Fall brings us harvest, and the Sonoma County Harvest Fair!

With fall comes harvest in Sonoma County, and no better way for the wineries to show their best wines than with the Sonoma County Harvest Fair in Santa Rosa this weekend September 30-October 2.

The judging for the Harvest Fair took place from the 21st to 23rd of September with the winners announced during the Wine Awards on the 24th. One of the judges William Allen of Simple Hedonisms had time to share with us his thoughts on how the judging went this past week.

~What were you looking for when judging the wines?
William: “This year at judging I think I was looking for more balanced and well made wines. Wines these days seem to have to high of an alcohol content or too fruity. I prefer wines with an even acidity and proper fruit, I wanted a wine that is drinkable. I do not prefer wines that you would consider ‘a monster in your mouth.'"

~What made this years judging unique?

William: “The categories this year were a bit more interesting. I was especially surprised to see that there were over 66 zinfandels that were priced at $35 or above. I would normally expect a more ‘California Zinfandel’ but was pleased by the elegance of most of the wines.”

~What made it so difficult when tasting the wines?
William: “My biggest challenge, which seems to be a common one, is trying over 100 wines, 66 Zinfandels alone, and giving each wine the attention it deserves. We are trying wines in flights of 10 wines and we must remember to judge the wine by itself. Every wine deserves the time and attention , whether it be the first wine or the last. Also, it is important to stand up for the wines you believe in. You may think a wine has a great balance and another judge may argue it has too much fruit or too much acidity. You may have to go back and re-try that wine and stand your ground on what you think it tasted like. That comes with giving each wine its own chance to prove itself.”

I was also able to talk to Marie Gewirtz, Media Maven and President of the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. When I spoke with Marie she happily shared all the great events this weekend. The fair kicks off with a  a Grand Tasting on Friday night, and for the first time in Harvest Fair history this event is open to the public.  The Tasting offers attendees the chance to experience the best of Sonoma County food & wine!

~ What can we expect from the Grand Tasting this Friday?
Marie: “Anyone in attendance is in for a huge treat this weekend. At the Grand Tasting we will be pairing all the best of show food winners with the wines that won gold, best of class, and sweepstakes. Everyone will have the chance to not only taste the best wines but also have them paired with the best foods. The dinner is from 5:30-8pm and if you pre-purchase 10 or more tickets they are $50 each, if you pre-purchase 1-10 tickets they are $60 each and if you choose to purchase at the door they are $70 each. pre-purchased tickets are good for the whole day as well."

~ Anything special planned for the Fair this weekend?
Marie:  The Fair lasts ”all weekend, and there is tons to do for all ages. numerous wineries will be pouring, grape stomping contests, dog,  farm & harvest ag-tivities , plus local art shows. Featured on Saturday are the top chefs of Sonoma County and on Sunday at 4pm we are having a Mexican cook-off. As you can tell there will something for everyone to do and enjoy.”

We are excited to be pouring our Gold Medal 2008 Monte Rosso Zinfandel for the Grand Tasting and throughout the weekend. Stop by the fair, purchase a pre release bottle and have FUN! ~AnneMarie