Greatest of the Grape in Review

The Greatest of the Grape is the annual event to showcase the wines of Umpqua Valley. Diane and I attended this year along with 750 others. Other than a few suggestions to improve the evening, we had a good time. It's great to see all our winemaking friends in one big room. And we shared in the joy of those that won awards, knowing full well that on any given day it could be the other wine that wins!

Mostly the event is for fun and the people surely appeared to be having lots of it. As for a serious tasting event it lacked a few critical points. First, the wines were scattered throughout the room, whites next to reds, etc. No clear segregation of styles was made. We all know that a particular tasting order should be observed if you want to keep your palette from being overwhelmed. Second, was the noise of the band(very good on its own) and the announcer. It's hard to compare notes with your partner if you have to shout.

My last suggestion would be to include a Vintner's Award by polling the wineries in attendance. There's nothing like a little peer recognition.

Hats off to all the wineries...YUM! Keep up the good work. We love you!

Greatest of the Grape Awards (voted by the People)

OVERALL:

Hillcrest Vineyards 2006 Syrah San Roc

Delfino Vineyards 2007 Syrah

Food/Wine Pairing

Bradley Vineyards 2007 Riesling/ Tomaselli's Pastry Mill and Cafe

Runner up: Delfino Vineyards 2006 Syrah/UCC Culinary Program

BEST WHITE:

Girardet Wine Cellars 2006 Chardonnay

Runner up: Crater Lake Cellars 2008 Riesling

BEST RED:

Becker Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir

Runner up: Henry Estate 1999 Winemaker's Reserve Pinot Noir

Judge's Awards

PLATINUM:

Misty Oaks Vineyard 2006 Pinot Noir

GOLD (5):

REDS:

Hillcrest Vineyards 2006 Syrah San Roc

Foris Vineyards and Winery 2006 Pinot Noir Maple Ranch

Cliff Creek 2004 Claret

Valley View Winery 2006 Tempranillo

WHITES:

Daisy Creek 2007 Viognier

SILVER (5):

REDS:

Henry Estate 1999 Winemaker's Reserve Pinot Noir

Eola Hills Vineyard 2006 Reserve Wolfhill Pinot Noir

Edan Vale Winery 2003 Reserve Cabernet Franc

WHITES:

Bradley Vineyards 2007 Riesling

Crater Lake Cellars 2008 Riesling

BOLD= UMPQUA VALLEY WINE