Wines from the MWT are receiving increasing recognition from national and international competitions for the production of quality wines from the AVA.
George Hodson, MWT President, said, “It is an exciting time to be a part of the Monticello AVA. We have dynamic winemakers who are shaping the AVA into a unique wine region, producing wines that are an authentic expression of place. The wines continue to improve and through the success member wineries have had in national and international competitions we are gaining a reputation for high quality wines.”
Each year member wines also have the chance to be judged among each other in the annual Monticello Cup Wine Competition. The member only competition will be held Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at the Capital Wine School in Washington DC. All entered wines must contain a minimum of 85% fruit from the Monticello AVA.
Judges include Swati Bose – Flight Wine Bar, Booth Hardy – Barrel Thief Wine, Dave McIntyre – Wine Writer for Washington Post, Frank Morgan – Drink What You Like, Chris Parker – New Horizon Wines, Lindsey Parris – DipWSET and MW candidate, Erin Scala – Sommelier at Fleurie, Neal Wavra – Field & Main, and Jay Youmans, MW – Owner of Capital Wine School and Rock Creek Wine Merchants.
Competition Coordinator Matthew Brown (CSW, WSET Advanced) said, “Although Jefferson’s viticultural efforts fell short, the AVA has finally come of age, producing not only some of the best wines in Virginia, but some of the finest in the county. The top tier industry professionals comprising this year’s judging panel reflect the incredible rise of quality winegrowing in our region.”
Results from the Monticello Cup will be announced live in a ticketed public event at the Jefferson Theater on Thursday, April 13. The event officially marks the start of the Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival, which celebrates the best of Monticello AVA. Additional information and tickets will be available soon on www.monticellowinetrailfestival.com