Foothill wineries win “double gold,” “best of class” and other top honors at State Fair wine competition

FOOTHILL WINERIES EARNED numerous awards in the 2017 California State Fair wine tasting competition. Winners included Andis Wines, Avanguardia, Cooper Vineyards, Montoliva Vineyard & Winery, Naggiar Vineyards, Nevada City Winery, Sierra Starr Vineyard and Szabo Vineyards.

Andis won a “Best of California” for its 2013 Painted Fields red blend; Avanguardia won a “Best of Class of Region” for its 2014 L’edonista sparkling wine; Cooper won “Best of Class of Region” for its 2016 Roundpen Rosé; Montoliva won “Best of Class of Region” for its 2013 Nebbiolo; Sierra Starr won a “Double Gold” and “Best of Class of Region” for its 2015 Cosmic Reserve Chardonnay; and Szabo won a “Double Gold” and “Best of Class of Region” for its 2013 Primitivo, among other honors for the region’s wineries.

Some 2,663 wines from more than 711 California wineries entered this year’s competition with 137 double gold medals, 295 gold medals and 1,051 silver medals awarded. Only wines made with fruit grown in California were judged in the competition. Wines are evaluated by class, varietal, style and region based upon the source of the grapes. Judges from all over the country and California judged the wines during a three day competition in March.

Top wines including “Best of Region” and “Best of California” winners will be featured at the California State Fair in the Save Mart Wine Country for visitors to enjoy July 14 – July 30. Dating back to 1854, the California State Fair Wine Competition is America’s oldest and most prestigious wine event. A complete list of winners can be found here.

(Photo: David Wong)