Spangler Sweeps "Greatest of the Grape" Award

The wines of Southern Oregon were the stars of last Saturday's Greatest of the Grape event held at Seven Feathers Casino Resort & Spa.

A sold-out crowd of 850 guests and volunteers attracted to the oldest wine celebration in the state of Oregon. This year's tribute to "40 Grapeful Years" featured vintages from 28 Umpqua and Rogue Valley wineries along with food pairings from 14 area restaurants.

The 2010 wine competition was judged by Sara Schneider, Wine Editor for Sunset Magazine, David Seaver of Wine Press Northwest, and David Tomsic, Sommelier at Feast Restaurant.  Throughout the event guests enjoyed voting to name the "People's Choice Awards" for their favorite wine and wine & food pairings.

Food Awards
Winner:
Umpqua Community College Culinary School, Thai Chicken Sausage Canapes with Fresh Mango Salsa


First Runner Up:
Tomaselli's Pastry Mill & Café, Grapefruit Poached Scallops in Mascarpone Cream & Black Pepper Strawberries

Wine Awards
Platinum:
Spangler Vineyards, Umpqua Valley, 2008 Malbec

Gold:
Troon Vineyard, Applegate Valley, 2006 Old Vine Meritage
Girardet Wine Cellar, Umpqua Valley, 2008 Bonnie's Barrel Zinfandel
Foris Winery, Rogue Valley, 2008 Riesling
Bradley Vineyards, Umpqua Valley, 2008 Dry Riesling
Cliff Creek Cellars, Rogue Valley, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

Silver:
Brandborg Vineyard & Winery, Umpqua Valley, 2008 Pinot Gris
Anindor Vineyards, Umpqua Valley, 2007 Pinot Gris
Melrose Vineyards, Umpqua Valley, 2008 Viognier
Daisy Creek Vineyard, Rogue Valley, 2008 Sangiovese Rosé

People's Choice Awards
Best White Wine
Winner:
Trium Winery, Rogue Valley, 2008 Pheasant Hill Vineyard Pinot Gris

Runner Up:
Becker Vineyard, Umpqua Valley, 2008 Muller Thurgau

Best Red Wine
Winner:
Palotai Vineyard, Umpqua Valley, 2006 Attila

Runner Up:
Abacela, Umpqua Valley, 2005 Tempranillo Reserve

Wine & Food Pairing

Winner:

Troon Vineyard, Applegate Valley, 2006 Old Vine Meritage with Rumaki-Date & Almond Wrapped in Bacon by Aromatica's Feast

Runner Up:

Abacela, Umpqua Valley, 2005 Tempranillo Reserve with Braised Pork Shoulder with Molé by Carlos Restaurante

The "Greatest of the Grape" Award
Spangler Vineyards, Umpqua Valley, 2008 Malbec