I have the pleasure of once again judging Washington wine at the Boeing Employees Wine and Beer Makers Club (BEWBC) Winefest. The BEWBC has been going for over 40 years strong, and many members are now making and selling their wines commercially: Nota Bene Cellars, Willis Hall Wines, and Cadence Winery were all founded by participants in the BEWBC.
What I like about this competition is, well, it doesn’t seem like a competition. It’s more of a chance for winemakers to get feedback in a totally casual environment. (Lots of shorts and sandals when I was last a judge, two years ago.) You’ve also got to love a wine competition that is followed by a potluck and a swim in the pool. This is not to say the actual judging is not serious; we will be evaluating the wines on the 20-point scale developed at the famous wine school at UC Davis, which involves filling out a form like this:
I was stunned to get to taste the wine in the top photo. I never thought a 1969 Ste. Michelle Vineyards “American” Cabernet Sauvignon existed. Though it was way past its prime, it was definitely an experience akin to drinking Washington wine history. You can read more about my experience of judging 2010’s BEWBC Winefest
Judgement Day: Boeing Winemakers Club
Now, where’s my swimsuit?
