The AFWC, now in its
7th year, is the world's largest and most prestigious American-only Invitational
and Gala in the country devoted solely to fine wines produced in the United States.
Wines are personally
invited, after being sampled by nationally renowned experts, insuring that only
the finest wines produced are included in the Competition. Many of the participating
wineries are boutique, family owned operations;
others are larger
more recognized labels. Each wine is personally invited once it is recognized as
being medal worthy by the AFWC acquisition team.
The AFWC is much more
than a single event; it is a series of events including monthly "Wine Socials",
a VIP Kick-off Reception, a Wine Carnival, and the world-class fundraising Charity
Wine Gala. Each event is created with the goal of introducing participants' wines
to enthusiasts in the trade, media and public and promoting those vital businesses
who become sponsorship partners. Sponsors of the AFWC are savvy local business
leaders who understand the magnitude of exposure these events brings to their business
as well as the benefits to the community. We rely on these businesses to help make
incredible events come to life.
The seventh annual AFWC
took place on January 19th & 20th, 2014 at Florida International University,
Biscayne Campus. The judging took place over a two-day period and is open only to
judges, sponsors, and invited media.
The Charity Wine Gala,
a fundraiser and celebration of all the spectacular wines submitted into the
competition, will take place at the Boca Raton Resort & Club on April 4,2014.
Over the past six years AFWC has raised more than $600,000 for local
non-profits.
AFWC judging system,
organized by Chief |udge, Monty Preiser, facilitates a four-member panel, consisting
of the best possible mix of industry professionals. Wines are poured in private
and then taken to the judging tables by AFWC "Wine Angels". Glasses are
numbered to correspond with the individual numbered wine bottles, which are kept
secret in the staging area. In order for a wine to be given any particular medal,
at least 75% of the panel must agree. The consensus necessary for individual awards
may well be reached through discussions led by the Panel Leader, who changes periodically
throughout the judging. Double Gold medals are given when 70% of the panel agrees
the wine is worthy of a Gold medal.
AFWC judges have no fiduciary
interest in any commercial winery distributorship or supplier. They are professionally
recognized as wine educators, wine writers, restaurateurs, and sommeliers. This
is truly a dream team of judges each possessing top qualifications, independence,
and the ability to bring a wide variety of experience to the table in the wine &
food industry. It is the combination of judges, wines, and the award system, that
makes this a unique competition rivaling all others in prestige.
UPCOMING AFWC EVENTS
WINE CARNIVAL & CONSUMER
CHALLENGE
The Sonoma House, Tuesday,
March 11, 2O14
AFWC Sponsors and charities
will host "carnival booths" where guests can play wine-themed games like
Ring the Wine Bottle, Toss the Ping Pong Ball into the wine glass, Wine Trivia,
Pull a Winning Cork and other fun games. Wine tables are supplied by Total Wines
& More, our retail wine sponsor and AFWC will pour some very special wines
from The Competition. Expect surprise tastings from visiting wineries. Enjoy
delicacies from local restaurants paired the fabulous wines. Enter the Consumer
Challenge Table to see how much you really know about wine and you could win
two tickets to the Charity Wine Gala! This is a fun and exciting evening for all
wine lovers to experience the AFWC and help raise funds for Deliver the Dream.
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at www.americanfinewinecompeition.org.
THE CHARITY WINE GALA
The Boca Raton Resort...April
4,2O14
The AFWC CharityWine Gala
is a night of indulgence, discovery, and giving. Guests will delight in visiting
"Winery Tasting Rooms" hosted by 30 of the top US winemakers. These winemakers
will be pouring the highest award winning wines of the competition. Guests will
also dine on a five-course gourmet feast, prepared by the Chefs of the Boca Raton
Resort & Club distinctly created to pair with the 750 wines from
The Competition. Wines
are poured tableside by 50 volunteer "Wine Angels".
Silent and live auctions
will take place with the proceeds going to this year's selected charity,
Deliver the Dream (www.deliverthedream.org). Our emcee and live auctioneer for
the evening is Alan Kalter, announcer for Late Night with David Letterman. The stunning
Hilary Kole, whose voice is known and loved around the world, will also entertain.
Attendees of this fabulous event are South Florida's top business
professionals, philanthropists, wine enthusiasts and collectors. Special rates for
the weekend of the Gala are available through the Boca Raton Resort. A ride home
can be arranged through Red Cap, a membership-car service, who are offering a special
to guests of the AFWC. Tickets for this event are $300 and can be purchased online
at: www.americanfinewinecompetition.org
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