Amador County – Numerous Amador County winemakers were present to share the fruits of their labors at the 15th Annual California’s Grape & Gourmet, which took place Wednesday evening at the Sacramento Convention Center. The event honors excellence in the California wine industry, as determined by the 2010 State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, noted by event coordinators as “the oldest and most prestigiously judged wine competition in North America.” Proceeds from the Grape and Gourmet will benefit the California State Fair Scholarship Program. An estimated 3,500 paying guests were on hand to sample products at strategically placed table groups in the giant building. Competition for business and recognition was stiff, as evidenced by the 2,786 wine entries from more than 600 participating wineries. There were also stations for 80 featured restaurants and caterers and 25 award-winning California micro-breweries and cheeses. The event is solely for the purposes of networking and featuring the awards different brands receive, although select wines were also available for purchase. Various bands provided a soundtrack to the event on the center stage, and guests were treated to complimentary wine glasses and food plates. Lorraine Nichols, a resident of Roseville, said she comes to the event every year and is shocked by just how many quality wineries our state has to offer. “I’ve sampled wines and food from Mendocino to Lodi to Paso Robles, and I’ve yet to try something of inferior quality,” she said. Amador County wines were featured prominently, including familiar names like Renwood, Wine Tree and Sobon Estate. Seventy-two professional wine judges awarded 1,915 medals this year, including 37 Double Gold, 195 Gold, 1,073 Silver and 610 Bronze awards. The awards were announced early Tuesday. Among the top honors for businesses from Amador County, Casque Wines took Double Gold in the category of Best Microwinery for its Vermentino; Deaver Vineyards won gold for Best of Sierra Foothills Red with its 2007 Zinfandel; and Jeff Runquist Wines won Gold for Best Barbera. “The State Fair’s Wine Competition has helped shape the California Wine industry for many years and we remain committed to showcasing the best of the best,” says Norbert J. Bartosik, California State Fair CEO and General Manager. Judging by this year’s winners, this event is sure to thrive for decades to come. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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