American Fine Wine Competition: A Celebration of the Best of the Best
The Count Down Begins
While many people start New Year’s resolutions right after the first of the year, some begin counting the days until the American Fine Wine Competition (AFWC) in the midst of what’s become known as Dry January.
The 2025 Wine Competition
The 2025 wine competition will take place from January 18-20 at the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management in North Miami. Judges this year will evaluate over 700 wines, but the public will also get a taste of the event at the "1,000 Bottles-Sipping through America" event on January 19.
Why AFWC Stands Out
"I cannot believe it’s been 18 years since we started this mission here in South Florida," says Miami native Shari Gherman, co-founder and president of the American Fine Wine Competition. "I’m proud and honored to have developed amazing relationships with such outstanding wineries. Through our events, countless Winery Wine Clubs have built their membership base, consumers have been introduced to wines they otherwise would never have tried, and we continue to grow and support local charities by donating more than $1.12 million so far. In addition, students of FIU who participated with us, have gone on to exciting careers in the wine world."
What the Judges Say
Ellen Landis, St. Petersburg
"The American Fine Wine Competition is all about unveiling the Best of the Best wines made in the USA," says Landis, wine writer, certified sommelier, and professional wine judge. "It’s unique in that only wines that are officially invited can enter, and those invited wines have been vetted by one of the selected acquisition specialists. The result is remarkable flights of high-caliber wines."
Chris Sawyer, Petaluma, California
Sawyer, a longtime wine judge, wine writer, and sommelier, considers the AFWC to be one of the finest competitions in America and the best on the East Coast. "Not only are some of the best palates involved in the competition," Sawyer says, "but we all learn about new, up-and-coming brands and get to taste so many different grape varieties. This is super beneficial for consumers when these special wines win big. For wineries, they get the advantage of winning awards from an extremely reputable competition."
Yanique Deal, Fort Lauderdale
Deal was in her mid-20s when she first felt the wine attraction. "I am a science nerd to my core," says Deal, Vidal Duart Wine Studies Program Coordinator at FIU’s Chaplin School. "So for me, it was the fascinating science of winemaking that drew me in to the wine industry and I have been hooked ever since." Deal, a certified sommelier, went on to earn degrees in Wine Studies-Business Management and Enology and has worked as an assistant winemaker.
Winners and Losers
Here are some AFWC double gold winners that are available locally:
- Whitehall Lane 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley, $27. Basser’s Fine Wine, Coral Springs, BassersFineWine@gmail.com.
- Carol Shelton Wines 2021 "Monga Zin" Zinfandel, Cucamonga Valley, Calif., $35. Total Wine & More, totalwine.com.
- Buena Vista Winery 2021 Chardonnay, Carneros, Calif., $43. Total Wine & More, totalwine.com.
- Ridge Vineyards 2020 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah Dry Creek Valley, Calif., $52.25. Wine Watch, Fort Lauderdale, winewatch.com.
- Sinegal Estate Winery 2021 "Details by Sinegal" Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County, $50. ABC Fine Wine &Spirits, abcfws.com.
- ZD 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $60. Ocean Wine & Spirits, Fort Lauderdale, Oceansliquor.com.
- Domaine de la Rivière 2022 Middle Reach Vineyards Pinot, Russian River Valley, $85. The Wine Wave, Delray Beach, thewinewave.com.
One Thousand Bottles-Sipping Through America
If you’d like to try some of this year’s award-winning wines, plan to attend the "One Thousand Bottles-Sipping Through America" 6:30-9 p.m. January 19 at FIU Chaplin School. Not only will you be able to taste a variety of high-quality wines, you’ll also be helping two causes: End Childhood Hunger and the Joel Feignheimer Endowment Fund.
Conclusion
The American Fine Wine Competition is a celebration of the best of the best wines made in the USA. With over 700 wines to be evaluated, this competition is a must-attend event for wine enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try some of the award-winning wines and support a great cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When and where is the 2025 American Fine Wine Competition?
A: The 2025 wine competition will take place from January 18-20 at the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management in North Miami.
Q: How many wines will be evaluated at the competition?
A: Over 700 wines will be evaluated at the competition.
Q: What is the "1,000 Bottles-Sipping Through America" event?
A: The "1,000 Bottles-Sipping Through America" event is a public tasting event where attendees can try a variety of award-winning wines and support two great causes: End Childhood Hunger and the Joel Feignheimer Endowment Fund.
Q: How can I attend the "1,000 Bottles-Sipping Through America" event?
A: Tickets for the "1,000 Bottles-Sipping Through America" event can be purchased at americanfinewinecompetition.org.
Q: What is the cost of attending the "1,000 Bottles-Sipping Through America" event?
A: The cost of attending the "1,000 Bottles-Sipping Through America" event is $95 per person.
