The California Mid-State Fair released the winners of the 22nd annual Central Coast Wine Competition (CCWS) presented by the Community West Bank and KRUSH 92.5 FM and the 9th annual California Craft Spirits Competition (CCSC) presented by Visit Atascadero.
The Central Coast Wine competition named Eberle Winery as the 2024 Winery of the Year. This is the second time they have won the award going back to 2013. The Paso Robles winery had all of their 12 entries place in this year’s competition. They took home Best of Show and Best White honors along with three Best of Class and Double Gold awards, five Golds, three Silvers and one Bronze.
The 2023 Paso Robles Viognier was Best of Show and the Best White from Eberle Winery. The Best Red was the 2022 Tannat from Volatus, Paso Robles. The Best Rose was the 2023 Sofia Rose from Delicato Family Wines, Monterey. The Best Dessert Wine was the Mission Angelica from the Glunz Family Winery & Cellars, Paso Robles.
In the Spirits Competition the Best of Show and Best of Class Gin was Griffo, Petaluma, Scott Street Gin. The Best Class Agave was the Catedral De Mi Padre, Paso Robles, Ensamble Mexicano. The Best Class Liqueur was Griffo, Petaluma, Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur. The Best of Class Vodka, Golden Eagle Vodka, Lake Forest, Golden Eagle Vodka.
Both Wine and Spirit Competitions had package and design winners: Absolution Cellars 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon was Best of Show and Pendray’s Distillery Amaro won the Best Label award. Full results can be found at centralcoastwinecomp.com . The 2024 Mid-State Fair runs July 17 through July 28 and “Wide Open Spaces” is this year’s theme.
Savor the taste of Calaveras
The 15th annual Wine, Food and Art Experience at Ironstone Vineyards is Saturday, July 27 from noon-4 p.m. You’ll stroll through the beautiful gardens at the Ironstone Vineyards breezeway and the wine cave while enjoying delicious local wines and exploring Calaveras craft vendors. The event includes a keepsake wine glass, tastings from local wineries and chefs, live music and demonstrations.
The price for this event is $60, 21 and over only, no pets and limited to the first 250 guests. For more information call 209-728-9467 or email info@calaveraswines.org .
Barbera Festival Returns to the Terra d’Oro Winery
The Amador Vintners Association is announcing the return of the 11th annual Barbera Festival on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 4-7 p.m. This year all guests will experience the VIP access. Limited attendance will help to preserve a premium and intimate atmosphere. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in a grand tasting featuring Barbera wines from renowned wineries across California and Italy inside the cool Terra d’ Oro’s barrel room.
In addition to the grand tasting, guests can expect a culinary journey of gourmet food offerings, delectable appetizers, silent auctions and live music to set the mood. The Barbera Festival celebrates the enduring popularity of Italian wine grape festivals. Barbera has found a home in Amador County and a thriving community of enthusiasts who look forward to this annual event. Tickets to the 11th annual Barbera Festival are available at www.BarberaFestival.com .
What’s on our table
As I write this, the temperature today is going to hit 105 degrees, yesterday was a cool 103 and tomorrow it might hit a sizzling 107. It’s time for my “no brainer” wine cooler to cool my jets. Buy a few bottles of (cheap) Pinot Grigio and bottles of diet tonic (yes, no carbs). Mix one bottle of wine to a bottle of tonic. Next, slice up and squeeze several limes and and lemons, pour over insulated glass well packed with ice, hit the pool and enjoy. If that doesn’t float your boat try Option No, 2. Select a bone dry and well chilled Rose. The Grocery Outlet has plenty to choose from, all under $6. I’ve mentioned the Terra Nostra from Corsica and the Cloudline from Oregon. Here are a few more: Diora La Belle Fete Monterey, Cape Bleue Rose and Res Fortes Rose both from France. Not satisfied? Then resort to Option No. 3. Don’t dump the Rose, just mix it with the diet tonic, add the citrus and viola, a pink wine cooler. Please stay cool, Cheers!
Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com .
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