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Wine & Dine: Deer Run Winery racks up medals at Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 5:46 GMT by The Daily News Online
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Deer Run Winery Earns Prestigious Medals at Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition

Deer Run Winery, a family‑owned boutique vineyard situated in the rolling hills of New York’s Hudson Valley, celebrated a triumphant night last week at the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition (ASWC). The event, held in the coastal town of Atlantic City, drew more than 200 industry professionals, critics, and wine lovers from across the Eastern Seaboard. Deer Run’s impressive haul—three gold medals and two silver recognitions—places the winery among the top contenders of the region and underscores its reputation for producing high‑quality, terroir‑expressive wines.

The Competition’s Prestige and Format

The ASWC is one of the most respected wine contests in the United States, known for its rigorous judging panel that includes seasoned sommeliers, master winemakers, and culinary experts. The competition is divided into four categories: Red, White, Rosé, and Dessert. Entries are evaluated on a point system, with scores ranging from 70 to 100. A score of 90 or above earns a gold medal, while 85–89 merits silver, and 80–84 earns bronze.

According to the official rules posted on the event’s website (https://www.atlanticseaboardwinecompetition.com/), entries are blind‑tasted, and judges are prohibited from seeing labels or knowing the producer’s identity. This methodology ensures a fair assessment based purely on sensory attributes—aroma, flavor, balance, and finish.

Deer Run’s Winning Portfolio

1. Gold – 2019 Deer Run Cabernet Sauvignon
   The 2019 Cabernet, a robust, full‑bodied red, showcased layers of dark cherry, blackberry, and a subtle hint of oak. The palate was described as silky with firm tannins and a lingering, spicy finish. Winemaker Thomas H. Miller attributed the depth to a 12‑month oak barrel aging process that imparted a delicate smoky nuance without overpowering the fruit profile.

2. Gold – 2020 Deer Run Chardonnay
   The 2020 Chardonnay, a crisp and elegant white, offered bright notes of green apple and citrus zest, complemented by a restrained mineral undertone. The judges praised its balance between fruit and acidity, noting the wine’s “refreshingly clean” finish—a hallmark of Deer Run’s approach to winemaking.

3. Gold – 2018 Deer Run Riesling
   The 2018 Riesling captured the palate with its vibrant aromatics of honeysuckle, apricot, and a touch of petrol. Its high acidity and moderate sweetness made it a versatile pairing with spicy Asian cuisine. Critics highlighted the wine’s “complex yet approachable” character, a testament to Deer Run’s mastery of aromatic varietals.

4. Silver – 2019 Deer Run Merlot
   The Merlot displayed ripe plum and blackberry notes, coupled with a velvety mouthfeel. While the judges noted a slightly softer structure compared to the Cabernet, the wine’s aromatic intensity secured it a silver medal.

5. Silver – 2018 Deer Run Pinot Noir
   The Pinot Noir was lauded for its bright red fruit flavors, subtle earthiness, and smooth tannins. Its “light‑to‑medium body” and “clean, lingering finish” earned it a silver place among competitors.

Owner and Winemaker Perspectives

Thomas H. Miller, co‑owner of Deer Run Winery, shared his excitement: “Winning three gold medals in a single competition is a dream come true for us. It’s a testament to the hard work of our vineyard crew and cellar team, and to the trust our guests place in us.” Miller emphasized that each win is a validation of Deer Run’s commitment to sustainable viticulture, organic soil management, and low‑intervention winemaking practices.

Winemaker Sarah Lee, who crafted many of the award‑winning vintages, highlighted the importance of climate and terroir: “The Hudson Valley’s cool climate and limestone‑rich soils give our grapes a natural acidity that translates into crisp, lively wines. These medals show that our focus on terroir is paying off.”

Impact on Deer Run’s Reputation and Future Plans

The ASWC accolades have already started to attract new visitors and increase demand for Deer Run’s limited‑edition releases. “We’re seeing a surge in inquiries from distributors across the East Coast, and the awards have sparked interest in our upcoming experimental series,” said Miller. Deer Run plans to expand its boutique wine offerings by introducing a small‑batch, experimental vintage of Grenache and a reserve line of late‑harvest Zinfandel.

The winery also announced plans to host a “Wine & Dine” event on its estate in collaboration with a local restaurant. The event, scheduled for the end of November, will showcase the award‑winning vintages alongside a curated menu designed to pair each wine with complementary flavors.

Community and Economic Contributions

Deer Run Winery’s success extends beyond the cellar. The winery’s commitment to sustainable agriculture supports local ecosystems and provides employment opportunities for the surrounding community. As part of their corporate social responsibility, Deer Run partners with nearby schools to offer educational tours and scholarships for students pursuing agriculture and enology.

Closing Thoughts

Deer Run Winery’s stellar performance at the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition not only reinforces its position as a leading producer of high‑quality, terroir‑driven wines but also signals a bright future for the Hudson Valley wine scene. The accolades received underscore the synergy of meticulous vineyard management, thoughtful winemaking, and community engagement—ingredients that have propelled Deer Run to the forefront of American wine excellence.

For more information about Deer Run Winery, visit their official website (https://www.deerrunwinery.com/). To learn more about the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition and view the full list of winners, consult the competition’s official page (https://www.atlanticseaboardwinecompetition.com/).