Red, Red Wine — but Don’t Forget the Beer

Yes as that great song goes, “Red, red wine…” a lovely thing to sip and enjoy especially when you say, ‘I made this!’ So for those of you who can and have an especially good vintage, save a bottle for the Chestermere Country Fair Red Ribbon Wine and Beer Competition, September 7th and 8th 2012. This year Home Vintner, who has provided accredited judges for the past six years, will be offering a special prize. Now there is more to competition than just ribbons. Judges provide a detailed critique to help you further your oenological or brewing skills. This year’s competition includes way more than just red wine; Sherry, Country Wines, Dessert Wines, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Other White, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Table Other, Blush, Sparkling, and for Beer, Light, Dark and Stouts.
The field is very open for the Beer Competition. With dust collecting on the Beer Trophy, low entries have the committee considering eliminating this event, but with renewed interest in micro-brewing possibly there are some of you out there who would like to enter your creative recipe in the Red Ribbon this year and have your name on that trophy. It does not take long to make home-made beer–start now, you have lots of time! Call Paul at the Home Vintner for assistance and mini courses on both beer making and wine making. http://www.thehomevintner.com/beer
And after you enter your favourite bottle on Friday September 7th, whichever it be, wine or beer, pop upstairs at 7pm to the CRCA curling rink lounge for ‘View From the Top.’ Relax as you watch the judge’s face as he sips your entry, and the other eight accredited judges as they scrutinize the art and photos, taste the bread, and sample the pies. This is a free event, adults only, and a great way to view the real work behind giving out all those beautiful new ribbons and money prizes.
For a look at the Red Ribbon booklet go to http://www.facebook.com/ChestermereCountryFair for the flip book version or pick up a copy at the Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre or the Chestermere Library