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Two Rosewood Wines Medal in State Competition

Wine Awards – James Wonsetler (left) and Jesse Maes hold medals earned from the KGGWA conference wine tasting competition that were earned by Rosewood Winery in Topeka on Jan. 11. Standing and holding the winning wines is Robert Willesden, Rosewood Winery director.

It hasn't taken long for Rosewood Winery to make its mark with its selection of wines, which are new in the Kansas wine market. Two Rosewood Wines won medals at the 27th Annual Kansas Grape Growers and Winemakers Association conference on Jan. 11 in Topeka.

In the "People's Choice Awards" wine tasting Rosewood earned a gold medal in the Sweet Red category and wone a bronze medal in the Sweet Rose' category. The gold medal went to Boots Made For Walking Blackberry Cabernet. Ima Flashy Investment Exotic Fruits Zinfandel took home the bronze medal. The competition involved 14 wineries and nearly 60 wines representing various wine categories. Nearly 100 people, who attended the conference, sampled the wines and voted for their favorites.

"The Kansas wine industry has developed a quality reputation nationwide," said Tammy Hammond, Rosewood Services executive director and founder. "Being listed among the best wines in Kansas and earning two awards is a major achievement for Rosewood Winery, especially in our first year of operation.

Our achievement validates what we believe. Given the right opportunities, people with developmental disabilities can produce quality goods and services in the open market. We are proud of all of our employees who help to produce our wines."

Though they finished out of the medal count, three other Rosewood wines were also entered in the "People's Choice" event: Ermosa Gallo Merlot, Invite The Fox Pinot Grigio, and Jordans LenaSpark Mezza Luna Blanc. The Merlot and the Pinot Grigio were among the most popular among the tasters who gave them positive reviews.

"All five of our wines showed well, and they were all popular among tasters," said Hammond. "It just goes to show you how competitive this industry is and how special it is to come away with even one award from this state-wide event."

Currently Rosewood sells 13 of its wines at the newly opened Rosewood Wine Cellar at 1901 Lakin in downtown Great Bend. The wines can also be purchased at the Rosewood Winery, located a few miles east of Pawnee Rock. Check rosewoodcreations.com for a complete wine list open hours of both locations.