Poppy’s Vidal Blanc from Defiance Ridge Vineyards was the 2024 People’s Choice Award winner, at our Missouri Governor’s Cup Wine Competition.

When looking at this label you may notice the gentle stream, the quiet woods on the bank and the man with the fishing pole. This man may seem like just a part of the picture, but there is more to him than meets the eye.  We took a look behind this label and learned more about this fisherman and his signature hat on the Poppy’s Vidal Blanc Label. 

Poppy’s Vidal Blanc is named after owner Chuck Gillentine’s kids’ grandfather, John J. Shillington, who passed away on Christmas Eve 2018. Everyone affectively called him Poppy. One of his pleasures in life was trout fishing at Rockbridge, Missouri. Using rooster tails as choice in lures. Poppy was always up before anyone else at his favorite fishing spot, located around a bend and bluff with a strong current. John always wore the hat in the label. He also enjoyed a nice fruity dry white wine, much like Defiance Ridge’s Vidal Blanc. 

The overall designing of the label was a joint effort by Justin, Chuck’s son, and Allison Laupp, who paints their labels. After their collaboration it was sent to their graphic designer, Cindy Summers, made their vision come to life.

Chuck worked for Poppy for 23 years.  He was a third-generation owner of Shillington Box Company. He was loved by everyone where he walked his factory floor daily, talking to all his employees. He had a love for outdoors, fishing and animals, especially birds. He used to feed raccoons from his home office and whistle Whippoorwills to his feet. He was a great friend to everyone.

Be sure to visit Defiance Ridge Vineyards and try Poppy’s Vidal Blanc!

See our full list of results from our 2024 Missouri Governor’s Cup Wine Competition here.