This isn't the first time Ryan and Kris Sterkenburg have won medals for wines produced from their Gill's Pier Vineyard and Winery.

But the latest award carries extra meaning.

Gill’s Pier is one of three county wineries to win “best of class” in the 30th annual Michigan Wine and Spirits competition held on Aug. 7 in East Lansing. Best of class is the highest honor given during the state wine and spirits competition, hosted by the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council.

Gill’s Pier won best of class in the semi-dry white category for its 2006 Riesling. Longview Vineyard and Winery of Cedar won best of class in the dry red category for its 2005 Cabernet Franc Vintner Reserve. And Leelanau Cellars of Omena, one of the oldest wineries and vineyards in the state, took best of in the semi-dry/sweet red category with its Great Lakes Red.

Gill’s Pier won best of class in 2003 for its 2002 Semi-Dry Riesling. What makes this year’s award more meaningful for the Sterkenburgs is the 2006 Riesling was made from grapes grown in their vineyard in Leland Township.

“The Riesling is our first vintage from our vineyard, so this is very special for us,” said Kris Sterkenburg, who owns the winery with her husband, Ryan. She said having so many Leelanau County wineries do well at the state competition is also very gratifying.

Longview and Gill’s Pier also won double-gold medals for the same wines that won the best of class. Following is a list of all county wineries  and the medals won in the 2007 state competition:

Gold Medal Winners

• Bel Lago Winery — 2006 Auxerrois, 2006 Late Harvest Pinot Grigio, Brillante Sparkling Wine;

• Black Star Farms — 2004 Black Star Farms Sparkling Wine;

• L. Mawby Vineyards— Cremant;

• Leelanau Cellars — Great Lakes Red, Cranberry;

• Longview — 2006  Rustic White, 2006 Pinot Noir;

• Shady Lane Cellars — 2005 Pinot Grigio;

Silver Medal Winners

• Bel Lago — 2005 Tempestra, 2006 Pinot Grigio/Chardonnay, Bel Lago Red Wine;

• Black Star Farms — 2004 Leorie Vineyard Merlot/Cabernet Franc, 2005 Arcturos Sur Lie Chardonnay, 2006 Arcturos Dry Riesling;

• Chateau de Leelanau Vineyard and Winery — 2006 Pinot Grigio;

• Chateau Fontaine — 2005 Pinot Noir, 2006 Woodland White;

• Ciccone Vineyard and Winery — 2006 Cabernet Franc;

• Gill’s Pier — 2005 Cabernet Franc/Merlot, 2006 Leelanau Conservancy Houdek Dunes Whitewater;

• Good Harbor Vineyards — 2005 White Riesling, 2006 White Riesling;

• L. Mawby — Blanc de Blanc, Consort, Sandpiper;

• Leelanau Cellars — 2006 Semi-Dry Riesling, 2006 Baco Noir, 2006 Pinot Grigio;

• Longview — 2006 Cherry Wine, 2006 Riesling, 2006 Pinot Grigio;

• Shady Lane Cellars — 2005 Serenity, 2005 Pinot Noir Reserve, 2005 Sparking Riesling, 2005 Cabernet Franc, 2006 Semi-Dry Riesling, 2006 Pinot Noir Rosé;

Bronze Medal Winners

• Bel Lago — 2002 Brut Sparkling Wine, 2005 Riesling, 2006 Pinot Grigio;

• Black Star Farms — 2005 Arcturos Pino Gris, 2005 Arcturos Pinot Noir, 2005 Arcturos Barrel Aged Chardonnay, 2005 Arcturos Cabernet Franc, 2006 Arcturos Late Harvest Riesling, 2006 Arcturos Pinot Noir Rosé, Sirius White;

• Chateau de Leelanau — 2004 Riesling Select Harvest, 2005 Pinot Gris;

• Chateau Fontaine — 2006 White Riesling;

• Gill’s Pier — 2005 Paragon, Cheerio Cherry;

• Good Harbor — 2005 Maréchal Foch Rosé, 2005 Pinot Grigio Reserve, 2006 Pinot Grigio, Harbor Red;

• L. Mawby — Blanc de Noir;

• Leelanau Cellars — 2006 Dry Riesling, 2006 Vignoles;

• Longview — 2006 Northern De-Light;

• Shady Lane Cellars — 2000 Brut, 2005 Lake Harvest Vignoles Roost;

• Willow Vineyards — 2006 Pinot Noir