40th annual Greatest of the Grape Awards

Last Saturday, the 40^th annual Greatest of the Grape event was held at the Seven Feathers Resort in Canyonville and as usual everyone had a great time. Sometimes at events like this I wonder who has more fun and who comes to the event with more anticipation, the ticket holders or the exhibitors.

This is the biggest wine event of the year for the Umpqua Valley and Southern Oregon and after 40 years it has the reputation as a not to be missed party. For the wine makers and food purveyors who are involved, it is a chance to show off their talents and hopefully receive some recognition for their artistry, creativity and just plain hard work! The goal is for the wineries to showcase their best wines and local chefs to pair their best culinary treats to specific wines. The result for attendees is a sensory overload  calling for a day or two recuperation.   For those chefs and vintners who particularly please, awards are given and bragging rights determined.

The awards given at this event fall into two categories. The peoples choice awards and those awards given by a panel of guest wine judges. The wine judging by the professionals is done a few weeks before the event and the results tallied and kept secret. The peoples choice awards are voted on right there at the event. The results from both judgings are announced at the end of the evening so the entire four hours, 7-11 is filled with anticipation and excitement.

This year some of the most notable awards are as follows:

UCC Culinary School won the Judges Award for the best food and Tomaselli's came in second place. The professional judges awarded Spangler Vineyards a Platinum for their 2008 Malbec. Gold medals went to Giardet for their 2008 Zinfandel and to Bradley Vineyards for their 2008 Dry Riesling. Silver medals were awarded to Brandborg Vineyards & Winery 2008 Pinot Gris, Anindor Vineyards 2007 Pinot Gris, Misty Oaks Vineyard 2008 Pinot Gris and Melrose Vineyards 2008 Viognier.

The peoples choice awards for best white was award to Trium Winery located in the Rogue Valley for their 2008 Pinot Gris and the second best white wine choice by the people was for Becker Vineyard 2009 Muller Thurgau. The peoples choice for the Best Red was Palotai Vineyard's 2008 Atilla and Abacela Winery 2005 Tempranillo Reserve came in second place. The top honor of the event, The Greatest of the Grape Award, went to Spangler Vineyards 2008 Malbec.

Huge congratulations to the award winners. And to all of those who worked so very hard to put this event together. Keeping the Greatest of the Grape tradition alive for 40 years is a huge accomplishment and speaks to the commitment of our wineries and restaurants. Not to mention the commitment of those wine lovers who can not imagine missing the yearly event! For those who did not attend,  make a trip to the wineries to sample these award wining wines. And you might want to hurry before they are sold out!