FORESTVILLE, NY (June 16, 2011) - The results of the Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition are in, awarding Merritt Estate Winery's Bella Rosa and Bella Ice with gold and bronze awards. The competition, which was held on May 17 to 24, 2011, featured various wine categories.

            Bella Rosa, Merritt Winery's popular Lambrusco style red wine, was awarded a gold medal in the Concord category with 95 points. To be given a gold medal, the wine must receive 90-100 points based on its superior quality, character and style. Bella Ice, Merritt's late harvest dessert wine, won a bronze medal in the ice wine group.

            "It is great to see our sweet wines faring so well in a region that is known for its dry red wines," says Edwin Rodriguez Jr., Marketing and Promotions person at Merritt Estate Winery. "Winning a gold medal in this competition will show consumers that we have excellent products and that we are capable of competing among the top wineries in the world."

            The competition, which began in 1939, only featured wines from California. In 2002, they opened their doors to wines, spirits and extra virgin olive oils from around the world. The judging panel has also grown to include 100 individuals from across the globe. In addition to judging award-winning wines, the competition provides wine and food pairings, wine tastings and works to educate the public about wine by featuring seminars from industry experts with broad knowledge of the wine growing and producing processes.

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.