19 replies to this topic

[NorthernWiner]

Here they are, folks!

First, on behalf of Joel and WinePress.US, we want to thank all of you who took the time to enter your wines. I think we had a great turnout - there were almost 70 entries - down a little from last year, but, according to the judges, a lot of the competitions they worked this year were saying the same thing. It's good to know we aren't the only ones.

Being in the judging room, I had the privilege of tasting some of the wines. I have to say that overall I was very impressed.

I'll get the judge's notes sent out this week. Medals have to be made to order, so that will take a little longer. In the past it's usually averaged 6-8 weeks.

Anyway... congratulations to all the winners!

So without further ado, here they are:

Honorable Mention
Michael Alessio - Zinfandel
Mike Beatty - Elderberry
Jack Blackford - Elderberry
Curt Fisher - Oaked Blueberry
Curt Fisher - Fortified Black Raspberry
Nancy Friedrich - Peach Chardonnay
Jim Hartwig - Pinot Noir
John Husk - Cabernet Sauvignon
Drew Hodgdon - Cabernet Sauvignon
Barry McKee - Sparkling Muscat
Noel Powell - Sauvignon Blanc
Noel Powell - Blueberry
Noel Powell - Cranberry Rosé
Andrew Rudovsky - Cabernet Sauvignon
Joel Sommer - Old Vine Zinfandel
Joel Sommer - Cabernet/Merlot
Joel Sommer - Petite Sirah
Angelo Stellato - Zinfandel

Bronze
Andy Burkholder - Chardonnay
Julie Cavallero - Syrah
Curt Fisher - Chokecherry/Aronia Port
Nancy Friedrich - Chocolate Raspberry Port
Jim Hartwig - Pinot Gris
Jim Hartwig - Montepulciano
Drew Hodgdon - Pinot/Merlot
John Jewell - Orange Chocolate Port
Barry McKee - Amarone
Barry McKee - Old Vine Zinfandel
Marcia McKee - Dry Muscat
Steve Kroll - Unoaked Chardonnay
Dennis & Kay McDonald - Cherry
Dennis & Kay McDonald - Blackberry/Black Raspberry
Andrew Rudovsky - Cabernet Sauvignon
Robin Schlegel - Bluebell
Joel Sommer - Cherry

Silver
Jack Blackford - Blackberry/Elderberry
Jason Brady - Acerglyn
Andy Burkholder - Riesling
Curt Fisher - Sparkling Pineapple
Curt Fisher - Dried Fruit Madeira
Steve Gower - Zinfandel
Steve Gower - Petite Sirah
John Husk - Merlot
Steve Kroll - Late Harvest Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc
Steve Kroll - Pinot Noir
Steve Kroll - Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon
Barry McKee - Merlot
Dell Schott - Chelsey
Joel Sommer - Port

Gold
Jason Brady - Cyser
Andy Burkholder - Catawba
Noel Powell - Apple

Best of Show White
Noel Powell - Apple

Best of Show Red
Steve Gower - Zinfandel

Best of Show Specialty
Curt Fisher - Dried Fruit Madeira

 WF09018.jpg   106.46K   52 downloads

[Joel]

Yes, this was a great event. I think that the smaller group gave us a chance to try some new things for the winefests. I think that this winefest had the most "hands on" presentations, where we all worked together testing, filtering, etc. Again, we had so many kits and attendance prizes, I'm suprised if people will be able to make it home with room in their cars.

It was great to see everyone again, I can't say enough how much it means to me when people show up and have a truly good time and I can see it in their faces. We now have some new friends now in the WinePress.US world as well that I'm sure we'll startin hearing more from in the forum.

A special thanks goes out to Steve Kroll, whom without his help, this event would not have gone off as well as it did. Steve helped me with all the local contacts, organized the judges, managed the judging room and wines, and did all he could to make this a great event. Steve, my hat is off to you.

I know we didn't post many photos like in previous years, we seemed to constantly be doing one thing or another, getting our hands dirty and such. Once everyone gets settled in and safely home, post the pics when you can. Lon, remember, this is a PG13 site, so when you and Darci have on the aprons, make them tasteful. Haa haa

Again, it was great seeing old friends, and making new ones. A HUGE special thank you goes out to Vicki & Curt Fisher!! They are the only remaining people who have made it to all five winefest events.

Thanks everyone who attended and made this event what it was! I hope to see you again as well as others who couldn't make it here this year sometime soon.
Cheers friends,
joel

[NorthernWiner]

I know we didn't post many photos like in previous years, we seemed to constantly be doing one thing or another, getting our hands dirty and such. Once everyone gets settled in and safely home, post the pics when you can.

I started to post photos tonight, but am so tired (in a good way) that I'm going cross-eyed. I'll try to get some up in the morning.

[stevec]

A HUGE congratulations to those who medaled out as well as ALL the entrants! Damn....I really miss all that fun!

steve

[Powelln]

Well, dang... That was an incredibly nice treat to discover upon arriving back in the country! Knew there was a reason I was looking forward to getting home. Really wish I could have been there in person to taste all of the other wines.

Congrats, everyone!
Noel

p.s. I was wavering about doing another batch of the apple this fall. Guess this just answered that question!

[IVAN Z]

congratulations to all

[Hammered]

Dang! I didn't win. (Of course, you have to enter to get an award...)

Congratulations to all!

[Wade's Wines]

Congrats, everyone! Sure wish we could have been there!
I know the subject of next year must have come up... where all was discussed???

[VanessaQ]

Look at all those pretty bottles! It's inspiring. can't wait till mine is among them.

[Jewell1223]

Just got home and only took two wrong turns and only lost about 45 min - my head is back at the event. It was a gas! Great greoup and a huge bunch of work by Joel and Steve in particular. It was really an inspiring time - great wine and great folks and encouragement to keep doin' it better!

I drew a Brehm's pail of chardonnay (yea!) and have a question about how to go with this under making from grapes. Have not donw a ewhite at all and will need to get to this pretty quick - it's almost completely thawed.

[Joel]

Only two wrong turns? You quit too early last night then... Haaa haaa...

Glad you made it home ok.
joel

[Cana Springs]

Kay and I had a great time and we made it home finally after 8.5 hours. It was good to see everyone and meet the new people that showed up. We were very happy to get a bronze for both our wines, that encourages us to keep trying. I'm glad we don't live in the twin cities though. We stopped at midwest homebrew and spent almost $350 before we left town. I'd be broke if we lived there.

[bmckee56]

Here is a well deserved Thank You to Joel and Steve and everyone else who took place in this years event. Also congratulations to everyone who achieved mention and medals in the competition. I am setting my sights on the next event and will make every effort to ensure we are able to attend. Can't wait to see all the pics.

Thanks again guys.

Salute!

[angley]

A HUGE special thank you goes out to Vicki & Curt Fisher!! They are the only remaining people who have made it to all five winefest events.

I'm sorry that Robin and I didn't make it this year after attending the first four. If there is a next year, we will make an extra effort to attend.

[Truman]

Congratulations to everyone. I'd have loved to been there share the event and taste the wines.