Cypress Bend Vineyards emerged as a big winner at the annual Wines of the South competition held recently in Knoxville, Tenn. The Wagram establishment received six medals in the competition, including the coveted Concordance Gold award for its Autumn red wine. In addition, Cypress Bend was awarded gold medals for its Campbell red wine, its McNeill White wine and its Roseneath Blush. The competition was open to some 650 vineyards across the Southeast; Cypress Bend emerged with more gold medals than any other competitor in the Carolinas or Virginia.

While rewards are nice, this type of recognition is not the objective of the business, according to owners Dan and Tina Smith.

"I grew up in this land," Dan Smith said. "To us, the land is steeped in rich history, passed down through the generations since 1807. We wanted to work with the land and provide a reason for others to visit an area that is very dear to our family."

Cypress Bend has received more than 70 awards since it opened four years ago. In October, the vineyard won the North Carolina Muscadine Cup for best wine with its Campbell red wine, which also took first place in the Best Red Native Grape category. The Campbell is a reference to Catherine Campbell, an early matriarch of the family.

In addition to the gold medals received at the Wines of the South competition, Cypress Bend also won a silver medal for its Catherine wine and a bronze for its Isabel.

Cypress Bend Vineyards is located at 21904 Riverton Road in Wagram. Open daily, the vineyard is available for tastings, tours, weddings, and other special events. Live jazz is featured every other weekend during "Jazzy Fridays".

For more information call 369-0411 or visit www.cypressbendvineyards.com.