In the Czech Republic, 96% of the country’s vineyards are found in Moravia. Starting in 2009, Kolacky Days added the homemade wine competition to highlight the winemaking craft and the recently found enthusiasm by many of the locals. If you are a vintner extraordinaire, grab your best bottle and head to Montgomery City Hall, located at 201 Ash Ave. SW in Montgomery. No "whining" allowed if your wine doesn't win.
Contest Rules
The Homemade Wine Competition has Six (6) Classes that one could enter their homemade wine into. There is a limit of one (1) entry per class for each winemaker. The following are the classes:
Class A: Red Grape
Class B: White Grape
Class C: Rose Grape
Class D: Red Non-Grape
Class E: White Non-Grape
Class F: Rose Non-Grape
Please complete the entry form for each wine to be submitted. Entries are accepted between 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. with judging taking place at 7:30 p,m. Ribbons will be awarded at the conclusion of the judging for each class and one (1) wine will be chosen as the Best of Show.
Umístění (Location)
Montgomery City Hall - 201 Ash Ave. SW
Best of Show
The winners of Best of Show since the contest began:
2009 - White Fruit - Don Riebel, Le Center
2010 - Scott Lager, St. Peter
2011 - Beet - Pete & DeAnn Croatt, New Prague
2012 - Rose Grape - Scott Lager, St. Peter
2013 - White Blend - Scott Lager, St. Peter
2014 - Blackberry - Pete Croatt, New Prague
2015 - Apple - Pete Croatt, New Prague
2016 - Apple - Pete Croatt, New Prague
2017 - Grenacha/Syrah - Larry Janke, Eagan
2018 - Cranberry - Gail Chilman, Le Sueur
2019 - Cabernet Sauvignon - Pete Croatt, New Prague
2020 - No Contest
2021 - Hibiscus Flower - Mark Kunzer, Shakopee
2022 - Cranberry - Richard & Gail Chilman, Le Sueur
2023 - Rose Strawberry Rose Petal - Heidi Kahler, Pine City
2024 - Plum & Black Currant - Don Riebel, Le Center
2025 - Cherry Hibiscus - Charlotte Van Beek, Maplewood
2026 - Blackberry - Dean Davidson, Northfield
2026 Homemade Wine Competition Winners
Best of Show
Dean Davidson - Northfield - Blackberry
Class A Red Grape
1st Place - Don Riebel - Le Center - Syrah
Class B White Grape
1st Place - Richard & Gail Chilman - Le Sueur - Gewurztraminer
Class C Rose Grape
1st Place - Don Riebel - Le Center - Pink Moscato
2nd Place - Richard & Gail Chilman - Le Sueur - Concord
Class D Red Non-Grape
1st Place - Dean Davidson - Northfield - Blackberry
2nd Place - Richard & Gail Chilman - Le Sueur - Cranberry
3rd Place - Charlotte Van Beek - Maplewood - Chocolate Cherry
Class E White Non-Grape
1st Place - Don Riebel - Le Center - Rhubarb
2nd Place - Richard & Gail Chilman - Le Sueur - Rhubarb
3rd Place - Dean Davidson - Northfield - Apple Cinnamon
Class F Rose Non-Grape
1st Place - Charlotte Van Beek - Maplewood - Plum
2nd Place - Don Riebel - Le Center - Lemon Hibiscus
3rd Place - Richard & Gail Chilman - Le Sueur - Dolgo Crabapple
2026 Judges from Purplefoot Wine Club
Steve Kroll and Larry Moore
Tabulators: Shirley Moore & DeAnn Croatt
Contest Coordinators: Pete & DeAnn Croatt
2025 Homemade Wine Competition Winners
Best of Show
Charlotte Van Beek - Maplewood - Cherry Hibiscus!
Class A Red Grape
1st Place - Frontenac - Don Riebel - Le Center
Class B White Grape
1st Place - Brianna - Vern Trcka - Montgomery
2nd Place - Pinot Grigio - Don Riebel - Le Center
Class D Red Non-Grape
1st Place - Cherry Hibiscus - Charlotte Van Beek - Maplewood
2nd Place - Plum - Don Riebel - Le Center
3rd Place - Blueberry - Dean Davidson - Northfield
Class E White Non-Grape
1st Place - Rhubarb - Don Riebel - Le Center
2nd Place - Apple - Dean Davidson - Northfield
3rd Place - Rhubarb - Arlys Youngberg - Waseca
2025 Judges from Purplefoot Wine Club:
Larry Moore, Larry Janke, and Maureen Janke
Tabulators: Shirley Moore and DeAnn Croatt
Contest Coordinators: Pete and DeAnn Croatt
For More Information
For more information, please contact DeAnn and Pete Croatt at 952-237-3350 or email us at kolackydays@gmail.com.
Admission / Button Required: No