River Bend Vineyard wins double gold
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By The HERALD
Thursday, July 2, 2009 3:48 PM CDT
River Bend Vineyard and Winery won a double gold ranking at an international competition last month.
River Bend’s Magenta, a semi sweet rose wine made from Wisconsin grown Frontenac grapes was awarded the distinction at the Indy International Wine Competition, the largest scientifically organized and independent wine competition in the United States.
“This was our first year competing commercially, and it’s great to have one of our Wisconsin wines win such an honor.“ Al Sachs, co-owner and winemaker at River Bend said.
Only 74 of 3,000 entries were awarded the double gold.
Al Sachs and his wife Donna have been honing their wine-making skills for several years now, and with their partners, Tom and Pam Kell, recently opened River Bend Vineyard & Winery just west of Chippewa Falls.
River Bend currently has eight wines in its line, three others of which also earned medal honors at Indy. LaCrescent, a semi-sweet white wine garnered a gold medal, and Halb Trocken and Bliss, off-dry and sweet white wines respectively, each took home silver.
Among these judges was Paul Gospodarczyk, Enology (Wine Science) Instructor with whom Al and Donna have studied at Des Moines Area Community College. Gospodarczyk commented:
“The first year of production is really challenging for a brand new winery because they are trying to learn what types of wine their vineyard can produce, and River Bend ranked with some of the most established Midwest wineries-we need to keep our eyes on this up-and-coming operation…I just want to know if they give discounts to their former wine prof!“
“Our goal is to produce a diverse series of wines with something to be enjoyed by everyone,” Donna Sachs said. “Our Frontenac Magenta has been one of our top sellers, enjoyed by devoted wine enthusiasts and occasional wine drinkers alike.“
Al went on, “The local response we’ve had since our opening has been phenomenal. We’re very grateful for everyone’s support.“
River Bend Vineyard & Winery is located five miles west of Chippewa Falls off of Business Hwy 29.
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