Page 22 - Grapevine May-June 2020

In The Winery

2. Respond to the call for entries in a timely fash- bors, and also can be a way for younger brands to
ion and ensure delivery to the proper address. emerge and be recognized amongst their peers,”
she said.
3. Lead with strengths.
Johns Offers this Competition Insight:
Central Coast Wine Competition
1. We suggest wineries make sure to enter the
Standing out in America’s wine epicenter is a wines that they’re most proud of, but also know
unique challenge. Still, Lacie Johns of Solterra that every judge is interested in different wines,
Strategies, event manager of the Central Coast so it helps to enter more options than less.
Wine Competition (CCWC) in Paso Robles,
California, believes this is one of many reasons why 2. Unique wines are always encouraged. It’s not
the event is so important. the biggest varietals winning every year. Last
year we had a Fiano take the top prize, and the
“A group of winemakers, including Gary Eberle, year before that was a Grenache Blanc.
started the CCWC in an effort to showcase the
quality of wines coming from the Central Coast, 3. When the competition is over, we encourage
as there wasn’t one specifically focused on them,” winemakers to take advantage of any opportu-
Johns said. “This event promotes the excellent nity/benefit offered through the competition.
quality and diversity of commercial wineries and For example, we have the benefit of the part-
grape growers while recognizing the fastest-grow- nership with the California Mid-State Fair, which
ing wine region in California.” The competition allows us to reach thousands of consumers for
began in 2011. wineries.

Johns told The Grapevine Magazine that 75% of
the grapes used to produce the entries must have
been harvested within the eligible grape growing
regions. “The Central Coast AVA includes these
counties, from north to south: Alameda, Contra
Costa, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa
Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo and
Santa Barbara counties,” she said. “This competi-
tion also includes wines made from grapes grown
in Ventura County.”

Current chief judge, Tim McDonald, rotates
judging panels with new judges each year, fea-
turing experts who “can make connections with
our brands that would benefit them outside the
competition. Most of our judges are wine writers,
restauranteurs, wine merchants and some select
sommeliers and winemakers to add variation,”
Johns said.

She added the CCWC promotes entries all year
long with various partnerships, including local
media profiles, stand-alone retail space in Central
Coast grocery stores, and a significant event, the
California Mid-State Fair. The competition also pro-
vides newcomers a foothold in the industry. “It’s
a perfect way to weigh your wines against your
neighbors and peers within the Central Coast. It
encourages friendly comradery with your neigh-
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