Win One for the Sipper

By Wine Press Staff

Spangler Vineyards & Winery 2008 Malbec not only pleased the professional judges, but also the people who attended the 40th annual Greatest of the Grape on March 20.

The wine, made by 20-year winemaker Pat Spangler of Roseburg, earned the Platinum Award from the three-member panel of professional judges.

At the end of the 850-guest event held by the Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association at Seven Feathers Hotel & Casino Resort, Spangler's Malbec swept the crowd, winning the People's Choice Award as well.

The Greatest of the Grape featured 28 Southern Oregon wineries, each presenting its one best wine.

"Anytime you win an event against the best of wines, it's validation of what you're doing," said Spangler, who has owned his vineyard and winery in Green for the past six years. .

"It's extremely nice to be recognized by the judges and all the people at the show. To have yours picked as the best by both groups, the judges and the people, is very, very nice."

This year's professional wine judges were Sara Schneider, wine editor for Sunset Magazine, David Seaver of Wine Press Northwest, and David Tomsic, wine steward at Feast Restaurant in Florence. They did a blind tasting and judging of the 28 wine entries a month ago and the results weren't revealed until the event.

The culinary creations of 14 local restaurants were paired with the wine entries and judged.

For Greatest of the Grape wine competition results, please visit www.umpquavalleywineries.org.