River Bend Vineyard and Winery took home a sweet prize from the
Wisconsin State Fair Wine Competition.

River Bend Vineyard and Winery of Chippewa Falls won the Best of Class award at the Wisconsin State Fair Wine Competition held on June 21. Wines entered in the competition are placed into various divisions based on the type of wine submitted. The winner of Division One (or Red Wine Division) was a sweet red wine, Sunset, submitted by River Bend. Sunset wine is a bursting combination of a fruity aroma and vibrant color, often described as tasting like “grapes in a glass.” It’s also touted as a great after-dinner wine and pairs well with crackers, cheese and sausage. Sunset wine is priced at $12.95 and can be found at 23 retail locations throughout Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, including Gordy’s, Mega Foods, and Festival Foods.  

Last year, River Bend’s Magenta was awarded Best in Class Rosé, and the winery has won many other awards from international competitions in recent years, including more accolades for Sunset and Magenta from the Indy International Wine Competition.

“To be recognized two years in a row for best in category is fantastic… it acknowledges the commitment we have to producing quality wines year after year,” says Donna Sachs, owner and winemaker at River Bend Winery in Chippewa Falls. The winery is open seasonally from May to December.