1. To qualify for entry in the 2012 Monterey Wine Competition a wine must have been produced for commercial sale. Homemade wines will not be accepted for judging.
2. Each wine’s category will be determined by information on the label.
3. The decision of the judges is final.
4. The Director reserves the right to create new categories as entries warrant.
5. Four (4) 750ml or six (6) 375ml bottles comprise a wine entry. Entries of distilled grape spirits such as brandy or grappa require three (3) 750ml or five (5) 375ml bottles.
6. All wines entered must be received by February 25, 2012.
7. Make checks payable to Salinas Valley Fair.
Judges will award Silver honors to wines that demonstrate above average character for the wine type and place of origin. Gold honors will be awarded to wines that rise above a straightforward recommendation. Platinum awards will be reserved for wines nominated for Best of Show in these categories: sparkling, rose, white, red and dessert.
All judges will participate in the tasting evaluation and vote for Best of Show and Wine of the Year. Judges will taste all wines blind, but may ask for information about place of origin or grape varieties included in a blend. Producer, price and vintage will not be disclosed until the close of the competition.
The Director may, at his discretion, recognize outstanding performances by an individual winery or importer following tabulation of all results. Awards will be announced at www.montereywinecompetition.com and by regular mail.
A complete entry is comprised of four (4) 750ml or six (6) 375ml bottles.
Distilled spirits entries such as brandy require three (3) 750ml or five (5) 375ml bottles.
Grape varieties, residual sugar, appellation, vineyard designation, proprietary names, retail price and alcohol level must be listed on the entry form with each entry. Please fill out the entry form completely and accurately. The winery’s telephone number, email address and contact person are important. Winners will be notified shortly after the end of the competition by regular U.S. mail. Results also will be posted on the website at www.montereywinecompetition.com.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to enter each wine in the proper category. If a category does not exist for your wine, leave the category field blank and the Director will assign the wine to the correct category or create a new category, if necessary, using the varietal composition and residual sugar level as a guide.
Wines entered in the wrong category will be moved to the correct category by the Director. Enter the wine’s name as it appears on the label. The wine’s label will determine how the wine is identified to consumers and industry when awards are announced.
Competition is March 3 & 4, 2012
Entry deadline is February 18
Wine arrival deadline is February 25.
