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Texas Wines Take On the World in Rodeo Competition

Texas wines compete well with some of the best wines in the world at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition.

Houston, TX February 28, 2007 -- Riding strong with names such as Belle Star, Sweet Riesling and Gewürtztraminer, Texas winemakers galloped to victory at the fourth annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition.

Once again, the awards affirm for consumers that premium-quality, world-class wines are being made right here in Texas. This year, the competition -- known for awarding its popular prize saddles and belt buckles rather than traditional wine medals -- attracted 1,580 entries from 443 wineries in 16 countries around the world. Twenty-four Texas wines received Champion, Reserve Champion and Texas Champion awards during the Show's Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition at Reliant Astrodome on Feb. 26.

Texas is the nation's fifth largest wine-producing state with more than 120 wineries in operation.

"We're extremely proud of this outstanding performance by Texas wines against very impressive competition," said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. "Once again, the awards affirm for consumers that premium-quality, world-class wines are being made right here in Texas."

Messina Hof Sweet Riesling Late Harvest Angel 2005 won Double Gold Champion and Texas Champion honors at the 2007 event, as well as the title of Top Texas Wine. It is the fourth straight year the Bryan winery has claimed the Top Texas Wine award. Other Texas wineries earning Gold Champion and Gold Reserve Champion in the international rounds were Chisholm Trail Winery's Belle Star 2005, Haak Vineyards & Winery's Blanc du Bois 2005, Piney Woods Country Wines Blueberry Wine 2006 and Kiepersol Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo competition boasts one of the nation's highest-earning wine auctions with proceeds directed to the mission of the Show to benefit youth, support education and facilitate better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation.

Below is a list of Texas winners:

• Becker Vineyards Fume Blanc, 2005
• Becker Vineyards Prairie Rotie, 2005
• Becker Vineyards Provencal, 2005
• Becker Vineyards Reserve Cabernet-Syrah, 2004
• Becker Vineyards Riesling, 2005
• Bruno & George "Other Than Standard" Raisin Wine, NV
• Chisholm Trail Winery Belle Starr, 2005
• Haak Blanc du Bois (semi-sweet), 2005
• Happy Dog Sweet Red, NV
• Kiepersol Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004
• Llano Estacado Winery "Mont Sec Vineyard" Cellar Reserve Chardonnay, 2005
• Llano Estacado Winery Cellar Reserve Merlot, 2005
• Llano Estacado Winery Chardonnay, 2005
• Llano Estacado Winery Signature Rhone Style Red, 2004
• McPherson Cellars Sangiovese, 2004
• Messina Hof "Reflections" Private Reserve Meritage, 2004
• Messina Hof Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Reserve, 2005
• Messina Hof Gewürtraminer, 2006
• Messina Hof Ivory Port of Call, NV
• Messina Hof Muscat Canelli, 2006
• Messina Hof Paulo Merlot, 2004
• Messina Hof Paulo Port, 2002
• Messina Hof Sweet Riesling Late Harvest Angel 2005
• Piney Woods Country Wines Blueberry Wine, 2006
 

Houston Livestock & Rodeo Show ( www.rodeohouston.com/ )