Troon Vineyard Named One of the Top 10 Hottest Wine Brands by Wine Business Monthly

Troon Vineyard has been named one of the "Top 10 Hot Brands" in America. The well respected industry publication Wine Business Monthly announced the list in its February 2013 issue. This prestigious award is perhaps the most impressive accolade this 41 year old boutique winery has received. Other past Oregon winery recipients include Willamette Valley Vineyards, Domain Drouhin, Abacela Winery, A to Z Wineworks, Willakenzie Estate and Wine by Joe.  A celebration was held in conjunction with the annual Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in Sacramento, California on Tuesday, January 29th to reveal the top ten list. Cyril Penn, Editor of Wine Business Monthly, took some time to comment on the meaning and thought behind this award. "The award was started to recognize high growth small brands (under 100,000 cases annual production), but has transitioned into recognizing interesting winery leaders in a region." He went on to comment specifically that Troon Vineyard's inclusion was based on: Being a pioneer in an up-and-coming wine region Focusing on an unknown varietal for the American market [Vermentino] Being subjected to an editors' tasting panel Chris Martin, who is entering his 10th year of ownership of this now 41 year old vineyard, said "We couldn't be more excited. This is the culmination of the hard work and countless hours that our team has put in over the last couple years and most importantly a validation of Mr. Troon's decision to plant vines on our site over 40 years ago." He went on to say, "It has been my job and honor to continue the legacy of pioneering new and interesting programs and varietals in the Applegate Valley and in Southern Oregon.  We look forward to this being a spring board to even greater things as we look to introduce our wine in more new market in 2013 and beyond." Mr. Martin decided to plant Vementino in 2007 after discovering it on a trip through Italy years ago. "I loved it for its freshness, low alcohol and food friendliness" said Martin. "At first, people discouraged me from planting it, but I really felt after tasting some nice releases from the Paso Robles area, that it could work well here. To me it is most exciting to have the opportunity to create the benchmark wine for a varietal. That is our goal with Vermentino."