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Amateur Wine Competitors Receive Recognition
February 2, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kim Voetberg, Visitor & Sponsorship Coordinator, Newport Chamber - 541-265-8801
 NEWPORT, Oregon – It takes all kinds to be an amateur winemaker. They may come from different backgrounds and approach their craft in various ways, but one thing they all will tell you: what began as a basement hobby quickly escalated to a lifestyle. Wine hobbyists all agree that the buying or harvesting of grapes, the crush, the press and then the fermentation all culminate into that one "ahhh" moment, when, somewhere down the road, they are able to pop the cork, breath in that heady aroma, and watch the liquid as it cascades into a goblet. All these impressions before it even rolls over the tongue! And to share these moments with other wine enthusiasts at an amateur wine competition?! Even better.
That came to a grinding halt last year when a recent interpretation of Oregon's liquor license requirements put a nix on amateur wine competitions. The state of Oregon's Department of Justice determined that amateur vintners would lose their exemption to produce without a license if their wine left their residence. This ruling affected events ranging from the Oregon State Fair, to many regional contests, including Newport's Seafood & Wine Festival Amateur Wine Competition.
In February of 2011, after much debate and public comment, the legislature broadened the language of Senate Bill 444 paving the way for a return of amateur wine competitions. Much to the delight of wine enthusiasts everywhere, Oregon resurrected the Amateur Wine Competition, and the Newport Chamber of Commerce reinstated this popular component to their Seafood & Wine Festival.
For the last several months, the Competition committee coordinated and planned the Amateur contest. 52 wines were collected, some from as far away as Massachusetts and North Carolina. Each wine was registered by variety and category, placed in flights, and "blind tasted" by three tables of judges. Scores were reached for color, nose, taste, and finish.
Best of Show was a Pinot Gris, submitted by Mike Renslow from Eugene, Oregon. There were 10 Golds awarded, ranging from acai berry to syrahs to bergamais. Apples, pinots and cabs secured 14 Silvers and assorted blends, merlots and a lone tomato wine captured the 14 Bronze Medals. Competition co-chairs were pleased with the submissions and variety, particularly after the one year hiatus.
The Newport Seafood & Wine Festival applauds every entrant for their commitment and dedication to winemaking. Kudos are extended to the Amateur Wine Competition committee, who made the return of this event such a success. This year marks 35 years, and the Festival is bigger and better than ever before. We look forward to seeing you the weekend of February 23-26, 2012. Drive south of the bridge, and follow the excitement!
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Newport, Oregon
The coast you remember.
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