
Wine Competition News and PR
For Immediate Release
February 17, 2015
Contact: Debra Del Fiorentino
Vineyard & Winery Management
Phone: 707.577.7700 x109
Email: ddelfiorentino@vwmmedia.com
The International “East Meets West” Wine Challenge Reveals Top Awards
International Eastern Wine Competition vs. West Coast Wine Competition
Santa Rosa, CA – For the second year, Vineyard & Winery Management combined two of its oldest and most established wine competitions into one by creating the International “East Meets West” Wine Challenge. The judging was held Feb. 10-11, 2015 in Sonoma County, California. A total of 1164 wines were awarded medals.
Since 1982, the West Coast Wine Competition has annually recognized wines produced and bottled in the West. The International Eastern Wine Competition, started in 1975, is one of the oldest and longest-running wine competitions in the nation.
This year, the competitions merged into one large event. Wines were simultaneously judged in two established regional divisions: International Eastern Wine Competition and the West Coast Wine Competition. Traditional awards were given in each division. Best of Show winners moved on to compete in the East Meets West Taste Off to see which wine was best overall. This afforded each entrant two chances to win medals: one in its own division and one in the Taste Off. A Riesling Championship was also held.
“This challenge allows eastern and western wines to compete in their own right while allowing each to contend on a national scale,” said event producer and Vineyard & Winery Management magazine publisher Robert Merletti.
According to Director of Wine Competitions and Chief Judge Debra Del Fiorentino, “This format worked well for us last year and has gained momentum this year. Keeping these established brands intact and adding a twist like the East Meets West Taste Off put an exciting spin on the challenge.”
The International Eastern division garnered 22 best of class, 23 double gold, and 76 gold medals. The West Coast division collected 25 best of class, 12 double gold, and 68 gold medals
Our Chardonnay, 1 of 22 Best of Class medals awarded in the International Eastern division!
Thank you to all those who contributed to making this a fine, fine wine from our vineyard workers to wine maker.
We are grateful.
Susan and Bill Braymer, Laurentide Winery