FORESTVILLE, NY (November 21, 2011) -Merritt Estate Winery continues to win awards right up to the end as this year's wine competition season slowly comes to a close. The winery recently participated in the American Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition, held November 8-10 at the Radisson Rochester Riverside in Rochester, NY.

            The American Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition has become one of the most respected wine competitions throughout the United States. The judging panel for the Commercial Wine Competition consists of professional industry experts and judges that have been trained and certified by the American Wine Society.

The AWS itself is deemed as the oldest and largest establishment to offer wine education to the general consumer. Members in the program have grown to include amateur grape growers, winemakers and those who are just looking to learn more about something they love. Judges certified by the AWS have completed a four year program that encompasses all the operations and analysis needed to accurately evaluate a wine sample.

            Merritt Estate Winery took home three awards from the competition. Late Harvest Delaware, a sweet, pungent and grapey white wine with vanilla characteristics and Winemaster's Choice, a rich, mellow blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot both received silver medals. Gewurztraminer, an off-dry, rich and aromatic white wine with a bright citrus finish, received a bronze medal.

            The winery also participated in the 5^th annual International Women's Wine Competition held on November 1 and 2 in Sonoma County, California. The competition, judged entirely by women, was created in 2007 in an effort to provide a female perspective to winemakers and consumers. Studies have shown that women purchase eight out of 10 bottles of wine for the home. A competition completely dedicated to their taste and purchasing preference is highly beneficial to the wine industry.

            Merritt Estate Winery took home three awards from the competition. Winemaster's Choice, Gewurztraminer and Late Harvest Delaware each took home a bronze medal from the competition.

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 Lake Erie Wine Country, the largest grape growing region of New York State located along the shores of Lake Erie. The grapes and wines produced by Merritt rival the quality of premium vintages throughout the world.