Steven Spurrier founded the prestigious London-based world wine awards in 2004.

Since then, the competition has grown in popularity and has become the largest wine competition in the world. In fact, the Decanter awards receive over 15,000 entries each year from various wine producers worldwide.

One of the most renowned wine magazines in the world, The British Decanter Magazine hosts the world wine awards every year. Each year, the Decanter awards bring together over 200 wine experts from all over the world to judge the wines. Notably, Steven Spurrier chairs the group of judges which includes 66 masters of wine and master sommeliers.

Examples of renowned judges at the Decanter World Wines Awards include Paz Levinson and Stephen Brook. Paz is the Cheffe Sommelière Exécutif at MAISON Pic, at the awards she was the Regional Chair for Argentina & South America. Stephen Brook is the author of The Wines of California and The Complete Bordeaux. During the 2018 Decanter awards, he was the Regional Chair for Piedmont.

Decanter World Wine Awards

Judging & Awarding

A preliminary rating takes place before the official wine tasting and judging happens. The rating involves logging, categorizing and coding each of the wine entries based on; country, region, grape, color, vintage, style, and price. Categorizing ensures judges appraise the wine in flights against their peers.

Although it’s a blind tasting competition, judges know beforehand the region, style and price bracket of the wine. However, they are not aware of the producer, wine name or wine brand. The tasting led by a category by a category specialist happens in categories beginning with the region or area of origin. For example, a Champagne specialist will lead a panel of Champagne experts judging Champagne. Once the judges taste the wines, they compare their notes and reach a consensus on each wine’s medal. In case the judges disagree, the regional chairs re-taste the wine and issue a way forward.

All wine produced for commercial use is eligible to enter the international wine competition, except fruit-flavored wine. The international wine award uses two rating systems, to ensure that everybody reviewing the results of the competition understands them.

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It is fresh and has an intense and vibrant, fruity aroma. The palate has hints of dry fruit, wood and citrus flavors.

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The Winery at Wolf Creek

Andrew Wineberg founded the winery in 1980 on his parents’ property and sold its first wine in 1985. The vineyard first had Vidal, Seyval, Cayuga White, Chancellor, Leon Millot, Vignoles and Dechaunac grapes. However, Andy Troutman introduced European grape varieties like Muscat, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling, after buying the estate in 2002. The winery specializes in producing award-winning wines from the estate grapes.

The Winery at Wolf Creek is family-friendly, with various indoor games and outdoor activities that the entire family can enjoy. For example, guests can sit indoors and play board games, or take a stroll through the acres of wildflowers and vines. Alternatively, guests can enjoy a picnic on the beautiful grounds, while drinking amazing great Ohio state wine. The winery also has events throughout the year, including Yappy Hours, a charity event where guests indulge in amazing wines accompanied by their canine friends.

Ferrante Winery

Nicholas and wife Anna Ferrate founded the Ferrante winery in 1937. Later, in the 1970’s, their sons built a state-of-the-art winemaking facility. In 1980, the estate built an exquisite Italian restaurant. This well-rated restaurant was created to serve delicious Italian cuisine perfectly paired with the estate’s fine wines.

Ferrante winery produces delicious Ohio state wine from premium estate grown Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Chardonnay grapes. Also, the estate makes excellent Ice Wines from Cabernet Franc and Vidal Blanc grapes.

Ferrante wines are among the most popular Grand River Valley wines. Moreover, their popularity grows with each passing year. For example, the Vidal Blanc Ice Wine received a Gold award in 2013. As well, it received a Double Gold award in the 2013 and 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competitions.

Although the winery is a hidden gem, it’s always bustling with patrons. Most people visit the winery to enjoy Ohio state wine or to have a delicious Italian meal at the restaurant. The winery has a beautiful patio overlooking the beautiful vineyards, from where guests can enjoy wine during the summer. Alternatively, in winter guests can enjoy an amazing variety of wine flights next to the fireplace in the tasting room. Also, Ferrante hosts various events such as the “Behind the vine barrel tasting”. Events like these allow individuals to taste the new release wines.

Conclusion

Ohio wineries have something for everyone, from the Oenophile to someone discovering their wine palette. Therefore, explore all that the Ohio wineries have to offer, including the annual events held at the wineries. It is the only way to discover one of Ohio’s best-kept secret–wine.