WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A Kentucky winemaker has earned top honors at one of the country’s most prestigious competitions.

 

Allen Dossey, owner of Purple Toad Winery, located near Paducah, was named Winemaker of the Year at the 26th annual Indy International Wine Competition at Purdue University.

The competition, which attracted more than 2,000 entries from 14 countries and 37 states, labels itself as “the largest and scientifically organized and independent wine competition in the United States.”

“We were just thrilled,” said Dossey, who didn’t learn he had won until it was announced during a reception following the wine competition. “I had no idea. They surprised me; my face turned red.”

Purple Toad Winery brought home 16 medals, the most of any winery at the competition. “It’s the best we’ve ever done,” said Dossey, who also won six gold, three silvers and three bronze medals.

His winery, which specializes in sweet vintages, currently sells its 33 varieties in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. The winery, which will turn eight years old on July 1, uses grapes from its 19-year-old vineyard.

The winemakers at the competition, who came from as far away as Australia, underwent two blind taste tests as they competed for various awards. Over the past several years, small, local winemakers have begun showing more presence at the Indy contest.

“The competition turned out to be an educational lesson for artisan winemakers, giving them insights on what it takes to make trendier, more competitive wines,” said Christian Butzke, chief judge and a Purdue professor of enology in the Department of Food Science. “For example, it’s been exciting to see Midwestern wineries start winning trophies in the prestigious Wines of the Year categories. It’s very impressive.”

 

Kentucky Agricultural Commissioner Ryan Quarles praised Purple Toad’s accomplishments: “Congratulations to Allen Dossey on this prestigious honor, which brings international attention to Kentucky’s growing and improving wine industry. This may be the first time a Kentucky winemaker or winery has won this award.”

The recent success of Purple Toad is prompting Dossey to expand his operation. Construction will soon begin on a 20,000 square-foot processing room, replacing the current 2,500 square-foot space.

“We’ll be able to double production,” he said, adding he plans to build a restaurant at the winery in a few years.

Another Kentucky entry – Joann and Michael Nall of Louisville – won Amateur