Last week I was in Santa Rosa, California, judging the 2009 Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition. WOW.

The weather was perfect. Hot and sunny upper 80's during the day. Cool clear skied nites in the 50's. Soft early morning fog each of the four days I was there. The wines were virtually perfect too. That's why its a competition and that's why 24 other wine enthusiasts from all over the US were summoned to judge the OVER 1200 Sonoma county wines entered.

Over three days my panel of five tasted over 200 wines. LOTS of spitting. In the end we gave out a myriad of Gold medals and many well deserved Silver and Bronze accolades as well. The Kahuna's of the contest ( i.e. Sweepstakes Winners) were the 2008 Owl Ridge Sauvignon Blanc (retail $13) and the 2007 Adler Fels Pinot Noir (retail $25). When judging the Sweepstakes I selected the Sauvignon Blanc as my second choice and the Pinot Noir as my third. www.harvestfair.org

Wednesday night is the Judges Dinner. This year hosted by Clos du Bois winery.

Fabulous nite in Sonoma County; Warm breezy then starry skies with sliver of a moon-Delish app's Smoked Duck Bon Bons; Crispy Ham and VERY cheesy poppers-rich and wonderful; over the top Gorgonzola & Grape truffles; 2008 Pinot Grigio easy drinker. Rose wine a bit sweet but nice with appetizers.

1st course-ROCKED-Diver Sea Scallop in pastry with corn and black truffle. Enjoyed the Calcaine Chardonnay with the dish. A bit oaky for my taste but lovely overall.

2nd course-local goat cheese stuffed in fried squash blossom-VERY rich-great arugula, cucumber tomato salad with.. Marinated hanger steak with killer smashed fingerling potatoes for main course; followed by cheese course of course- a gouda and mild cheddar with fruit compotes. The Clos du Bois Marlstone Cab was PERFECT with this entree.

Thursday night is the "free" night but if you are smart you say YES to the glorious evening of wine, food and fun at the home of Dry Creek Vineyards owners Don and Kim Wallace. Two of the most gracious people in the wine business who also make award winning and truly exceptional AND affordable wine. My brother Jeff flew up from Orange County to do some business in the area and also be my dinner guest both nights. ( That's him in the pic. Hard to tell we are related isn't it?!!)

Chef Peter Brown offered scrumptious appetizers-spicy stuffed mussels, goat cheese stuffed figs (OH MY!) and horseradish/cod on cracker bread. Perfect starters with DCV 2008 Chenin Blanc and limited edition Petite Zinfandel Rose-dry, fruity, fantastic. 2008 Sauvignon Blanc-fresh, grassy, and lush with the Lobster salad with valencia oranges-2006 Beeson Ranch Zin-WOW-smooth rich, ripe dark fruit, mocha notes-FAB with the Zinfandel Braised Short Ribs and sage polenta, patty pan squash. 2006 Mariner not yet released but we lucky judges got to savor tonite-HUGE ripe round red, great tannins-almost there. But perfect with the cheese course as was the 2003 Endeavour Cabernet. Local cheeses were scrape the plate GOOD!! A stinky goat and a lovely dry style cheddar. yum But wait-there is MORE!

2005 Soleil-Late Harvest blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon-smooth and silky with lovely aromas of ripe melon, citrus. Orange and ginger olive oil cake- like a sponge shortcake-topped with figs, strawberries, ginger in a lovely cream sauce. Oh gosh-it's too bad the folks at Dry Creek Vineyards don't know how to host a great party! HA-THANK YOU Kim and Don!!

You can read more about the competition and my daily adventures on Facebook at the Mass Ave Wine page. Get more info on Sonoma County Harvest Fair and WHY you should visit if you are heading west www.harvestfair.org.