Two Western Colorado wineries were among those receiving recognition in the Jefferson Cup Invitational competition.
Canyon Wind Cellars in Palisade received a “great” designation for its 2007 petite verdot and two additional “merits.” Reeder Mesa Vineyards in Whitewater received three “merits.”
Bookcliff Vineyards, a Boulder winery that uses grapes grown near Palisade, won a Jefferson Cup award for its 2009 petite sirah as well as a Jefferson Cup nomination for its 2008 Ensemble, a blend of merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and syrah.
The Jefferson Cup Invitational is an 11-year-old competition founded by Doug Frost, one of only three people to have become a master sommelier and master of wine. A total of more than 600 wines from 21 states were judged in the event.