FORESTVILLE, NY (March 31, 2011) - Merritt Estate Winery continues their winning streak with awards from Jerry D. Mead's New World International Wine Competition, held at the Hilton Ontario Airport in Ontario, California.

The competition allows only wine entries produced anywhere in the "New World", comprised of North America, Central America, South America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Each wine is judged not only against other wines of its type, but against its price peers as well. It is the only competition in the United States to judge the best wines from each price class against each other to determine an overall best of variety or type. The competition also boasts being the first in the United States to offer trophies for Best of Show and Best of Class in addition to standard gold, silver and bronze medals.

Merritt Estate Winery took home three medals. Bella Ice, a sweet red with intense Concord flavor, won a double gold medal and Bella Rosa, a sweet labrusca style red, won a bronze both in the non-vintage concord category. Riesling, a clean and crisp semi-sweet, won a silver medal in the non-vintage Riesling category. Bella Ice also received the Best of Class award in the non-vintage concord category.

Closer to home, the 11th Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, held at the Rochester Plaza, proved advantageous for Merritt Estate Winery as well. This year's competition was the biggest to date, with 788 wineries entered over 19 different countries.

The Finger Lakes Wine Competition boasts being the largest charitable wine competition in North America. Proceeds from the competition benefit Camp Good Days & Special Times.

The nonprofit organization provides a camping experience and more to children and adults facing extreme hardships in life, often cancer, HIV/AIDS and violence. Since its creation, the organization has served more than 42,000 campers from 22 states and 25 foreign countries in an effort to keep creating good days for program participants.

Five of Merritt Winery's products received medals at the competition. Bella Ice, a sweet red with intense Concord flavor, took home a gold medal. Bella Rosa, a sweet full-bodied labrusca style red and one of Merritt's best selling wines, won a silver medal. Edelweiss, a semi-sweet and fruity white, Gewurztraminer, an off-dry rich and aromatic white, and Winemaster's Choice, a rich mellow blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, each won a bronze medal.

For more information on Merritt news and events, visit www.merrittestatewinery.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/merrittwinery.

Merritt Estate is located in America's Grape Country, the largest grape growing region of New York State located along the shores of Lake Erie. The grapes and wines produced under Merritt rival the quality of premium vintages throughout the world.