July 31, 2008

Who: Respected judges from around the country and across the state

What: 31st Annual Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition and Gold Medal Reception

When: Competition - Tuesday, August 5, 2008 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
          Gold Medal Reception - Thursday, August 7, 2008 - 5-8 p.m.
 
Where: Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, East Lansing

• Judges include wine experts from around the country, including Master Sommeliers Madeline Triffon and Claudia Tyagi, as well as internationally known authors, winemakers and wine educators. A complete list is attached.
  
  
• Members of the media are invited to film and photograph the proceedings and interview judges. Please be aware that scent may not be worn by anyone entering the judging area.
  
  
• Members of the media are also invited to attend the Gold Medal Reception, where Best of Class trophies will be presented to winners of the top awards. Tickets for the public are $40 and are available from the Kellogg Center at 517-432-4000.
  
  
• To view the complete competition materials, visit www.michiganwines.com and click on  "Industry Resources."
  
  
• Results will be faxed to fill media requests, and posted online at www.michiganwines.com. Photos will be available; direct requests to Karel Bush at bushk9@michigan.gov or 517-241-4468.

Judges for the 2008 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition
Christopher Cook, Superintendent

Ian Barry -- Swedish Hill Winery
Joe Borrello -- President, Tasters Guild International
Brian Cain -- Viviano Wine Importers
David Creighton -- Wine Writer and Veteran Judge
Amanda Danielson -- Trattoria Stella
Michelle DeHayes -- Matt Prentice Restaurant Group
Murli Dharmadhikari -- Iowa State University
David Ethridge -- President, Tasters Guild-Lapeer
Joel Goldberg -- Publisher, michwine.com
Bill Harrison -- Lawton Ridge Vineyards
Eleanor Heald -- Wine Writer, Appellation America, Quarterly Review of Wines
Raymond Heald -- Wine Writer, Appellation America, Quarterly Review of Wines
Giri Iyengar -- US Wine Imports
Ann Littlefield -- Wine Marketing Specialist and Professional Judge
Pat Maloney -- Gilmore Collection
Roz Mayberry -- Wine Buyer, D&W Fresh Market
Richard Scheer -- Owner, Village Corner Wine Shop
Steve Scheffel -- Wine Manager, Goodrich’s ShopRite
Sandra Silfven -- Wine Writer, Detroit News Wine Report
Ron Sobor -- Wine Writer and Veteran Judge
Madeline Triffon -- Master Sommelier; Director of Wine, Matt Prentice Restaurant Group
Claudia Tyagi -- Master Sommelier, Consultant
James VanderKolk -- Elite Brands