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.