January 29, 2018, South Florida: After two days of vigorous tasting by 28 wine professionals, the winners of the prestigious American Fine Wine Competition are finally announced! The all-American Invitational, where more than 630 wines from 200 wineries vied for top honors on January 14 & 15 took place at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay Campus.
The Stunning Results! The varietals that came in with the best scores were truly exciting as they are not the typical varietals always seen: Cabernet Sauvignon (well, no surprise there), Dry Rose (the absolute up-and-comer), and Petite Sirah (could not be more opposite of Rose). All wines are INVITED to participate, indicating they are already considered medal-worthy.
Co-founder and President Shari Gherman said, “The results are pretty awesome this year. Wines from New York and Ohio showed as well as California.” This may be the one wine competition, since it is by invitation only, that places quality over quantity. We are very pleased that there are so many outstanding wines for us to pursue. Ten years of careful scouting and judging means this competition starts where others end, with many highly pedigreed wines.”
Four-judge panels evaluate, describe, debate and assign medals. “They take their time and really care about getting it right” observed Greg Miseyko, Chief Judge and Judging Coordinator. Wines earn Gold, Silver or Bronze medals and “Double Gold” honors when every judge agrees the wine deserves a Gold Medal. Miseyko added “We want to point the public to America’s finest wines, to become the most trusted source of information about finding quality wines.”
The 2018 Top Awards
CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE TOP WINNERS
BEST OF SHOW
Sparkling Wine
- Domaine Carneros 2011 Le Reve, Carneros $110
White Wine
- Fox Run Vineyards 2015 Riesling, Finger Lakes $18)
Dry Rose
- Shadowbox Cellars 2016 Rose of Pinot Noir $35
Red Wine
- Carol Shelton Wines 2013 Petite Sirah “Florence”, Dry Creek $40
Sweet/Dessert Wine
- Ferrante Winery 2016 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, Ohio $30
BEST OF CLASS
- Sauvignon Blanc: TIE! Hoopes Family Vineyard 2016 (first vintage) $35, and Kelleher Family Vineyard 2016 $34
- Chardonnay: Eleven Eleven Wines 2015, $48
- Pinot Noir: Mi Sueno Winery 2013, $55
- Zinfandel: Brown Estate Chiles Valley 2015, $55
- Cabernet Franc: Detert Family Vineyards 2015, $95
- Merlot: Muscardini Cellars 2015, $60
- Syrah: Klinker Brick “Farrah” 2014, $65
- Red Bordeaux-style Blend: Ahnfeldt Wines “Quid Pro Quo” 2015, $59
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Frank Family Vineyards Rutherford Reserve 2015, $95
- Other Red Single Varietal: VIE Winery “L’Intruse” Mourvedre 2014, $45
- Grenache VIE Winery “L’Imaginaire” 2014, $45
- Other White Single Varietal: Reustle-Prayer Rock Vyds, Gruner Veltliner “Smaragd” 2015, $25
- Other Red Blend: Buena Vista “The Sheriff” 2016, $40
On Saturday, May 5, the top winners will be showcased at the American Fine Wine Competition Charity Gala at Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale. Many Winemakers, plus four iconic AFWC “Vintners and Winemakers of the Year,” will be in attendance. The Gala benefits the Autism Society of Florida.
About the American Fine Wine Competition & Gala (AFWC)
The AFWC, which began in 2007, has become the most influential wine invitational in the country. The competition takes place each January, and is followed by the annual Charity Wine Gala in the Spring. A series of Wine & Business after Hours events that raise money for a variety of non-profits continue to promote the wines throughout the year. Since its inception, AFWC has raised more than $1,000,000 for local charities.
About FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management has been distinguished as one of the top hospitality programs in the U.S. More than 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students from across the United States and around the world choose FIU for its outstanding reputation, advantageous campus locations, expert faculty, rich curriculum, and fast-track career opportunities in the international hotel, foodservice and tourism industries. For more information about Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, visit hospitality.fiu.edu/.
