Every year at the Missouri Wine Competition there is also a label competition. Wineries put so much time and effort into creating the perfect labels that complement the wine exceptionally. This years People’s Choice label is one of those that tug a little harder on those heart strings. 

Defiance Ridge Vineyards brought home the People’s Choice award for their Lauren 2025 Sweet Vignoles. 

Owner of Defiance Ridge Vineyards, Chuck said, “We decided to produce our first Sweet Vignoles in 2025, we knew we wanted this inaugural bottling to tell a story that was deeply personal to our family.”

Vignoles is celebrated for its bright, vibrant flavors and is often described as a wine that brings a ray of sunshine to every glass. Tragically, on January 10, 2025, their family lost their own ray of sunshine when his daughter-in-law, Lauren, passed away unexpectedly.

Lauren was everything a father could hope for in a daughter-in-law. She was devoted to his son, Andrew, loved by everyone who knew her, and had a remarkable way of lighting up every room she entered. Her warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on all who met her.

Lauren loved Defiance Ridge Vineyards, and the winery family loved her just as deeply. Her beautiful smile and radiant spirit made her the perfect inspiration for the watercolor portrait featured on the label of their first Sweet Vignoles. We hope this wine serves as a tribute to the joy she brought into everyone’s life and as a reminder that her light continues to shine through the memories they share.

They want to extend thanks to Allison Laupp and Cindy Summers for helping design the label, and to everyone who voted it the 2026 People’s Choice Award winner. They are honored that Lauren’s memory continues to touch so many. 

August is Vignoles month! Vignoles (veen-yole) is one of Missouri’s most versatile white grapes and a popular cultivar grown in the Midwest. This hybrid grape produces wines that have range from dry, to sweet, to late harvest dessert wines. Vignoles is perfect for creating your own adventure!

This medium-bodied, crisp and flavorful wine will give you a taste of tropical fruits like pineapple, peach and apricot, sometimes citrus and floral notes. With the hot Missouri temperatures happening now, Vignoles is the ideal summer sipper!

Vignoles grapes are hardy enough to handle the Show Me State winters and are one of the earlier ripening grape varietals in the state. You may visit a vineyard and witness them being harvested already. Vignoles' crowd-pleasing capabilities and versatility make it an incredibly popular choice among the wine-buying public and winemakers. 

When pairing try out spicy cheeses, spiced curry, Asian or Mexican dishes, buffalo wings, spicy grilled peppers and barbecue, berries and tropical fruits, cheesecake or Crème Brûlée. With this many pairing options, you can enjoy any summer snack with your summer sip!

There are sweet, semi-sweet and dry versions of Vignoles. It is truly one of the most versatile grapes. This year Vignoles won all Best of Class White Wine categories and Adam Puchta Winery’s, 2025 Dry Vignoles won this year’s Governor’s Cup Award!

To celebrate Vignoles month try out some of these recipes and keep a look out for more!

Whether you are celebrating Vignoles month by sipping a glass or trying a new recipe be sure to use #mowine in all of your adventures!