Over 400 wines were put to the test on August 9, 2008 at the competition hosted by Columbus Fish Market on Olentangy River Road in Columbus. Approximately 40 judges gathered to weigh in on the color, aroma, taste, texture and overall appeal of more than 400 wines.
Wines were judged using a 20-point system developed in the 1950s by Maynard Amerine, a professor in viticulture at the University of California Davis. The scoring structure puts in place a system to objectively analyze the wines.
Judges included a unique balance of wine experts and enthusiasts from the community. Taking part were local retailers, restaurateurs, wine suppliers, distributor personnel, wine writers and wine enthusiasts. Categories for judging were determined once all entries were received. Then, they were judged in peer groups with type and style.
All wines in the competition were made available to sample at the Columbus Food & Wine Affair Grand Tasting set for 6:30 to 10 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2008 at the Franklin Park Conservatory. Medallions were presented in the Veridian room at the Conservatory at 5 p.m.
Special thanks to Rob Somers, Fosters Wine Estates America's, Ryan Valentine, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, and Eric Lumbra, Glazer's Distributing for all of their work in making the Columbus Food & Wine Affair Wine Competition one of the most respected in the country.
Many thanks to our judges for their time and expertise and to the following:
Our Competition Host - Columbus Fish Market, Olentangy River Road
Wine Distributors - Heidelberg Distributing, Glazer's Distributing, Wine Trends, Vintage Wine Distributor, Buckeye Distributing, Cutting Edge, Ohio Grape Industries.
Click here for a full listing of 2008 medallion recipients
“….The event showcases quality...my goal is to enhance the event by encouraging wineries to present the best wines they have available. The competition offers wineries the opportunity to receive coveted bronze, silver, gold, and 'best value' medals that will attract the attention of local consumers, retailers, and restaurateurs. This is a great community event, supporting local community charitable organizations, and a wine competition that is judged by a fantastic panel of community participant wine writers, retailers, restaurateurs, distributors, winery representatives, and community wine enthusiasts! “ --Rob Somers, Wine Competition Chair
