We have always been a bit cautious in putting too much stock in wine competition results. In many cases, competition awards can be a mixed bag comparison of wine made from grapes in very different wine growing areas - including different states and even countries in some cases, judged by palates that come from all walks of life. Generally this can generate the perfect storm of subjective feedback that may or may not indicate a wines exemplary nature and in many cases is simply not an "apples to apples" comparison.

One competition that we do pay very close attention to is the Oregon Wine Competition where wines entered must be both grown and produced in Oregon.

The Oregon Wine Competition is one component of the Oregon Wine Experience & provides an excellent opportunity for Oregon winemakers to have a panel of internationally renowned experts assess their wine and in so doing bring awareness to the Oregon wine industry as a whole. The Competition has been open statewide since 2016, and since that time, 5 Master Sommeliers, 12 wine writers and 19 Masters of Wine have joined us to taste and evaluate the very best wines across Oregon. In many cases returning home a prolific supporter or Oregon wines.

Judging panels, each comprised of an experienced wine writer, a Master Sommelier and a Master of Wine, evaluate wines individually, single-blind over the course of the two days. Wines are NOT scored comparatively, rather using the 20 point system. All bottles are securely covered from delivery to completion to ensure impartiality. Flights are composed and spaced to ensure palate longevity for our judges & wines are served to the judges at proper temperature and equivalent aeration.

In 2023 the Oregon Wine Competition took place July 15-16 with awards announced in late August - executed by decade plus veteran Wine Competition Chairman Bruce Nicholson and an army of local sommeliers and wine professionals alongside, the Asante Foundation staff and local volunteers. All proceeds of the competition and events benefit the Children's Miracle Network and the Asante Foundation in both supporting healthcare for patients across the state. Our hats off to all of these amazing humans as this months releases are in tribute to their efforts.