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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) Grape growers and winemakers from the region gathered in Bismarck in early February to discuss current topics and issues affecting the grape and wine industry.  They welcomed speakers who addressed the group on topics ranging from herbicide drift to North Dakota food and wine pairings.

Winemakers from Carrington, Coleharbor and Fargo received people’s choice awards during the gathering in Bismarck.

In the professional’s category, wines are judged using the American Wine Society’s (AWS) 20 point evaluation system which evaluates on appearance, aroma/bouquet, taste/texture, aftertaste, and overall impression.  Six wineries submitted 20 different wines with five wines receiving AWS silver level medals and nine wines receiving AWS bronze level medals.

The people’s choice category is judged by conference attendees in a blind taste test.  Wines are divided into categories featuring grape wines and non-grape wines.  Dakota Sun Gardens, Carrington received four people’s choice awards; Tongue River Winery, Miles City, MT received three; and Bear Creek Winery, Fargo and Wolf Creek Winery, Coleharbor each received one.

For full results from the wine competition or more information on the grape and wine industry in North Dakota, please visit the North Dakota Grape and Wine Association website at www.ndgwa.org.