The Eastern Iowa Wine Club (EIWC) has teamed up with the Benton County Fair Board to host the 2nd Annual Eastern Iowa Amateur Wine Competition on July 23rd. Because of last year’s success and large expected turnout for the 2009 competition, event organizers are increasing the number of judges from two to four, and expanding the number of categories to cover grape and non-grape wines as well as meads and ciders to a total of 22 categories.
“We were impressed with the quality and quantity of wines received last year, a testimony to the skill and passion of Iowa home winemakers,” said Brad Johnson, EIWC Secretary.
During a 3-round judging process, the 2009 competition will recognize the top three wines of each category with blue, red and white ribbons. New this year: the top 5 wines judged as extraordinary will be awarded a Gold Medal. All wines receiving a Gold Medal will be eligible for Best of Show recognition. Another new feature to this years’ competition includes the Marechal Foch Award, a specially designed trophy to honor and elevate this locally grown red wine grape.
Following judging, visitors (of legal drinking age) will be allowed to taste the wines and judge for
themselves and vote for their favorite to determine the People’s Choice Award.
The Eastern Iowa Amateur Wine Competition is open to any amateur winemaker and is free to enter. “We encourage all home winemakers to enter their favorite wines into our competition. As a winemaker you’ll receive the completed judging scorecards, written comments, and a note of any detected and suspected flaws/faults with your wines” said Martin Blind, EIWC President.
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Entry Form