Homer's Ring of Fire Meadery was awarded three medals at the 2008 International Mead Festival.

Owners Rachel and Laurence Livingston said they believe this is important for all Alaskans because the three winning meads (honey wine) were made with local fruit from Homer.

Ring of Fire Meadery won a silver medal for its Tart Cherry Reserve, a silver for its Red Currant Reserve and a bronze for its pressed-apple Cyser.

"With over 130 meads from all over the U.S. and world, this is a unique feather in Alaska's cap. Who would think that Alaska could grow apples and cherries," the Livingstons wrote in a press release.

Ring of Fire also boasts their product as one of the few fermented beverages in the world that does not contain added sulfites or preservatives.

As the Ring of Fire expands, the Livingstons encourage fruit growers and harvesters from all over the state to contact them as they are very interested in paying premium dollar for local fruit. The phone number is 235-2656. The Web address is ringoffiremeadery.com.