Thirsty Owl 2014 Diamond took Best White Wine at last week's awesome Pacific Rim International Wine Competition, coming out on top of many other varietals (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, etc.) from many other countries and states.  And Hazlitt 1852 Winery won three Best of Class awards at the earlier New World International Wine Competition, also held in San Bernardino, CA with a majority of California judges.

                 At Pacific Rim, New York wines also won 10 Best of Class (and Gold) honors, along with 20 additional Gold medals plus 48 Silver and 20 Bronze.  The other BC/Gold awards went to 21 Brix Ella's Red; Americana Crystal Lake; Belhurst 2013 Ice Princess; Earle Estates Black Jewel; Pellegrini 2014 Gewurztraminer; Swedish Hill Naturel, and Riesling Cuvee; Torrey Ridge 2012 Riesling; and Worthog Cidery Sassy Sally's Hard Strawberry Cider.

                  Other Gold medals were awarded to Americana Riesling; Black Willow Classic Diamond; Coyote Moon Fire Boat Red, Brianna, and Fire Boat White; Goose Watch 2015 Cabernet Franc Rose, 2014 Diamond, 2015 Vignoles, and 2015 Riesling-Gewurztraminer; Lamoreaux Landing 2014 Unoaked Chardonnay, and 42 North; Merritt Estate Pinot Grigio, and Bella Ice; Pugliese 2010 Blanc de Blanc Brut; Silver Springs Don Giovanni Cabernet Sauvignon, and Don Giovanni Red; Swedish Hill Blanc de Blanc, and Blue Waters Pinot Grigio; Wagner 2014 Estate Riesling, and 2013 Select Riesling.

                   Organized by the incomparable Yolanda Daly, chaired by the legendary Don Galleano, with the inimitable Coke Roth as head judge, Pacific Rim is a great example of a California wine competition with judges who not only welcome but appreciate eastern varietals and styles.  And it shows.

                    At the earlier New World International Wine Competition, started years ago by the late great wine curmudgeon Jerry Mead,  Hazlitt 1952 Vineyards won three Best of Class designations with its 2013 Vidal Blanc, 2013 Cabernet Franc, and 2014 Sauvignon Blanc.  Best of Class honors also went to Thirsty Owl 2014 Gewurztraminer, and Wagner 2012 Cabernet Franc.  The Thirsty Owl 2014 Riesling also won a Gold, and other New York wines won 15 Silver and 20 Bronze medals.

                    The 2016 wine competition season will continue in a couple weeks with the new Dan Berger International Wine Competition (formerly Riverside International) in Sonoma, followed closely by the Los Angeles International Wine Competition in Pomona, and then the San Francisco International Wine Competition.  Thanks to the wineries who enter these competitions for boosting the international reputation of New York as a quality wine producer.

                   Wine Judges Corner (www.judge.wine) is a new venture by Wine Channel TV dedicated to wine competitions, award-winning wines, and wine judges.

                    Jessica Altieri, who judges in several competitions (including our New York Wine & Food Classic) and is the founder and CEO or Wine Channel TV, decided to bring consumers the inside scoop on wine competitions--how they're run, who the judges are, which wines win, and what all of that means.  It's also a great vehicle for wineries to promote their winning wines with video, interviews, digital images, and more.

                    Jess is the host, interviewer, and guide for this new source of digital "edutainment", helping viewers better understand the world of wine competitions and how to benefit from them.  Tune in today.

                    Fox Run Vineyards just might start a stampede for New York wines, with its 2015 Doyle Family Unoaked Chardonnay selected as the featured white wine for the Calgary Stampede Premium Venues in July.

                    Billed as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" in Alberta, Canada, the 10-day rodeo, exhibition, and festival covering 208 acres attracts more than a million visitors from around the world.  This exposure will provide a great opportunity to promote not only Fox Run, but the Finger Lakes and New York wines in general.

                     The Fox Run Doyle Chardonnay prevailed in a rigorous selection process, and is available in that province along with its Reserve Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Lemberger, and several Rieslings.  The wines are represented by North by Northwest Imports, and have grown substantially during the past couple years.  And, typical of its collegial approach, Fox Run has helped other New York wineries gain access to this promising export market.

                     Niagara Wine Trail is on a roll in more ways than one. 

                     Their "Taste of the Trail" event sold more than double last year's tickets for this first weekend, with another to go, confirming they have a winner and lots of fans.

                     Niagara County Wine Month (April) was established by the county legislature in recognition of the industry's importance to the economy, the quality of the wines, and the benefits of buying local.  In addition, several legislators signed a pledge to serve only local wines at their various functions.

                      Competition medals and rave reviews continue to confirm the quality of the wines, including high ratings from Beverage Testing Institute for Arrowhead Spring Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (90), 2012 Meritage Reserve (91), and 2012 Cabernet France (96, Platinum).

                       This trail is one of the newer ones in the State, but has grown strongly in members and recognition.  Bravo!