Category Archives: Judging

Appellation, Awards, Competition, Event, Judging, Sommelier, Tasting, Varietal, Wine, Winery

Submit Your Wines for “The Judgement of Calistoga”!

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On behalf of the Calistoga Wine Society, we are pleased to invite wineries to participate in the inaugural Calistoga AVA Wine Evaluation, to be held on July 15, 2026 at Sterling Vineyards, and culminating in the Calistoga Wine Festival, Awards Ceremony, and Grand Public Tasting on August 15, 2026.

The Calistoga AVA Wine Evaluation is a professional judging event evaluated by experienced wine judges and certified sommeliers: Wines representing the Calistoga AVA, including (but not limited to) Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Charbono, Sauvignon Blanc, and other varietals, will be assessed.

Designed to highlight the unique terroir of the Calistoga AVA and introduce participating wineries to new audiences. Award-winning wines will be:

  • Exclusively poured at the Grand Public Tasting
  • Announced live on stage by the wine judges
  • Recognized through local wine industry media, regional food, wine, and lifestyle publications.

Charitable Component: This event will benefit the community, with a of proceeds donated to UpValley Family Centers, suporting individuals and families in northern Napa County—including Calistoga and St. Helena—who face economic and social challenges.

To Participate go to the CWF website, scroll to the bottom of the page: 1) Download the Wine Entry Form, 2) Pay Entry Fee of $40 per wine entry online

If you have any questions or would like additional details, please feel free to contact us at tolstunov@yahoo.com.

Awards, Charity, Competition, Event, Food, Judging, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels

Fifty Shades of Pink! A Fundraiser with Rosé, Sunday, May 17th

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Every year, AFWC presents Fifty Shades of Pink, as a follow-up fundraising event to THE Rosé Competition. It is a fantastic opportunity to sip incredible wine, taste fabulous food, listen to cool sounds, and help raise funds for important causes.

The 2026 Fifty Shades of Pink is open to the public and will take place on Sunday, May 17th, at the Fort Lauderdale Women’s Club: A late-afternoon-into-the-evening fun. Pouring more than 150 beautiful rosé wines and dozens of award-winning wines from The Invitational – amazing reds & whites – plus wineries will be there pouring other wines. Local restaurants are also invited to showcase their creations. Get your TICKETS!

When your winery registers for THE Rosé Competition, your wines will also be shared at this benefit event, which attracts hundreds of business professionals: An opportunity to showcase wines and meet these enthusiastic attendees. Wineries register HERE!

Awards, Competition, Event, Judging, Sommelier, Travels, Varietal, Wine

Time to Enter! THE Rosé Competition From AFWC

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The American Fine Wine Competition announces THE Rosé Competition 2026, the 13th edition, taking place at the Fort Lauderdale Women’s Club on May 16, 2026.

REGISTER YOUR WINES HERE! The fee is $70.00 per wine entered.  Registered wines will be accepted through May 1st, 2026. Both International and domestic rosé wines are invited to participate. This includes sparkling, dry, and sweet wine categories.

We require four bottles of each wine entered, two for the competition, one to promote your wine at our annual “Fifty Shades of Pink” public fundraising event (info coming soon), and one signed bottle for our charity auction.

Why Enter THE Rosé Competition? THE Rosé Competition is International and features world-renowned judges from across the country who are professionals in the wine industry: They include chefs, sommeliers, retailers, writers, retailers & educators.

  • Winning medals can help boost sales and brand awareness.
  • Give your brand pride, prestige and bragging rights.
  • Gain recognition with consumers, distributors and retailers.
  • Wines awarded medals receive a beautiful Medal/Ribbon to display.
  • Digital medals are provided for promotions, online marketing, and social media.
  • Medals help you sell more wine!

We promote the results through our media partners and at our trade and consumer tasting events throughout the year. Complete results are listed on the AFWC website.

Thank you and we look forward to sharing your wines! Shari & Chris

Competition, History, Judging, People, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Virtual, Wine

Wilfred Wong – A TVS Fine Wine Gem!

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Talking about wine and it’s history with one of California’s great minds on those subjects, San Francisco’s own Wilfred Wong! Enjoy this video and the conversation we have about the recent SF Chronicle Wine Tasting and the old and rare wine gems we taste from Marimar Estate, Chateau Montelena and Lancaster Estate.

Awards, Competition, Event, Judging, People, Sommelier, Varietal, Wine

THE Results! The RosÉ Competition 2025

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The AFWC’s THE Rosé Competition 2025, which benefits multiple charities, is thrilled to announce the outcome of its twelfth annual event, hosted along with The Fort Lauderdale Women’s Club in South Florida on Saturday, May 31st, 2025. It was a special year welcoming Chris Sawyer to the team, and adding new categories due to the abundance of entries. (Scroll down for full results!)

Outstanding Winners in THE Rosé Competition 

The prestigious organization, The American Fine Wine Competition, which encompasses both THE Rosé Competition and The Invitational (held in January), has crowned the 2019 Gloria Ferrer Cuvee Rosé, Methode Champenois, as the Best of Show Sparkling ($94).  Located in Carneros (Sonoma), California, the wine is described by the judges as complex and elegant, with aromas of cranberries, strawberry, and rhubarb pie; apples, cherries and some spice.  It’s beautifully balanced and just delicious!

In the Dry Rosé category, the prestigious Best of Show title was bestowed upon V. Sattui Rosato di Pinot Noir, priced at $37. Last year V. Sattui earned Best of Show for their Sparkling Rose!  This winery is worth paying attention to! The judges were captivated by their juicy watermelon flavors and vibrant strawberries; and a sophisticated profile that culminates in a long, gratifying finish.

