The American Fine Wine Competition (AFWC), which is the world’s most selective Invitational for American wines, has announced its annual Wineries of the Year. They are DeLoach Vineyards, Frank Family Vineyards, Peju Napa Valley, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Reynolds Family Winery, and Rocca Family Vineyards. The awards will be presented at the event’s annual Gala to be held on April 8, 2016, at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The Gala is designed to showcase the stellar wines entered into the Competition (now in its 9th year), and raise funds for worthwhile charities. The public is invited.
Criteria used by the selection panel include:
- Contributions to the wine industry as a whole;
- Consistent and significant participation in the AFWC; and
- A high percentage of AFWC Double Gold and Gold Medals.
Expected to be present (though availability sometimes changes) for the Gala and an intimate afternoon teaching and tasting session limited to 40 people are:
- Jean-Charles Boisset, owner of Boisset Family Estates, including De Loach;
- Todd Graff, winemaker and general manager for Frank Family;
- Herta Peju and Lisa Peju, owners of Peju Napa Valley;
- Suzanne Pride Bryan and Stuart Bryan, owners of Pride Mountain;
- Steve Reynolds, owner and winemaker of Reynolds Family; and
- Mary Rocca, owner of Rocca Family.
The highly regarded seminar allows each of the six winners to field questions from the moderator and pour a selection of their finest wines. The Gala features wonderful life style lots in its live auction, live entertainment, amazing tastings pre-dinner, and countless medal winning wines to accompany wine inspired cuisine. Tickets for the Gala and Seminar can be obtained in the not too distant future on the AFWC Website, www.americanfinewinecompetition.org.
