Sf Chronicle Wine Competition

What a great event… there is no words to describe. Perfect opportunity to try the best wines under one roof. Suggestions — arrive early and get a parking pass! Well worth it. We arrived late due to the traffic arriving in to San Fran. One disappointment — the tickets said the event was from 1:30pm — 5:30pm but the wineries were closing «shop» closer to 4:30. With our late arrival we felt a little cheated. Plan to go again — but next time we may just stay in the city to avoid the never ending gridlock.

The most prestigious wine tasting of American wines was yesterday and I was ecstatic to be there.
The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition tasting happens only once a year at the conclusion of a long collection and judging process.
The medal winners are invited to attend this public tasting which showcases the wines and the wine-​makers.
VIPs have an hour in advance of the general public to circulate through the floor.
Overall judge favorites are called «sweepstakes» winners and other medals are gold, silver or bronze.
With over 3000 wines judged during the week or more competition up in Cloverdale, it is wonderful that the public tasting is here at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco.
You get a baguette upon entering and a wine glass. There are 6 or more rows of wineries, food vendors, sponsor tables! The best overall wines are in an upstairs space at the end of the building.
Whole Foods provided delicious Alter Ego chocolates and a deal of $ 3/​stem for red roses as well as cheese and appetizers.
Stella Artois has a silver bus at the rear of the Pavillon dispensing beer and beautiful signature glasses. How nice!
Wineries did some festive arrangements on their tables to surround their pride & joys: the winning bottles of wine.
I enjoyed an incredible ice wine from Debonne Vineyards of Ohio that I would not have known about otherwise. My other tastes included Gloria Ferrer’s Va De Vi sparkling and a nice Moscato from Jacuzzi Family vineyards.
Just being recognized with an award was a triumph for winemakers and some could not afford to be present but their wines were still presented; such as Frambroise liquor from Galena Cellars which was a brandy spirit.
With tremendous excitement I attended this grand wine tasting and I was not disappointed. Top of class wines with delicious food and the company of over 5200 wine aficianados, the SFCWC tasting was the best gift for me this Valentine’s Day.