The Ventura Limoncello Company was named Small Business of the Year by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce at its recent Poinsettia Awards ceremony.

The recognition was given 10 months after the company's launch of its Ventura Limoncello Originale, an Italian-style lemon liqueur that is handcrafted from Ventura County-grown lemons.

Since its debut last February, the liqueur exceeded its first year sales goals by 15 percent and has won a gold medal at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a bronze medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in England.

Ventura Limoncello Originale has a suggested retail price of $14.99 for 375 ml.

For more information, visit www.venturalimoncello.com.