Whether you savor a rich red or a crisp white, you will discover that there are many choices from the wines being poured at the annual wine tasting event at the Fair. Many of the top wines in California will be poured when the award-winning wines of the Amador County Fair commercial wine competition are offered for tasting on Friday evening. A casual evening on the lawn encourages tasting and comparing from over 40 wineries.
Amador County is renown for its Zinfandel and Barbera vineyards, some dating back to the 1860s. Amador County vineyards also produce world-class Rhone, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese varieties. Wines entered in the competition must be made from produce of the Sierra Foothills AVA.
The Amador County Fair competition is one of the most notable in the state, with many of the judges’ selections for awards going on to win at the California State Fair. Winemakers whose wines received a gold, silver, or bronze award are invited for sampling during the Amador County Fair Wine Tasting, Friday, at 7:00 pm held by the Amador Winegrowers Association. More than 40 wineries will be pouring this year.
The admission price is $25 per person in advance or $30 at the door and includes a souvenir wine glass and appetizers. Tickets may be purchased from the Fair office or at AmadorCountyFair.com until the day of the event or at the door. Check out the award winners below:
Best of Show:
2012 – Zinfandel – Terra d’Oro Montevina, Amador County
Best White Wine:
2014 – Roussanne – Helwig Vineyards & Winery, Shenandoah Valley
Best Red Wine:
2012 – Zinfandel – Terra d’Oro Montevina, Amador County
Best Dessert Wine:
2014 – Impetuous – Legendre Cellars, Amador County
Best Blush Wine:
2014 – Andgiovese - Vino Noceto, Shenandoah Valley
Best Amador Zinfandel:
2012 – Zinfandel – Terra d’Oro Montevina, Amador County
Best Amador Rhone:
2014 – Roussanne – Helwig Vineyards & Winery, Shenandoah Valley
Best Amador Iberian:
2013 – Grenache/Granacha – Cooper Vineyards, Shenandoah Valley
Best Amador Italian:
2013 – Sangiovese – Dillian Wines, Amador County
