Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/63248
WINE COMPETITIONS Scene At: The 2012 International Eastern Wine Competition 36th annual judging narrows its focus he 36th annual International Eastern Wine Com- petition and Riesling Championship (IEWC) orga- nized by Vineyard & Winery Management took place March 6-7, 2012, at the Sonoma County Fair- grounds in Santa Rosa, Calif. Although the competition was held in California, its focus was strictly eastern. This year, only wines made in the East, Midwest and eastern Canada were accept- ed for entry. In previous years, entries included wines from the Western U.S., Australia and beyond. "It was time for IEWC to return to its roots and con- centrate on wines made in the 'other 47' states and eastern Canada," said IEWC chief judge Linda Murphy. "The quality of wines from the East and Midwest has increased tremendously in the last decade, as has the number of wineries producing them. Under the new format, 13 states and Ontario were represented in the Sweepstakes round, which clearly shows that well- made, exciting wines come from outside California, Oregon and Washington – and consumers everywhere should know about them." The 2012 competition included 800 entries, an extremely healthy number given this year's regional wine focus. Judges from across the United States awarded 15 double-gold, 73 gold, 216 silver and 235 bronze medals. Wollersheim Winery in Prairie du Sac, Wis., was the big winner, earning Best of Show, Best White Wine and the Riesling Champion honors for its American Dry Riesling, and Best Rosé for its 2011 Prairie Blush, made from Marechal Foch grapes. Magnotta Winery's 2010 Limited Edition Shiraz from Ontario was named Best Red Wine, Grand Mark from Tabor Hill Winery (Michigan) was chosen Best Sparkling Wine, Mazza Vineyards in Pennsylvania won Best Dessert Wine for its 2010 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, and Wisconsin's Door Peninsula Winery's Peach won Best Fruit Wine. For a full list of competition results and judges, see https://www.vineyardwinerymanagement.com/wine_ competitions/intl_eastern/results.asp 80 5 7