For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Frances Larose / Amanda Madison
650.548.6700 / flarose@prmagic.com
The Largest Competition of American Wines in the World Names the Best of the Best
(San Francisco, January 13, 2016) — After receiving 7,164 entries from 28 states across the country, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, hailed as the largest competition of American wines in the world, has once again successfully narrowed thousands of wines down to an exclusive few. A complete listing, along with price points, can be found at winejudging.com.
In the first week of January, 65 professional wine judges from a variety of fields including trade, education, media, retail and hospitality, traveled to the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds in Sonoma County to apply their expertise in judging the best and tastiest wines in the USA.
Utilizing an extensive process that divided the varietals into several categories and subcategories, the event gave the panels the chance to rate entries as Bronze, Silver, Gold and “Double Gold” (equivalent to a unanimous rating by all panel members). Only seven entries were honored with the prestigious Sweepstake Award in the categories of Sparkling, White, Pink, Red and Dessert/Specialty wines. The best wine label was also judged and awarded a Sweepstake Winner designation.
The 2016 Sweepstake Award Winners are:
Sparkling Sweepstake Winner
Korbel, Brut, California Champagne, Organically Grown Grapes, CA: $14
White Sweepstake Winner
V. Sattui Winery, 2014 Los Carneros Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA: $38
Pink Sweepstake Winner
Barnard Griffin, 2015 Rosé of Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, WA: $14
Red Sweepstake Winners
Runquist, 2013 Zinfandel, Nostro Vino Vineyard, Amador County, CA: $26
Sonnet Wine Cellars, 2013 Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA: $40
Dessert/Specialty Sweepstake Winner
Claar Cellars, 2013 Riesling “Ice Wine,” White Bluff Vineyards, Columbia Valley, WA: $40
Wine Label Sweepstake Winner
Scratchpad, 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Central Coast, CA
Also recognized for extraordinary quality was a list of American award-winning wines, all of which were honored with the Best of Class Awards. Each of the 164 winners were categorized to provide consumers with an easy reference guide to delicious and affordable wines based on insights from industry specialists. A complete listing of winners in each category can be found under the “Medal Winners” section at www.winejudging.com.
The public will have a chance to taste many of these award winning wines at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Public Tasting, happening February 13 from 1:30-5pm at the Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion in San Francisco. The event will give wine and food lovers the opportunity to taste these amazing wines while gourmet food purveyors, such as SavorCalifornia.com and Whole Foods, offer delectable food samples that pair perfectly with the award winning selections.
Follow the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition on Twitter @Winejudging for info on the event and for special contests, including ticket giveaways, leading up to the public tasting.
| WHAT: | 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Public Tasting |
| WHEN: | Saturday, February 13, 2016 |
| WHERE: | Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco |
| TIME: | 1:30pm – 5:00pm |
| COST: | $70 Advance Purchase, $95 at the door (the event has sold out for the past five years; advance ticket purchase is recommended) |
| INFO: | For tickets and additional information, visit www.winejudging.com |
| MEDIA: | Contact The Larose Group, 650-548-6700 or flarose@prmagic.com |
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About the SFCWC: Founded in 1983 as the modestly sized Cloverdale Citrus Fair Wine Competition, the current competition has evolved immensely over the years, expanding its eligibility to wineries throughout the United States. In 2000, the event gained sponsorship from the San Francisco Chronicle and appropriately assumed the title the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Celebrating its 16th anniversary this year, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is pleased to help support the non-profit Cloverdale Citrus Fair, as well as wine and food education at educational institutions and non-profit organizations. Santa Rosa Junior College Wine Studies Program and Culinary Arts Program, Fresno State University Enology Program, California Polytechnic State University Enology Program at San Luis Obispo, and other non-profit organizations have received support from past competitions.
