WVV 2007 Riesling earns Hong Kong 'Gold Medal'

Willamette Valley Vineyards' 2007 Riesling won the Gold Medal - Food & Wine Award - at the 2009 Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Competition as the perfect wine to match with food. The Riesling competed against about 1,300 wine entries from 18 countries.

The results were announced Nov. 4 in conjunction with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair.

Jim Bernau, founder and president at Willamette Valley Vineyards, said the award represents the many opportunities now available in Hong Kong and throughout China.

"The Gold Medal is a huge honor and I am thrilled about the potential the Hong Kong market brings to our WVV brand," Bernau noted. "Now that Hong Kong has lifted its tariffs, we see it as our gateway into China."
Toby Marion, director at Golden Gate Wine Co., added: "by winning the Gold Medal, Willamette Valley Vineyards' 2007 Riesling confirms what we have known for a long time, that fine Riesling is a great match for all kinds of food. The Willamette Valley Vineyards' Riesling is so special because of its crispness and elegance, fruit intensity, high acid levels and low alcohol, at only 10 percent."

Hong Kong lifted duties on US wine imports in February 2008. According to an article in "Wines & Vines," Hong Kong imported $370 million in wine in 2008 - an 80 percent increase over the previous year. U.S. wine shipments to Hong Kong totaled $18 million, twice the value from 2007.