Moving to the Off Dry Rosé category, the highest accolade was secured by one of Sonoma’s most beautiful wineries, Deerfield Ranch.  Their Checkerbloom Rosé, made from organic Syrah grapes, at $28 impressed the judges! They were enchanted by the lusciousness and vibrant flavors.  A slightly sweet wine that should be enjoyed year-round.

A new category was introduced by Chris Sawyer this year called “Super Blend”, the blend of the winner was Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Black Muscat, Carignan and Syrah.  The winner was Banshee with 97 points.  Banshee is located in Sonoma and produces this magnificent wine plus multiple other varietals.

Congratulations to these exceptional Rosé wines and all the winners!

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This year, the event “Fifty Shades of Pink” followed THE Rosé Competition 2025 and was held on June 1st, also at the Ft. Lauderdale Women’s Club.  Attended by more than 150 guests, it proved to be a huge success for the charities as well as for the wineries. The event benefited both the Ft. Lauderdale Women’s Club and the Joel Feigenheimer Endowment Fund. It featured scores of magnificent award-winning Rosé wines plus fine red and white wines from AFWC’s The Invitational. Since its inception, AFWC has donated more than $1,250,000 to charity.

Awards, Competition, Event, Judging, Sommelier, Varietal, Wine

Feeling Pink? Time to Enter THE Rosé Competition 2025!

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THE Rosé Competition 2025 will be taking place on May 31st in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for its 12th edition!

Featuring world-renowned judges who are professionals in the wine industry. They include chefs, sommeliers, retailers, writers and educators

  •         * Winning medals can help boost sales and brand awareness.
  •         * Give your brand pride, prestige and bragging rights.
  •         * Gain recognition with consumers, distributors and retailers.
  •         * Wines awarded medals receive a beautiful Medal/Ribbon to display.
  •         * Digital medals are provided for promotions, online marketing, and social media.
  •       * Medals help you sell more wine

REGISTER HERE! The fee is $70.00 per wine entered.  Both International and domestic rosé wines are invited to participate: Including sparkling, dry, and sweet wine categories. (We require four bottles of each wine entered, two for the competition, one to promote your wine at our annual “Fifty Shades of Pink” fundraising event and one signed bottle for our charity auction.)  CHEERS! Chris & Shari

Awards, Farm, History, Judging, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Varietal, Virtual, Wine, Winery

A Visit With Mohr-Fry Ranches on THE VARIETAL SHOW

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Stuck in Lodi again? HELL yeah!Join THE VARIETAL SHOW for this special visit with Mohr-Fry Ranches, recently awarded 2025 Vineyard of the Year by California State Fair for  “Marian’s Vineyard”. We discuss gnarly old Zinfandel vines, the amazing Fry family who care for this famous vineyard planted in 1901, and a collection of seven other wonderful old Zinfandel plantings.

Joining us are my great friends Lodi Mayor Emeritus Mark Chandler, Stuart Spencer of St. Amant Winery (whose family has worked with the precious fruit from this historic vineyard for over three decades), and Fry family father Jerry, son Bruce and granddaughter Morgan (holding my camera).

Awards, Competition, Event, Holidays, Judging, Sommelier, Varietal, Wine

AFWC: THE ROSÉ COMPETITION Is OPEN!

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The American Fine Wine Competition is both pleased and honored to invite you to submit your rosé wines to THE Rosé Competition 2025. This will be the 12th edition of this noted wine competition, taking place in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on May 31, 2025. Our esteemed judges from across the country include a balance of sommeliers, chefs, wine writers, retailers and educators.     

REGISTER HERE! The fee is $70.00 per wine entered.  Registered wines will be accepted through May 15, 2025. Both International and domestic rosé wines are invited to participate. This includes sparkling, dry, and sweet wine categories.

We require four bottles of each wine entered, two for the competition, one to promote your wine at our annual “Fifty Shades of Pink” fundraising event (date and location will be announced soon), and one signed bottle for our charity auction. Thank you and we look forward to sharing your wines. ~Shari & Chris


Awards, Charity, Competition, Event, Food, Judging, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels, Wine

AFWC’s “One Thousand Bottles”: Sunday Jan 19th!

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AFWC’s “One Thousand Bottles”: Sipping through America

Get your TICKETS! January 19, 2025 from 6:30-9:00 PM

FIU CHAPLIN SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY ON THE PATIO (3000 NE 151st St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160)

This is the most exciting and exclusive wine tasting event of the year. More than 1,000 bottles of very special wines from the American Fine Wine Judging, The Invitational, are poured to our hundreds of wine-enthusiastic guests. It is a true Wine Extravaganza! SEE YOU THERE- CHRIS/SawyerSomm


Benefitting Charites are End Childhood Hunger and The Joel Feigenheimer Endowment Fund.

Competition, Judging, Sports, Tasting, Video, Virtual, Vlog, Wine

THE VARIETAL SHOW Is At The North Coast Wine Challenge!

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You read that right, three judges from the North Coast Wine Challenge, including special guest NFL Pittsburg Steelers‘ star safety DeShon Elliott, joins winemaker Jesse Katz, of Aperture Cellars, and Sawyer Somm on THE VARIETAL SHOW! DeShon shares how he soaked up the wine knowledge and talks competition flights.

SAVE THE DATE! North Coast Food & Wine Festival Saturday, June 15, 2024 @Luther Burbank Center for the Arts

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