Every year I find myself looking forward to the month of February.  Not because it’s Superbowl season or Valentine’s Day, but because every year since l988, I’ve been helping run the Florida State Fair International Wine Competition.  I decided that if I had been doing something for 22 years and still enjoy it, it’s merely a bonus that it is held in Florida in February!  I also get to revisit many old friends and make a few new ones along the way. But don’t forget, tasting the entries at the end of the day…is a plus for anyone!

One of the main reasons I enjoy this competition is because it attracts wines from a very large area.  I get to see what all the different wine regions of our vast nation are doing with the grapes they grow.  Florida, New York, Texas, Wisconsin and Nebraska are a few of the states involved in the competition.  I also get to check out what is entered internationally. Of course, I am especially interested in the Pacific Northwest wines and how they fair with the other wines entered.

So how did Washington State do?  Very well indeed!

Congratulations to…