Amateur Wine Competition

Results from the 2015 WineMaker Magazine International Amateur Wine Competition

The 2015 WineMaker Magazine International Amateur Wine Competition was, again, the largest contest of its kind in the world. A total of 2,825 different wines were judged at the Burlington Hilton in Burlington, Vermont, April 10–12. The entries arrived from hobby winemakers throughout North America in 49 American states and six Canadian provinces and as far away as China and Australia. It continues to be the single largest and most diverse collection of hobby wines assembled annually under one roof.

Examining each wine using the UC-Davis 20-point wine scale, which evaluates appearance, aroma, taste, aftertaste and overall impression, the judges awarded gold, silver, bronze and best of show medals based on the average score.

The wines were entered in 50 different categories and included an astonishing array of varietals and wine styles — kit wines competed alongside fresh-grape entries in this blind tasting.

The following are the Oregon and nearby Washington winners:

Michael Rinker, Kennewick, WA
Grand Champion Wine:
2013 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Steve Auer, Coos Bay
Gold: 2013 Baco Noir
Gold: 2014 Gewürztraminer

Paul Boyechko, Beaverton
Bronze: 2012 Cabernet Franc

Janet Joyer, Ashland
Silver: 2011 Estate Cabernet Franc (65%); Estate Merlot (35%)

Dave Blanchard, Mt. Angel
Gold: 2014 Estate Oregon Winter Apple

Terry Schulz, Stevenson, WA
Bronze: 2013 Syrah

Robert Pfingsten • Battle Ground, WA
Bronze: 2011 Tempranillo
Bronze: 2012 Malbec

Terry Schulz • Stevenson, WA
Gold: 2013 Port-Style Syrah