The 2014 Newport Seafood and Wine Festival’s Amateur Wine Competition took place on Sunday, January 26th. The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce received a total of 44 wines from amateur winemakers to be entered into the competition. Each wine was sorted by variety of wine, category and then arranged in flights to be “blind tasted” by three tables of judges. Scores were given for color, bouquet, taste, finish and overall impression.
The most coveted award of the competition, Best in Show, was given to Charles Weaver of Washington for his 2012 Syrah. The judges unanimously selected Weaver’s “Windy Canyon” Syrah, which happened to be the very first entry received for the competition.
Gold medals were awarded to Charles Weaver (WA) for Syrah, Kory Cassady (OK) for White Zinfandel, Kory Cassady (OK) for Moscato, Mike Doherty (WA) for Red Blend, Mike Doherty (WA) for Cabernet Sauvignon, Michael Senyk (OR) for Marechal Foch 2012, Mike Renslow (OR) for Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Stan Klamczak (OR) for Boysenberry, and Micah McNelly (OR) for Sangiovese/Cabernet Blend 2011.
Silver medals were awarded to Ricardo Torres (OH) for Merlot/Citrus, Dave Blanchard (OR) for Blueberry, Harry Craig (OR) for Syrah/Grenache Blend, Kenneth Stinger (OR) for Merlot/Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Kenneth Stinger (OR) for Cabernet/Merlot/ Malbec Blend, Jerry James (WA) for Cabernet/Merlot Blend 2012, Linda Kinman (OR) for Dry Blackberry, Mike Raber (OR) for Cabernet/Merlot Blend, Mike Raber (OR) for Chardonnay, George Jones (OR) for Black Cherry, and Stan Klamczak (OR) for Pear.
Bronze medals were awarded to Robert Zavrel (OR) for Pinot Noir, Bobby Hyman (WA) for Symphony, Teresa Lawernson (WA) for Pinot Grigio, Wally Welch (OR) for Blackberry, Harry Craig (OR) for Pinot Gris 2011, Alison Knieriem (OR) for Riesling, Larry Bruns (OR) for Marechal Foch Rose, Jill Jones (OR) for Blueberry, and George Jones (OR) for Vulpina Oregon Wild Grape.
The Amateur Wine Competition committee applauds every entrant for their commitment and dedication to winemaking. Medal winners will be displayed at the 37th Annual Newport Seafood and Wine Festival which takes place February 20-23, 2014. Please keep in mind that Thursday and Saturday are e-tickets only and there will be no general admission on those days. Tickets are available online at seafoodandwine.com.
