Benefiting Asante Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network
The Southern Oregon World of Wine festival, held each August, has a new twist thanks to the Asante Foundation. Considered the premier wine event for Southern Oregon, the event is now the premier fundraising event in support of local medical care at Asante.
Funds raised this year from the Southern Oregon World of Wine will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network and other Asante Foundation programs. The goal is to build the Southern Oregon World of Wine festival into a destination event that celebrates the wine industry and highlights the culinary, hospitality, natural beauty, cultural and outdoor activities of Southern Oregon.
This year, WOW is set for August 19 – 23 and takes place on the historic Bigham Knoll Campus at 525 Bigham Knoll Drive in Jacksonville. The event boasts wines from 50+ Southern Oregon wineries, offering attendees a rare opportunity to meet and greet the wine makers.
This year’s events and classes include:
Sensory Classes: Thirsty for more than just a sip? Delve into the ‘World of Wine’ the week of the event with wine sensory, evaluation and education classes scheduled for Wednesday, August 20 through Friday, August 22.
Medal Dinner, Friday August 22, 6 pm: Join fellow wine lovers for an enchanted evening under the stars where the Gold Medal/Best of Show Wines will be announced and paired with culinary delights. The evening is sure to be the Rogue Valley’s most magical dining experience of the year and includes a seated five-course Winemaker’s Dinner, live auction, silent auction, wine barrel art, raffles and more.
Grand Tasting, Saturday August 23, 6 pm: Enjoy a fine culinary and wine experience as you sample wines and indulge in a succulent array of tasty treats prepared by local master chefs. The popular Grand Tasting offers a rare opportunity to meet your favorite Southern Oregon winemakers and industry professionals all in one place! Winemakers and owners from 50+ wineries will showcase more than 100 of the best wines, all unique to the region. The event includes musical entertainment and a silent auction.
As has been the case for 11 years, The Wine Competition will feature some of the best wines from Southern Oregon that will be tasted and judged by a panel of renowned judges. The blind tastings will be done on Thursday and Friday, the week of the event with all winning wines to be showcased at the Medal Dinner and Auction on Friday.
This year’s prestigious judges are:
Dilek Caner, MW,the only Master of Wine residing in Texas. After teaching several classes at American Sommelier Association and Institute of Culinary Education, Dilek founded Tasting World.
Amy Christine, MW,works for Kermit Lynch Wine Broker, a boutique Burgundy and Bordeaux importer in Berkeley. She owns and operates the artisanal winery Black Sheep Finds. She is also a partner in Wine Ring, an online program that helps users determine their wine preferences based on proprietary algorithms and then makes appropriate recommendations.
Mike Dunne, Wine Writer, is a freelance wine writer and consultant. As the former food editor, wine columnist and restaurant critic of The Sacramento Bee, he continues to contribute a weekly wine column to The Bee and its online platforms. Most recently, he served as a judge for this year’s San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
The Southern Oregon Wine Region is one of the most diverse wine regions in the world. The AVA, which was made official in 2004, offers one of the largest collections of handcrafted wineries in the country. Its eclectic and cutting-edge winemakers offer old and new world styles of winemaking. Vintners and winemakers will showcase more than 200 wines with a variety of classic and traditional varietals including: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc as well as Tempranillo, Viognier and Albarino.
Be sure to get your tickets early at www.worldofwinefestival.com for more info.