagues in the industry, who helped us work through challenges we’d faced in previous vintages. One of the things I appreciate about the wine industry is that there are always opportunities to learn from others and continue improving. Winemaking is a never-ending learning process, and building a community where we can help one another is part of what makes this industry so great.
I will say this recognition belongs to our entire team, our growers and to the customers who continue to support our family winery. We’re incredibly grateful and humbled by this honor.
I’d also like to thank the Missouri Grape & Wine Board and its staff for the tremendous work they do organizing this competition and for their continued support of Missouri’s wine industry. Cheers!”
Two additional awards were 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 was the 14th 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 4th year of the Husmann-Jaeger Award.
C.V. Riley Award: 2024 Norton | Les Bourgeois Vineyards
Husmann-Jaeger Award: 2025 Poppy’s Vidal Blanc | Defiance Ridge Vineyards
The Missouri Governor’s Cup winner was selected from the Best of Class honorees:
Dry Red: 2025 Chambourcin | Adam Puchta Winery
Semi-Dry Red: 2025 Spicy Hadley Jo | Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery
Sweet Red: Mellow Red | Pirtle Winery
Dry-White: 2025 Dry Vignoles | Adam Puchta Winery
Semi-Dry White: 2024 Vignoles | Noboleis Vineyards
Sweet White: 2025 Vignoles | Mathany Family Vineyards
Dry Rosé: Dry Rosé | Adam Puchta Winery
Semi-Dry Rosé: 2025 Shamrock Rosé | Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery
Sparkling: Rosé Bubbly | Adam Puchta Winery
Fruit: Mango Chili Lime | Windy Wine Company
Dessert: Nightshade | Dale Hollow Winery
Late Harvest/Ice Wine: 2025 Late Harvest Vignoles | Hermannhof Winery
This year also marked the sixth 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, Best Celebrations Label and Best Wine Series. Additionally, the People’s Choice Award for Best Wine Label was determined by nearly 1,000 votes, highlighting Missouri wine enthusiasts’ favorite label.
Best Traditional Label: 2022 Norton | Noboleis Vineyards
Best Contemporary Label: 2025 Chambourcin | Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyards
Best Wine Series: 2022 Norton Kleine Himmel, 2024 Vidal Blanc, 2024 Villagio, 2025 St. Vincent Rosé | Mount Pleasant Estates
Best Alternative Packaging: Atomic Hard Cider | Pirtle Winery
People’s Choice Award: Lauren Sweet Vignoles | Defiance Ridge Vineyards
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 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. “These wines will be showcased at state and local events highlighting the skill, dedication and passion of our wineries and winemakers, ensuring that Missouri wines are appreciated and enjoyed.”
The winning wines will be on display at the 2026 Missouri State Fair from August 13-23 in Sedalia.
The Missouri Wine & Grape Board extends its congratulations to all the winners and participants of the 2026 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:
About The Missouri Wine and Grape Board
The Missouri Wine & Grape Board is dedicated to promoting the vibrant and historic wine industry in Missouri. With a rich legacy that dates back to the 19th century, Missouri is home to more than 110 wineries that contribute significantly to the state’s economy. The Board supports local vintners and grape growers through research, marketing, and educational initiatives, ensuring that Missouri continues to thrive as one of the nation’s premier wine regions. Through these efforts, the Missouri Wine & Grape Board aims to enhance the quality and recognition of Missouri wines, while preserving the unique cultural heritage of the region.