The field in the NI Fair and Rodeo wine competition

By the time this article is printed we will have reached the cut-off for entries to the inaugural North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Wine Competition. All we have to say is we are thrilled with the level of participation and excited for the judging. We have received entries from as far away New Zealand, Spain, Italy and France. Domestically we have received wine from California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

Varietally we have received wine in every category that we announced through the Fair, and then some. In short, we would say the field is robust, more so than we as judges and the Fair sponsors could have hoped for.

For the consumers and wine enthusiasts of North Idaho, this represents an amazing opportunity to try wines from close to 100 wineries spanning nearly 20 different varietal categories and countless appellations all in one spot, The North Idaho Fair and Rodeo, at one time Saturday, Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. So if you are a wine drinker, an enthusiast or a serious collector, there is only one place to be on that day and time, as you will be able to taste all of these wines and order them for retail purchase.

The scoring system agreed on by the judges and approved by the law firm of Winston Cashatt and attorney Kevin Breck will provide consumers with the winners' overall scores and the individual scores of the four judges. This will no doubt help in your choices of which wines to taste and potentially purchase as you will be able to track the judges with whom you most agree, or perhaps more importantly, with whom your palate agrees.

Also during the tasting, the winners of each varietal category and the best in show for both red and white wines will be announced publicly for the first time. While the pouring will be handled by our great local distributor partners, it is a pretty good bet that some of the winning winemakers will be there to talk about their wines and provide the back story on everything from vineyards to cooperage. Some of the judges will be there so you will have the opportunity to gain insights on the judging process and their ratings.

In addition to the judging of the wines, which will be based on color, bouquet, palate, length of finish, and varietal truth, we have added another more frivolous category of best label. While we are all focused on the caliber of the wine in the bottle, let's face it, there is some great label art out there that is fun and creative.

So if all of this is not enough to tempt you to attend this great event, here is a sampling of some of the wineries you will be able to taste at the event.

From Idaho, our local wineries are well represented by our great neighbors Coeur d'Alene Cellars, Pend Oreille Winery, Timber Rock and Reasons. Southern Idaho is represented by both 3 Horse Ranch and Hell's Canyon Winery.

Washington stand outs include Walla Walla Vintners, Bunnell, DeLille, Seven Hills, 2 Mountain, Dusted Valley, Brian Carter Cellars, Buty and more than we could list here. From Oregon, Chehalem, and Benton Lane lead a great line up. California has entries from Rodney Strong, Balletto, Skylark, Renwood, Steele and many more.

Internationally some of the most prominent producers from Spain, Italy, France, and New Zealand have submitted wine. This will perhaps be one of the most interesting comparisons of the old world versus new world wine making style, along with how our great Northwest producers do versus those from California.

Regardless of the impression of the judges, you will first hand be able to taste wines from all of these locations and winemakers and make your own decisions on what you like better stylistically.

Tickets are available from the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo as well as here at the dinner party, and at Daanen's Deli in Hayden. The cost of the tickets is $20, which includes admission to the Fair and the wine tasting, a logo wine glass and 5-2-ounce tastes of your choosing. Additional 2-ounce tastes can be purchased at the event.

So come join us for this epic event on Saturday, Aug. 28 at 4 p.m.

If there is a topic you would like to read about or questions on wine you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press, ldukes@cdapress.com.

George Balling is co-owner with his wife Mary Lancaster of the dinner party a wine and table top decor shop in Coeur d'Alene. George is also the managing judge of The North Idaho Fair and Rodeo wine competition, www.thedinnerpartyshop.com.