Augusta, MO  

The town of Augusta was bustling with government officials and police officers on Thursday, August 21, 2008.  Montelle Winery was anxiously awaiting the arrival of Governor Matt Blunt. 

When Governor Blunt heard that Tony Kooyumjian, owner of Augusta & Montelle wineries, had won the coveted Governor's Cup three years in a row, he was compelled to visit Augusta.  He was especially interested in the fruit distillery at Montelle.  Montelle is the first and only fruit distillery in the state of Missouri.  After a brief tour of the facilites, Governor Blunt took the podium and relayed some interesting facts to the group of chamber members, town citizens, and employees.  He noted that wineries bring in 1 million tourists per year to Missouri and that Missouri boasts agriculture as it's top industry.  He then presented a proclamation to Tony & Cindy Kooyumjian, who in turn gave him a gift of the winning wine, the 2007 Dry Vignoles, as well as 5 more of their Best of Class wines that had been in the running for the Governor's Cup.  The event finished with a picture session with local photographers.