Being a wine judge

In August, I had the opportunity to be a wine judge at the 2012 International Cold Climate Wine Competition in St. Paul, Minnesota. Twenty-one judges from across the U.S. and Canada judged over 325 wines entered into the competition. It was a great experience for me, and I was thrilled to see Wisconsin wineries represented at the competition. Danzinger Vineyards was awarded Best of Show Specialty/Fortified for its Midnight Voyage Dessert Red Wine. Wines produced from cold-climate varieties have really begun to hold their own. There are some fantastic white wines being produced from LaCrescent, St. Pepin, Marquette and Frontenac.

To read a full press release, CLICK HERE.
To view a list of judges, CLICK HERE.

Here are some pictures from the competition:

2012 International Cold Climate Wine Competition panel of judges

Welcome to Oregon Gabrielle Prefontaine Beaupre!

Watch out Oregon! This Monday my dearest friend, Gabrielle Prefontaine Beaupre, arrives in Oregon. She was hired as the Assistant Winemaker at WillaKenzie Estate Winery in Yamhill. It was one of the first Oregon wineries I visited in 2008 and the views of the estate are breathtaking.

I am delighted that after our adventures together and adventures apart, we are reconnecting three years later in Oregon. Gabby is from Quebec, Canada and recently graduated with a Winemaking degree from University of Burgundy (France).

Here is a photo montage to Gabby:

I only had one glass.

Gabby loves pikachus.

St. Patty's Day NZ style. Gabby in the boot.

Our first vintage together at Delegat's Oyster Bay in New Zealand.

Who can resist her charm?

The love of animals continues.

Gabby and me in Bend, Oregon last year.

Synchronized Wine Swirling Part 1