July 31, 2002 - Some of America’s most notable wine experts were in East Lansing this week to judge nearly 250 locally grown wines from 25 of Michigan’s 32 wineries. This year’s judges included Dan Berger, wine columnist for the L.A. Times and noted author and wine competition coordinator. He was joined by Doug Frost, the only American who is both a master of wine and a master sommelier. Also judging were well-known Michigan wine experts, including Madeline Triffon, master sommelier; Joe Borrello, executive director of Tasters Guild International; and Sandra Silfven, wine writer for the Detroit News.

The day-long event was held July 30 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing. Thirty gold medals were awarded to 13 wineries. From those, five wines were chosen to receive Best of Category awards:

This year’s competition carried on the event’s tradition of uniting some of the nation’s leading wine experts with those from Michigan to judge locally grown wines. The competition is open to wines made by licensed wineries from grapes grown in Michigan.

After the competition, Berger commented, "I wish these wines were available in California; there are exciting things here. These cool-climate wines are much better food wines than the big, heavy ones that get high scores from most of the wine magazines." Frost added, "There is a distinct style in these wines that can stand beside other major wine regions."

The superintendent and chief judge of the competition is Christopher Cook, a wine writer and frequent judge at national and international competitions. Cook noted that another record was set for number of entries and for number of wineries entered. "It is important that Michigan winemakers see this as a way to give credit where credit is due," he said.

In addition to the wines, seven fruit and grape brandies made locally from Michigan fruit were also judged. Six of the seven won gold medals, illustrating the quality of distilled spirits produced in the state.

The Michigan State Fair Wine and Spirits Competition is sponsored by the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, which is administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. A complete list of medal-winning wines is available at the council’s web site, www.michiganwines.com, or by calling 800/292-3939.

Editor’s Note: For complete competition results, contact information for the 20 judges, or photos from the competition, please contact Karel Bush at 517/241-4468.