Canadian River Vineyards and Winery produces “Taryn Blanc,” a wine blend with reisling, muscat canelli and seyval grapes, which is named after the owner’s granddaughter, Taryn Clifton, and sells out every year. “Chocolate Drop wine is made from merlot and is a cherry-chocolate dessert in a glass,” says Gene Clifton, owner of Canadian River Vineyards and Winery. “Our riesling, which is made entirely of Oklahoma-grown grapes, was awarded a bronze medal.” Clifton is proud to see Oklahoma wines compete on an international level. Canadian River wines have won medals in six international wine competitions in 2016. “We only wish all Oklahoma vineyards and wineries would take advantage of the analytical services and educational opportunities available at FAPC, OSU and Redlands Community College (El Reno, Oklahoma) to improve Oklahoma grape and wine quality,” Clifton says. “At Canadian River Vineyards and Winery, we are proud to make award-winning wines from Oklahoma-grown grapes.” This is not the first time Canadian River has been in the spotlight. It was featured at the 2013 and 2015 Wine Forum of Oklahoma. “Oklahoma vineyards and wineries were asked to submit their wines to
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Angie Lathrop, FAPC analytical services research specialist, tests wine in the lab.
FAPC for a chance to participate in the forums,” McGlynn says. “Canadian River Vineyards and Winery was selected as a top wine and featured during both years.” Attendees could taste state-produced wines, and Canadian River Vineyards and Winery presented and discussed its products during a Made in Oklahoma session. “Participating in the Wine Forum gave us the opportunity to pour and talk about Oklahoma wines in front of a national audience,” Clifton says. “We also were able to meet and talk to winemakers from other states.” Sponsored by OSU’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration and College of Human Sciences, the fifth biennial Wine Forum of Oklahoma will take place April 7-8, 2017, in the new north wing addition to the College of Human Sciences. “Vintners from around the world will be featured during the Gala Vintner Dinner and Auctions on April 7 and at seminars and a Grand Tasting on April 8,” says Karen Fraser, event coordinator for the Wine Forum of Oklahoma.
FAPC has partnered with the Oklahoma Wine Forum since 2013 and is excited to participate again in 2017, says Andrea Graves, FAPC business planning and marketing specialist. “We always enjoy reaching out to local wine producers and working with them to help better tell their story and educate forum participants about wine produced in the state,” Graves says. “We also hope to introduce several Made in Oklahoma food companies that pair well with Oklahoma wines.” Pending final details, McGlynn plans to teach forum participants some of the technical details of how to make wine, particularly as they relate to the challenges and hurdles faced by local grape growers. “Oklahoma is a difficult place to grow grapes, but the state’s grape growers and winemakers are committed to producing high-quality fruit juices and wines proudly made using Oklahoma-grown grapes,” McGlynn says. For more information about the Wine Forum of Oklahoma, visit www.wineforumofoklahoma.com or email wfok@okstate.edu.