it’s a bountiful life
Interview by Linda DuBois • Photos courtesy of California State Fair & Food Festival
Sniff, swirl, sip repeat
Photos by Michael J. Flores
Photo by Michael J. Flores
Longtime judge explains how winning wines are chosen
Who produces the best wines in California? Each year, that decision rests in the hands of about 50 judges for the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. Dating back to 1854, America’s oldest wine-judging event, held over three days in June, tasks respected wine experts—makers, growers, merchants, writers, promoters and educators—with choosing the best from among 3,000 wines in 118 categories from 11 different wine regions throughout the state. They also select eight Best of Shows, a best value wine winner and Golden State Winery of the Year. Entries include wine, brandy, port, sherry, low-alcohol wine, dealcoholized wine and vermouth. Nick Karavidas has judged wine competitions for 31 years and this one for about eight. After entering the wine business 42 years ago at age 18, he went on to become a winemaker, vineyard owner and renowned consultant.
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July/August 2023
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