Amador County – Small but mighty Amador County showed last week it has some of the best grapes and wine in the state – and arguably the United States. Amador County vintners brought home 55 medals from the 2009 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. The competition, known as the Grape and Gourmet event, was held last Thursday at the Sacramento Convention Center. The Competition is one of the oldest and most prestigiously judged competitions in the United States. It has been held for more than 150 years. Amador’s medals came among 600 participants and 2,623 wine entries in this year’s field. Kevin Clark, TSPN TV advertising executive, said “Amador County's grape growers and winemakers can be very proud!” Jeff Runquist Wines, located in Shenandoah Valley, took home the most prestigious award, winning “Best of Show” for all red wines in the state, with its 2007 Amador County Barbera, made with Cooper Vineyard Grapes. Runquist Wines also took 10 more medals, including “Best of Class” for its “Z” Zinfandel with grapes grown at Fox’s Massoni Ranch, also in Shenandoah Valley. Amador’s Vino Noceto and owners, Jim and Suzy Gullett, attended the event and their wines garnered 8 medals in the competition. The award for the best Sangiovese in California went to Obscurity Cellars and winemaker John Smith, with grapes grown at Murrill Vineyard in Sutter Creek. Smith also took “Best of California” for his Oakstone Winery Bordeaux. Clark said: “All in all it was a great year for Amador County’s grape growers and wineries.” This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.