The Olympics may have wrapped up in Paris last weekend, however the battle for medals continues Saturday in Hopland when local wineries seek to impress judges during the 45th annual Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition’s People’s Choice Blind Tasting.
Sponsored by Mendocino Winegrowers, the tasting showcase wines from across Mendocino County, which will be judged by members of the public (as opposed to professional wine judges). The wineries are vying for medals in 16 categories, including Best in Show and Best in Class. The winning wineries will be invited to pour their wines at the Mendocino County Apple Fair in Boonville from Sept. 13-15.
“Wine is wonderfully subjective,” says Elizabeth Archer, Mendocino Wine’s marketing chair. “Professional judges lend credibility, but we’re confident the results of a democratic vote by savvy wine lovers will be just as meaningful.”
Archer describes the event as “unorthodox” in the world of wine competitions, “but Mendocino County has always gone against the grain.”
Attendees are also invited to write their best tasting notes for each wine. The best notes will win two VIP tickets to next year’s tasting.
The tasting also helps Mendocino Winegrowers, an alliance of grape growers and vintners who work together to promote Mendocino County grapes and wine, gain valuable insight into consumer tastes, which are then shared with member wineries.
“Consumer tastes and trends shift,” says Bonnie Butcher, executive director of the alliance. “This [event] is a chance to see in real-time what people are liking right now.”
The Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition People’s Choice takes place Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at Brutocao School House Plaza (13500 U.S. Highway 101, Hopland). Pre-sale tickets are available for $65 and include a branded glass, a ballot, wine tasting and three tacos from Taqueria Michoacan. Tickets are on sale at Mendocino Winegrowers’ website.
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