We were invited to the FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management to witness the judging at the American Fine Wine Competition (AFWC) and had an unforgettable time. While the Hedonist prefers to judge Bikini contests, the Shedonist revels in any opportunity to bathe her mouth in enticing fine wines. The wines we had were smooth, flavorful and superb. While most of the judges were spitting out the best wines in America, we were savoring every last drop. Pictured below are some of this year’s winners.
Luckily you are all invited to enjoy the finest wine in all of America at the Gala on Friday, April 24 from 6:30PM to 11:00PM at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Tickets cost $300/person and proceeds benefit Deliver the Dream, whose retreat programs enable families who are experiencing serious illness or crisis to regain strength, mend spirits, and just be families and kids again.
The American Fine Wine competition was created to honor America’s wine-making prowess, The American Fine Wine Competition (AFWC) has evolved into one of the nation’s most prominent and prestigious wine events. A true invitational, unlike most “competitions,” the AFWC seeks out the best 700 wines in the nation each year for inclusion in the judging. Wineries are not charged and only wines the acquisition committee feels deserve high medals are included in this elite judging.
The 2015 judging was held on January 18 & 19 at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. Over the course of two full days, 26 professional judges tasted, and awarded medals, to the invited wines. “Best of Class” honors the highest rated wine of a particular varietal, while “Best of Show” glorifies the top wine of a broader category.
BEST OF CLASS
Dry Riesling – 2013 Glenora Wine Cellars, Finger Lakes
Cabernet Sauvignon – 2012 Peju Province, Napa
Chardonnay – 2012 Maldonado Los Olivos, Napa
Dessert Wine – 2014 Glenora Wine Cellars Riesling Ice Wine, Finger Lakes
Dry Rose – 2014 Burbank Ranch Picnic Meadow Grenache Rose, Paso Robles
Merlot – 2010 Rombauer, Carneros
Other Red Blend – 2012 Cougars Leap, Black Rock Cuvee, Lake County
Other Red Single Varietal- 2012 Michael David, Inkblot Tannat, Lodi
Pinot Noir- 2011 Russian Hill, Ellen’s Block, Russian River Valley
Cabernet Franc- 2011 Cairdean, Napa
Red Bordeaux Style Blend – 2012 Arietta, H Block, Napa
Sauvignon Blanc – 2012 Arkenstone, Howell Mountain
Sparkling – 2012 Hagafen Cellars Brut Cuvee and 2008 Domaine Carneros Le Reve (tie)
Syrah – 2012 Cline Cellars, Carneros
Viognier – 2013 Russian Hill Estates, Russian River Valley
Zinfandel – 2012 Frank Family, Napa
BEST OF SHOW
Dry Rose – 2014 Burbank Ranch Picnic Meadow Grenache Rose
Dessert Wine – 2014 Glenora Wine Cellars Riesling Ice Wine
Sparkling – 2012 Hagafen Cellars Brut Cuvee and 2008 Domaine Carneros Le Reve (tie)
Red – 2011 Cairdean Cabernet Franc
White – 2012 Maldonado Chardonnay, Los Olivos Vineyard (Second year in a row!)
All 700 wines entered into the judging will be available for tasting at the AFWC Charity Wine Gala. A “Sparkling Reception” featuring AFWC medal-winning Sparkling wines kicks off this exciting evening while guests peruse the silent auction and enjoy the sounds of classical guitar. Following the reception, all wines from the competition are poured by the AFWC “Wine Angels” during a magnificent wine-centric dinner which includes live entertainment. A live, silent and “Premium” wine auction will also commence during this time.
Tickets are on sale now. Please call 561.504.0206 or 561.558.2345 or visit www.