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Founded 05-05-05

Picking a Winner Tastes So Good

Winemakers Ready For Festival Competitions

Story by David Brewer

When judges of this year’s Blue Ridge Wine Festival commercial and amateur wine-making competitions have finished sniffing, swirling and sipping the dozens of red and white varietals, several of North Carolina’s premier wines will come away victorious.

For wineries or amateur winemakers looking to get their best bottle into the competition, the deadline for entries has been extended to Monday, April 9.

Unknown to many, the festival’s competition is accepting entries from wines made anywhere in the world. Prizes will be awarded for Best of Show and Best of Class, as well as gold, silver and bronze medals awarded to wines of merit.

Esteemed judges of the Blue Ridge Wine Festival Commercial Competition include winemakers, vintners, wine journalists, educators, wine trade professionals and wine connoisseurs with a proven proficiency.

Owner Lillian Kroustalis of Lewisville, N.C.’s Westbend Vineyards is no stranger to making and serving award-winning wines. The oldest operating vineyard in the Yadkin Valley appellation, Westbend’s 60 acres have been producing grapes since 1972 and the winery opened in 1988.

“Typical wine competitions are tasted blind, which is the only fair way to judge a wine,” said Kroustalis. “We hope the judges like [our wines]. Any time you win a medal, it’s a celebration.”

Absent from last year’s festival and competition, Kroustalis said that after hearing so many rave reviews of the festival, Westbend decided to throw a hat in the ring. The vineyard is entering four reds and four whites, including award-winning Vintner’s Signature Red, Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Yadkin Fumé.

During one particular competition in the 1990s, Westbend’s Barrel Fermented Chardonnay took the gold medal over popular brand Kendall-Jackson, a watershed moment for the vineyard.

The commercial competition entry fee is $25 per wine entry, and the amateur competition entry fee is $10 per wine. Wines received in bottles other than 375ml, 500ml, 750ml or 1.5 litre will not be judged. Find entry forms for the competition at www.blueridgewinefestival.com.