TEMECULA, Calif., May 7, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Temecula Valley wineries walked off with 33 medals -- including 11 gold -- at the Pacific Rim International Wine Competition held at the Orange Show in San Bernardino.
The competition, which featured international judges and entrants from North and South America, Australia and New Zealand, attracted 452 wineries and 2,061 wines.
"I believe the greatest significance is the large number of gold medals and best of class awards," said Ray Falkner, winery owner and president of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, which represents more than 65 growers and vintners. "This once again shows how well Temecula Valley wines are received when tasted in a blind competition."
The results are even more impressive given the quality of the wines entered and the caliber of judges, many who come from all over the country.
"This is not a local competition but one that attracts some of the best known wineries in the business," said Joe Hart, winemaker and owner of Hart Winery, who won a gold medal and also was a judge in the competition.
Hart Winery was one of six Temecula Valley wineries that captured gold in the Pacific Rim competition. The winery's 2006 Rhone blend, Three ($18), was awarded a gold medal.
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa received golds and best of class for its 2007 Gewurtztraminer ($14) and Black Jack Port NV ($38). South Coast also won gold medals for Merlot Blanc ($14) and 2007 Sans Chene Chardonnay ($15).
Maurice Car'rie won golds and best of class with its 2007 Muscat Canelli ($12.95) and 2007 Sara Bella blush ($12.95).
Temecula Valley wines also receiving gold medals were Falkner's 2006 Viognier ($21.95), La Cereza's 2006 and 2007 Viognier ($24.95) and Wiens Family Cellars 2007 Chardonnay ($25).
The impressive showing is the latest achievement for Temecula Valley wines in competitions.
Temecula Valley wines entered in the 2008 New World International Wine Competition won 52 medals in a contest that attracted more than 2,000 wines from around the globe.
Wines from the Temecula Valley also walked off with 12 medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2008, which included entrants from nearly every major wine-producing region in the United States.
At the New World International Wine Competition held earlier this year, Temecula wineries captured six gold, 18 silver and 28 bronze medals.
The Temecula Valley is the premiere winemaking region in Southern California. Over the last decade, the number of wineries in Temecula's Wine Country has doubled and more new wineries are in the planning stages. More importantly, the area's reputation for making fine wine is on the rise as local wines continue to win major awards at wine competitions that include well-known domestic and international brands.
For more information, call the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association at 801-800-WINE or visit www.temeculawines.org.