Illinois State Fair Wine Competition

Sponsored by: The Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Association

Competition: June 2-4, 2008
University of Illinois Campus, Urbana, IL

Competition Entry Deadline:
May 28, 2008

> Click here for the 2008 ILLINOIS STATE FAIR OFFICIAL RESULTS
> Click here for the COMMERCIAL Wine Competition Booklet
> Click here for the AMATEUR Wine Competition Booklet

Who competes?
The competition is open to only Illinois commercial wineries and Midwest amateur winemakers. The competition will be held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on June 2-4, but is not open to the public. This event is sponsored by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA). The sponsors strongly encourage not only all of the wineries to enter, but also as many amateurs as possible since this is where many of Illinois’ future winemakers get their start. The commercial entry fee is $35 and the amateur entry fee is $10. Entry applications, rules and requirements can be found on-line at www.illinoiswine.com or by contacting Megan Pressnall, IGGVA Director of External Relations at 217-782-6515. Deadline for entries is May 28, 2008.

What's the current judging situation and a brief explanation of the process:
There will be 15 judges from all across the Midwest for the competition. Judging will be based on color, balance, aroma, clarity, taste and finish. Entries will be judged against themselves on a point system. Twenty being the highest point mark, all wines with a score of 17 and above will receive a gold metal, 15 and above will receive a silver medal and wines 12 and higher will be award a bronze medal. All gold medal winners will then compete for Best of Show. The special recognition of “Governor’s Cup” will be awarded to the best red, white and fruit wines produced from Illinois fruit.

Who judges?
A world class panel of wine experts will be judging, including:
Glenn Bardgett, Sauce Magazine, MO
Ellie Butz, Purdue University
Mary Lynn Gietl, Corkscrew wine Emporium, IL
Mel Runge, Wine Connoisseur, IL
Stephen Somermeyer, Chateau Thomas Winery, IN
Ted Wichman, Owl Creek Winery (retired), IL

What are the judges qualifications?
The judges’ backgrounds vary widely. Some are enologists or viticulturists from other states, some are wine makers from the Midwest, some are wine writers and sommeliers, and some are professional appreciators with exceptional palates.

Where in the nation are they coming from to judge?
All across the Midwest, including IL, IN, KY, MN, MO, OH

What does this wine competition do for the industry?
The Illinois wine industry has really exploded. Less than a decade ago there were just a few wineries throughout the state of Illinois. Today, there are 72 commercial wineries with a $250 million economic impact on the state. The competition not only raises the value of several Illinois wines but also brings national recognition and credibility to their products. Many Illinois wines have not only won medals in the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition, but have won national and international competitions in their categories.

How many bottles are judged?
Last year, there were approximately 340 commercial entries and 110 amateur entries.