Placerville, CA – February 10, 2024
Wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs, mark your calendars! The 35th Annual El Dorado County Fair Open Wine Competition is set to tantalize taste buds on Friday, March 22, at the El Dorado County Fair & Event Center. This prestigious event invites commercial wineries from across the nation to showcase their artistry and craftsmanship.
Kathy Dunkak, CEO of the Fair Association, expressed excitement about bringing together wineries to celebrate the diversity and quality of wines produced. The competition not only provides a platform for wineries to shine but also offers an opportunity for local recognition during the fair, with a chance to compete for the coveted “Back Room Gold” award.
Renowned experts, totaling over thirty from around the country, assemble each year to judge the wines. Panels include representatives from the fields of Education (winemaker, enologist, professor), Media (newspaper, blog, radio), and Wine Sales (Restaurant, Retail, Hospitality). Winners are acknowledged across various categories, with a special spotlight on the exclusive “Back Room Gold” award.
During the competition, backroom volunteers curate wines for a blind tasting based on how the public would choose wine in a store – preferences ranging from varietals, AVA origins, winery reputation, recommendations, and even label appeal.
The post-Sweepstakes period witnesses the setup of three blind judging panels – one for White, one for Zinfandel, and one for Red. The Zins, being a prominent entry, are separated out for special attention. The Back Room staff then assesses and awards points to determine the winners.
A Back Room Gold Trophy, essentially a People’s Choice Award, is presented in each category. Winning this trophy is a source of pride for the participating wineries.
Wineries eager to participate in this wine extravaganza are encouraged to take advantage of the Early Bird Entry deadline, submitting their entry forms and payments by Monday, February 19, at 4:00 pm. The final entry deadline is March 11, with all wines required to be submitted by that date.
For detailed information, wineries can contact the Fair Office at (530) 621-5860 or email fair@eldoradocountyfair.org. Additional information and entry forms are available on the official website at https://eldoradocountyfair.org/commercial-wine.html. Cheers to a celebration of fine wines at the El Dorado County Fair!
