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(PASO ROBLES) – The Central Coast Wine Competition (CCWC) is proud to announce the award-winning wines from its 15th annual blind-tasting event, held June 20-21 at the California Mid-State Fair.
Best in Show went to Broken Earth Winery’s 2015 Grenache. The honor came after judges awarded it a Gold Medal and deemed it both Best in Class (Grenache) and Best Red Wine. Broken Earth’s win marks the second year in a row the top wine included Paso Robles Rhône grape. Last year’s winner was a Grenache-based blend from San Marcos Creek Winery.
The Best White Wine was awarded to Eberle Winery’s 2016 Muscat Canelli. The off-dry white wine from the Paso Robles winery also won a Gold Medal and was awarded Best in Class in the Off Dry-to-Sweet White category.
Best Pink Wine went to Kitá Wines 2016 Grenache Rosé. The Rosé from the Santa Ynez Valley winery also won a Gold Medal and was awarded Best in Class for Grenache Rosé category.
Best Sparkling Wine was awarded to Latietia Vineyard & Winery’s 2014 Brut Cuvée. The bubbles from the Arroyo Grande winery also claimed a Gold Medal and was awarded Best in Class for the Méthode Champions category.
Best Dessert Wine was awarded to Glunz Family Winery’s Mission Angelica. The wine from the Paso Robles winery also won a Gold Medal and was awarded Best in Class for the Fortified Wine category.
The complete list of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, as well Best In Class winners, is available on CentralCoastWineComp.com.
Of the nearly 700 wine entries, 140 Gold Medals were awarded to wineries in the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.
“I think we saw the best entries to date, and it’s only going to get better every year here at the California Mid-State Fair,” said returning Chief Judge, Tim McDonald, president of Wine Spoken Here.
The judging took place at Estrella Hall at the California Mid-State Fair over two days. On the first day, the 19 judges blind tasted through nearly 700 wines, rating and then voting on which should be awarded a Gold Medal and Best in Class honor. The following day, the 67 Best in Class wines were blind tasted and awarded best Red, White, Rosé, Sparkling and Dessert.
The 19 judges this year included Matt Kettmann of Wine Enthusiast magazine, Mary Orlin of the San Jose Mercury News, author Patrick Comiskey, of Wine & Spirits, and Jim Blumling, group vice president of wine, beer & spirits at Albertsons/Safeway. For a complete list of judges, please visit CentralCoastWineComp.com.
The judges agreed the 2017 entries further prove the Central Coast has rightfully earned its place among the best wine regions on the planet.
“I was extremely impressed not only the tremendous quality, but with the nuances and artful expressions of the wines. Simply awesome,” said Judge Matt Kettmann. “The entries show a real confidence in Central Coast grape growing and winemaking, from every corner of the region.”
The Awards for Winery of the Year, Winemaker of the Year, Wine Grower of the Year, and Wine Industry Person of the Year will be announced at the 2017 California Mid-State Fair Wine Industry Awards, July 21. Taking place during the annual Mid-State Fair (July 19-30), the public event allows fairgoers to sample this year’s 140 Gold Medal-winning wines. More information about the event can be found by visiting, midstatefair.com.
“The fact is, some of the best wines in the world are being made right here in the Central Coast,” said said Mid-State Fair CEO Michael Bradley. “And CCWC is the ideal way to highlight, celebrate and experience these world-class wines that are being crafted by our neighbors.”
About The Central Coast Wine Competition
Central Coast Wine Competition promotes the excellent quality and diversity of commercial wineries and grape growers while recognizing the fastest growing wine region in California. In its 15th year, the Central Coast Wine Competition is a collaboration of six California fairs and highlights the wine industry as an integral agricultural component of the community. Gold Medal winners will be showcased at the California Mid-State Fair, Contra Costa County Fair, Grand National Livestock Exposition, Horse Show and Rodeo, Monterey County Fair, and the Santa Barbara County Fair. For further information, please visit centralcoastwinecomp.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @CCWineComp.
The 2017 California Mid-State Fair runs July 19 through July 30. This year’s theme is “Come One, Come All!”
