[smurfe]

I was wondering if anyone here has entered any wine competitions. I am really interested if anyone has entered any of the big ones like the Indy Competition or any one on the same level. I still have at least a year before I could compete and was looking for tips for success.


I am also wondering about the scoring. Is there only one first place winner in each division or if you score enough points is that considered a 1st place? I would appreciate any information any veterans might have. Does anyone know any good links that gives a good overview of how they work?


Smurfe

[Bill B]

Hi Smurfe. I have entered 2 competitions . Winemaker Mags international, and the HWBTA. (Home wine and beer trade associationboth use the UC DAVIS 20 point scoring system. Yes they give out multipal awards With so many people entering as long as you fall within the scoring guidlines you will medal. The HWBTA does one thing different. If you get a Gold they will ask you to send in another bottle of your wine to be sent to Canada for the Best in Show Award.


I have done rather well in both competitions however what my secret. I don't have any. There is a good article in the Feb March WineMaker Mag on Gold metal rips. This is a good read. One thing I do is filter my wines. I like them to sparkle, also I taste. I know its silly but ifI really really like it and others have said how good it is then I would enter it. Aso a visualof your selection. ie no sediment pieces of cork etc. after that I let it go and wait. Hope that helps. If you would like a copy oth the scoring sheet PM me with your email and ill send you a copy.


Bill B.

[smurfe]

Bill, thanks for the info. That was what I was looking for and those are 2 of the competitions I am going to work toward entering along with the Indy show.


It still blows me away that the Indy show is one of the big ones. I am from Illinois and not very far from Indy and the wine world wasn't anything when I lived up there. Guess since I wasn't into it I just didn't notice it.


Smurfe

[usafcajun]

I've been getting rave reviews of my blackberry wine and my cab/merlot so far and would like to enter it somewhere to see how it 'really' stacks up against others.


I'm back in town now Smurfe so we'll have to meet somewhere to sample some ofeach others wine.

[smurfe]

Originally Posted by usafcajun

I've been getting rave reviews of my blackberry wine and my cab/merlot so far and would like to enter it somewhere to see how it 'really' stacks up against others.


I'm back in town now Smurfe so we'll have to meet somewhere to sample some ofeach others wine.

That sounds great. I really would love to taste the Blackberry. I am gearing up to start the fruit wines although I just found out my Blueberry source is lost as the owners who are family sold their place and moved. They had numerous blueberry and blackberry bushes. Guess it is gonna be produce market berries.





Smurfe

[Angell Wine]

I just spent the last two days trying to kill all the wild blackberry bushes in my pasture. If you need some there is still plenty around the fence line. Between the neighbors and the raccoons they steal most of them. They haven't produced yet this year but it want be long.