I was recently invited to participate in a “Celebrity Press Judging” for the 4th Annual American Fine Wine Competition that offered a sneak peek at some of this year’s vinous contenders! As the name implies, this competition celebrates only American produced wines while raising money for some fantastic local charities in the process. The wines for the event are selected by Co-founders Shari Gherman and Monty and Sara Preiser, all wine industry insiders who held the first AFWC event in 2007. In the past three years, the competition has created awareness of hundreds of wines produced in the U.S., many of which are from small, independent boutique wineries.

The press judging was held at Jet Runway Café in Ft. Lauderdale and involved a presentation of four flights of wine including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The setting was impressive, featuring a lineup of private jets on the tarmac directly outside the expansive windows that surrounded our tables – appropriate ambiance for the presentation of the “flights!” We swirled and sipped our way though the four wines in each flight, assigning them rankings and an ultimate ”medal” designation during the interactive judging process.

Following the judging portion of the evening, we were treated to a five course dinner prepared by Silver Lining Catering that paired beautifully with the selection of wines. The fabulous menu included Lobster, Crab and Coconut Ceviche which harmonized beautifully with the selection of Chardonnays from Phelps Creek, Castillo de Amorosa, Deerfield, and Mattabella; Crisped Pan Seared Salmon with Braised Red Cabbage, Parsnip Puree and Balsamic Reduction that was perfect with Pinot Noirs from Russian Hill, Z’IVO, Gunthier, and Papapietro; Hand Rolled Three Mushroom Ravioli with Pesto Cream Sauce, Cabernet Reduction and Fresh Herbs that was enhanced with both the Cabernet Sauvignon from Pope Valley, Mithra, Seven Hills, Barnett AND the Pinot Noir (yes, I cheated!) and lastly, one of my all time faves, Syrah Braised Short Rib with Sage Infused Winter Root Vegetable Hash that was positively delicious paired with the Syrah selections from David Earthquake, Bianchi, Brochelle and Hyde Vineyard. Ahhh, all in a day’s tasting!

The 4th Annual American Fine Wine Competition will take place on January 16 & 17, 2011 at the Hyatt Pier 66 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The competition, featuring more than 600 wines and judged by some of South Florida’s most respected wine professionals, is closed to the public, but don’t fret! All of the wines can be tasted, accompanied by a wine-inspired four course dinner, at the American Fine Wine Competition Gala on February 12, 2011. In addition to the food and wine, highlights include Guest emcee, Alan Kalter (announcer for the Late Show with David Letterman), performing artist Michael Israel and internationally acclaimed Saxophonist Dayve Stewart & The Vibe. Proceeds from the Gala will benefit the Diabetes Research Institute and the Sun Sentinel Children’s Fund. Hope to see you Floridians there for an evening of food, wine and fun, all for a very good cause!