Hudson Valley Wine Competition

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY, February 9, 2009 - The Hudson Valley Wine and Grape Association , an association comprised of Hudson Valley grape growers and wine producers is announcing a call for entries for its Fifth Annual Hudson Valley Wine Competition.
The Hudson Valley Wine Competition is an event that highlights the quality of wine produced in the Hudson Valley Wine Region (AVA). The wines are judged by a panel of distinguished wine experts, which in the past have included such wine luminaries as Julius Wile, Peter Sichel, Harriet Lembeck, Steven Kolpan, Kevin Zraly , Scott Mayger, Beth Von Benz and the late John Given. This years wine judges are comprised of notable wine bloggers like Lenn Thompson, local wine buyers, wine journalists and sommeliers.

The Hudson Valley Wine and Grape Association invites and encourages all commercial wineries in the Hudson Valley AVA to enter their wines in this one of a kind wine competition. Wines entered must be made from exclusively New York State fruit and preferably from Hudson Valley Fruit for which special recognition is given. Wines must be produced and bottled in the Hudson Valley and be commercially available in New York State at the time of the competition.

Deadline for entries is Friday April 3rd, 2009 with judging commencing on Saturday April 25th, 2009. Winners will be announced Tuesday April 28th. A celebration of the winning wines will conclude with the Hudson Valley Wine & Culinary Food Pairing Dinner on Friday evening June 12th, 2009 at Terrapin Catering at the Dinsmore in Staatsburg, New York.
The Hudson Valley Wine & Culinary Food Paring Dinner is a unique dinner where you will dine with the local winemakers and winery owners. The public is encouraged to attend this unparalleled event.
The Hudson Valley Wine & Culinary Food Pairing Dinner will feature the top wines in each class paired with dishes prepared by Josh Kroner, Chef at Terrapin Catering at Dinsmore. The "Valerie Eldridge Bowl" will be presented to the "Best Wine" of the competition. The Cornell Cup will be awarded to the Best Hudson Valley AVA Wine.
All winners will be posted on the Hudson Valley Wine and Grape Association website at www.hvwga.com
Entry forms and more information can be found at www.hvwga.com.
Tickets for the Hudson Valley Wine & Culinary Food Pairing Dinner are $85 per person and are available at http://hudsonvalleywineandgrapeassociation.ticketleap.com

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