About the Sonoma County Harvest Fair Rating System

Sonoma Harvest Fair (est. 1975): Celebrates local growers/makers. Top regional wine competition judged by experts. Highlights local food & crafts. Showcases Sonoma wine, food, agriculture.

How Sonoma County Harvest Fair Rates

The Sonoma County Harvest Fair Professional Wine Competition employs a medal-based system for evaluating wines, rather than a direct 100-point scoring system. Here's a breakdown based on the information available:

About the Awards:

The Sonoma County Harvest Fair awards medals to recognize high-quality wines made from Sonoma County grapes.

Gold Medal: Awarded to wines that "define the varietal character in a manner only rarely encountered."
Silver Medal: Awarded to wines that show "superior varietal character."
Bronze Medal: Awarded to wines that show "significant, above average definition."
Double Gold: Awarded when all judges unanimously agree on a Gold Medal.
Best of Class: Selected from Gold and Double Gold winners in each category.
Sweepstakes: The highest award, given to one white, one red, and one specialty wine chosen from the "Best of Class" winners.

Sonoma County Harvest Fair History

The Sonoma County Harvest Fair serves as a vibrant celebration of the region's agricultural, industrial, and recreational producers. Since its establishment in 1975, it has evolved into a beloved annual event, attracting both local residents and international visitors. The fair has gained prominence as a premier regional wine judging competition, showcasing the exceptional quality of Sonoma County's wineries, restaurants, and farms.

At the heart of the Harvest Fair lies the Professional Wine Competition, a rigorous three-day event that draws expert judges from across the United States. These judges, including renowned wine writers, institutional buyers, and culinary professionals, evaluate over 900 wines, all crafted from Sonoma County grapes. The sweepstakes award winners earn significant local and national recognition, often citing this accolade as a career highlight.

Despite its national acclaim, the Harvest Fair maintains a strong local identity. The majority of competition exhibits are exclusively open to Sonoma County residents, and the food vendors and craftspeople are primarily local. This commitment to local participation ensures an authentic representation of the region's unique culture and offerings.

The Sonoma County Harvest Fair stands as a signature event, highlighting the extraordinary wine, food, and agricultural bounty of the region. It provides a platform for local producers to showcase their talents and products, while attracting visitors to experience the vibrant harvest season. By blending national prestige with local charm, the Harvest Fair has cemented its place as a cornerstone of Sonoma County's cultural landscape.

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