BARK RIVER – Northern Sun Winery of Bark River took a gold medal for its LaCrescent white wine at the Indy International Wine Competition. Competing in the event were wineries from 11 countries and 40 states. “Northern Sun winery is an estate grown winery, which means we grow all of our grapes in our vineyards in Bark River. Ours is the real thing – we don’t import any grape juice or grapes from California, or other viticulture areas. We are committed to estate grown wines. It’s local agriculture. It’s a taste of the U.P. – and a great taste at that,” says winemaker Dave Anthony.

According to Susie Anthony, partner and wife to Dave, “This win is particularly vindicating because we have been told many times you can’t grow wine grapes in the U.P. Over time as our wines have begun to be recognized that attitude has changed. Now, with this gold win, we have made our case and hopefully opened the door for others with similar wine growing interest.”

Dave continues, “Growing wine grapes in the U.P. is here to stay. A few other pioneers are growing here also, and doing quite well. In addition, cold climate viticulture is being given serious research and attention by educational institutions like University of Minnesota, Cornell University, and more recently Michigan State University.”

“We chose to grow LaCrescent grapes because it makes a wonderful wine and our vineyard location is a perfect site for it. The wine is a great favorite and I describe it as light, fruity, yet sophisticated with notes of apricot, orange citrus and subtle nuance of tropical fruit. In addition to LaCrescent, Northern Sun Winery won Silver medals for their Red wines and blends. It has been a big year for us and U.P viticulture,” Susie Anthony said.