Welcome to the 2022 Monterey International Wine Competition!
You are cordially invited to enter the 29th annual Monterey Wine Competition, an international wine competition to be held at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds on March 12, 2022.
What is it that makes Monterey unique among competitions and worthy of your consideration? This year we will again be including scores on all wines rated Gold or above for use in your marketing strategy. I've found in my discussions with wineries that awards are a useful tool in the tasting room and on shelf talkers, but that the power of a two-digit score in today's age of social media is of significant value to wineries that have implemented such strategies into their overall marketing plan. We're offering both, so you can use whatever combination works best for you. In addition, are pleased to partner with the internationally renowned website winereviewonline.com – I personally will review all of our Platinum Award winners with a detailed tasting note that will run on their website as well as ours. WineReviewOnline’s reviews are read by thousands of wine buyers each week.
While the event is called a competition, we are very careful to ensure that wines are evaluated in their own context - in other words, we're not out to say that this particular wine is "better" than that particular wine. It is our sincere desire to celebrate high quality wines of all styles, from all regions of the world.
Our judges are experienced tasters that have significant experience in the industry, running the gamut from marketing consultants that represent large wine portfolios to Master Sommeliers. Judges will be added as we approach the competition - check our website for the most current list. Additionally, COVID-19 protocols have given us a window into how to better ensure that each wine gets to stand on its own merits, and we will implement those practices in 2022. Our special awards will include the Best of Monterey County, Wine of the Year, Winery of the Year and some unique Director's Awards. In addition, award winners will be poured at our Grand Tasting at the Salinas Valley Fair in May, COVID 19 protocols permitting. Check in at montereywinecompetition.com for more details on this as the competition approaches.
Thank you for taking the time to consider the Monterey International Wine Competition - we hope that it's a fit for your marketing strategy, and we look forward to celebrating your winemaking achievements!
Cheers!
Rich Cook, Director & Chief Judge
Check in at
www.montereywinecompetition.com for more details on this as the competition approaches.