Page 24 - Southern Oregon Magazine Fall 2022

buzz | tidbits

2022 OREGON WINE COMPETITION
®
WINNERS ANNOUNCED

$2.2 MILLION RAISED

he in-person and livestream Oregon Wine Competition event
Ttook place in August at Stage Pass, the new home of Oregon Wine
Experience. 83 Oregon wineries entered with hopes of taking home one
of five honors – Silver, Gold, Double Gold, Best of Class or Best of Show.
Below are the 2022 Best of Show honorees.

» Specialty: 2021 Erath Pinot Noir Rosé (Oregon AVA)

» White: 2021 King Estate Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley AVA)

» Red: 2019 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir
(Willamette Valley AVA)

In 2021, a new award was added, Best of Class, awarded to one wine of
any subcategory (i.e. Pinot Noir) that exceeds 20 entries, as deemed by
the panel of judges. This year, four subcategories met these qualifications:

» Pinot Noir: 2019 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir
(Willamette Valley AVA)

» Rosé: 2021 Erath Pinot Noir Rosé (Oregon AVA)

» Red Blend: 2020 Benedetto Vineyards Ricardo’s Reserve Red Wine
(Walla Walla Valley AVA)

» Syrah: 2018 Quady North Mae’s Vineyard Syrah
(Applegate Valley AVA)

The judges were impressed with the Italian varietals out of Southern
Oregon, as well as the representation of Syrah throughout the state.
Additionally, rosés were highly respected and awarded this year. The 2022
judges, which included a certified specialist of wine, masters of wine,
master sommeliers, and wine journalists, individually scored 304 wines
based on quality, typicity, balance and structure.

The Oregon Wine Competition continues to expand its reach through-
out the state. Wineries can submit their wines between April and June.
The five-day event, which included the Medal Celebration, Collectors’
Tasting, Founders Barrel Auction, Miracle Auction & Salmon Bake, and
Grand Tasting, raised $2.2 million for children’s healthcare through
Asante Foundation. “We’re so grateful for our sponsors, participat-
ing wineries, culinary partners, and volunteers who make this event a
success,” said Andrea Reeder, vice president and executive director of
Asante Foundation. “We couldn’t have this event without the Oregon
wine community – more than 100 wineries contributed to Oregon
Wine Experience this year. Thank you.”

www.theoregonwineexperience.com

22 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | fall 2022