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Wineries from around the globe are invited to participate in the prestigious L.A. County Fair’s 64th Wines of the World competition. One of the largest wine competitions in the United States, this year’s event is set for May 14-16 at Fairplex in Pomona, CA. The Olive Oils of the World competition, for extra virgin olive oils and flavored oils, also will be held on these dates.
Books containing rules, entry procedures and entry forms are available now from the Fair’s exhibits department by calling (909) 865-4231. The entry deadline is April 10.
Named one of the Top 5 wine competitions in the country by USA Today, the Fair’s competition is recognized as the oldest county fair wine competition and one of the most important in the United States. In 2002, the competition drew a record 3,392 entries from more than 600 wineries. Wines will be judged in more than 300 classes. A competition for limited production wines will be open to wines in selected classes with production levels less than 2,500 cases, recognizing outstanding wines produced in smaller quantities. Wineries must submit two bottles per entry.
Packaging design awards will be given based on the overall presentation of wine and olive oil bottles. All wines and olive oils entered in the competition will be automatically eligible for the packaging awards.
A panel of more than 70 international wine judges – perhaps the largest panel for any wine competition – will evaluate the entries at Fairplex’s Millard Sheets Gallery. Judging is conducted by the vintage, type, style, class, winemaking techniques and subdivision within the classes. Awards are presented on a merit basis, and judges may assign as many awards per class as deemed worthy.
The principal focus of the Fair’s wine competition is the reliance on professionally accredited judges. Their reflections and attitudes generally represent those of consumers, and the Fair wine judging is characterized as a consumer’s tasting event. Judges with different backgrounds and viewpoints confer on what makes a quality wine. Their collective evaluation is then used to determine medals awarded in each category.
A strong emphasis is placed on educating the public about wines, and a wine education program is presented during the L.A. County Fair, which will be held Sept. 12-28. The entertaining and educational program features public wine education class
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