2009 Oregon Wine Competition

There are so many wonderful notes to share concerning the 2009 Oregon Wine Competition and Celebration Oregon! Over the next week I am going to blog about the competition and Celebration Oregon!

Oregon Wine Competition Facts for 2009

· Celebrated 30 years of exceptional wine judging

· Wines judged in the Oregon Wine Competition ranged from small boutique, high

volume and new wineries

· Gold Medal Awarded Wines were crafted from grapes grown in AVA’s located in Willamette Valley, Columbia Gorge, Rogue Valley, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

· Seven Gold Medals Awarded

· Overall 168 Medals Awarded – Gold, Silver and Bronze

· Increase of 25% in Oregon Winery Participation and Entries!

The Oregon WC strives to have the highest level of judges. This year’s panels of judges were an outstanding group of individuals from all areas of the wine industry.

Cole Danehower – Co-Publisher and Editor In- Chief , Northwest Palate

Dixie Huey - Trellis Wine Consulting and Instructor, Chemeketa Community College

Brian Kemmerle – Sommelier, Bentley’s Grill

Toni Ketrenos – Wine Buyer, New Seasons

Grant Stanley – Winemaker, Quail’s Gate

Ron Stringfield – Distributor, Galaxy Wine Company

While judging “double blind” only knowing the vintage year and the varietal the panel choose exceptional Oregon wines to be awarded.

Best of Show and Best of White - Trinity Vineyards, 2008 Viognier, Rogue Valley

Best of Red - Coelho Winery of Amity, 2006 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

Gold Medal Awards

Coelho Winery of Amity, 2006 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

Phelps Creek Vineyards, 2008 Chardonnay Unoaked, Columbia Gorge

Phelps Creek Vineyards. 2007 Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge

Trinity Vineyards, 2008 Viognier, Rogue Valley

Tualatin Estate Vineyards, 2008 Muscat Semi- Sparkling Frizzante

Zerba Cellars, 2007 Viognier, Columbia Valley

Zerba Cellars, 2006 Red Table – Wild Z, Walla Walla Valley

For a complete listing of awards please visit www.oregonstatefair.org

To have a successful Oregon Wine Competition it takes a team of people to produce this event. Our team consists of a talented group of people who enjoy in assisting the Oregon Wine Industry.

Laurie Chang, Ginny and Mickey Bellman, Kimberley Conyers, Alan Priest , Nancy Vallereux.

Thank you to the Judges and the Oregon WC team for your dedication, support and knowledge making the Oregon Wine Competition such a great success!