Jeff’s Corner 10-21-22

Hello, Hello,

Today’s story is all about ME. That’s right, ME, ME, ME! Plus, a little wine thrown in for good taste.

Last week, Kath and I were on vacay in Eureka Springs way up in northwest Arkansas. Like most of Arkansas, the countryside (and the town) are absolutely stunning. Tuesday morning, I went out on the expansive deck of the Edelweiss Inn to stare at the forest, drink some coffee, and check my emails.

There, in my inbox, after a two-year covid hiatus were the words “Greetings! You are cordially invited to judge the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (SFCWC).” Yippee and Yowser! This will be our sixth trip out west, and I’m honored to be the only person from Texas ever to be invited to this very prestigious event.

Kathy and I are super-excited to see old friends we first met in 2016 and to share wine, food, laughter, and knowledge with great professionals from around the country. Judges are chosen from four categories of expertise: 1) Media, 2) Restaurant, Food and Hospitality Wine Buyers, 3) Retail Wine Buyers, and 4) Wine Education. Panels, when possible, are judges from different genres.

Since we are deep in MLB playoffs (go Astros!), it’s fair to say that the SFCWC is the World Series of American wine competitions. This year there should be around 6,500 entries. If you’re interested, lots of cool info and photos regarding this awesome event can be found at www.winejudging.com.

Judging lasts 3 days (January 17th through January 20th,) and I’ll score about 120 wines each day, with a fourth day (the “sweepstakes” round) where the best-in-show is chosen for white, red, rose, sparkling, and dessert wines. It happens fast, with about 60 seconds for each wine. This photo of ME is during the sweepstakes round.

Kath and I will be wined, dined, and spoiled in every possible way for four days as guests of the SFCWC. The event is held at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds in northern Sonoma County, on the banks of the Russian River. It’s gorgeous!

Don’t touch that dial, more later…