WINE COMPETITION IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST; MEDALISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED AT COLUMBUS FOOD & WINE AFFAIR
It may surprise you to learn that one of the largest wine competitions is the country isn’t held in San Francisco or New York City. It takes place right here in Columbus, Ohio. On August 26, 40 judges gathered at the Columbus Fish Market in Grandview to weigh in on the look, taste, and texture of 400 wines at the Columbus Food and Wine Affair Annual Wine Competition. Medalists in the competition will be announced at this year’s Columbus Food & Wine Affair (CFWA) set for 7 to 10 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29 at the Franklin Park Conservatory.
Rob Somers, Ohio Manager, Foster’s Wine Estates, is co-chair of the competition committee along with Ryan Valentine, Director of Beverage for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. Somers says, “It’s our 4th year for the competition, and it just continues to grow. He explains that the competition is unique in that it is only one of two competitions in the country that require judges to be trained.” Somers explains, “Our competition utilizes a 20-point judging system. We have training for this, because we want every judge to be on the same page when it comes to criteria for evaluation. The competition isn’t about personal preferences, it’s about objective standards. Objective standards can change and evolve over time, and we cover that in the judges’ training.”
Judges are a unique balance of wine knowledge and expertise, says Somers. They include local retailers, restaurateurs, wine suppliers, distributor personnel, wine writers and wine enthusiasts from the community.”
The process of judging so many wines takes approximately three-and-a-half hours. Somers explains that the wines are arranged into flights with an average of 10 wines per flight. Every wine is judged blind and each flight is judged by two separate tables of four judges each. When all is said and done, each judge will have tasted and evaluated about 100 wines.
When judging is complete, score sheets are tallied and medalists are determined—but not announced. That happens the night of the Columbus Food & Wine Affair and adds to the fun and excitement of the event. Somers says the wines are divided into classes and gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded in each class. He adds, “Once all the entries are received, then the classes are determined. That way every type of wine has a fair chance to receive a medal.” New to the awards this year is the “value” category. A gold, silver and bronze medal will be awarded to wines that are very high in their category and retail under $15. Somers expects the competition to grow each year and looks forward to adding more categories including “Best of Class.”
Somers says the contest for the best wines creates a little more competition as well as exposure for those who enter. “This ensures that we get some really good wines,” he says. “And, I think one of the greatest benefits is that these wines are available at the CFWA. Those who attend taste the wines that local experts and enthusiasts have said are great wines. They don’t have to rely on Wine Spectator or the opinion of a writer out of New York City. These wines are favored by those who live here and they are available right here in Central Ohio.”
The public is invited to attend the Columbus Food & Wine Affair that features over 200 wineries pouring more than 450 wines, food tastings from over 25 of Central Ohio’s best restaurants and a “delectable” silent auction. All proceeds benefit local charities including the Central Ohio Restaurant Association (CORA), 10TV Family Fund, United Way of Central Ohio, Adventures For Wish Kids, and the Ian Adams Van Heyde Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Cost per guest is $100, and admission includes a commemorative Riedel wine glass and an official Columbus Food & Wine Affair Taster’s Guide. Tickets are available at www.foodandwineaffair.com and at participating retail shops and restaurants.
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