2010 Judges
Leading Organic and Biodynamic(R) winemakers and wine industry professionals including journalists, buyers and sommeliers will judge the 2010 competition. The purpose of the judging is to identify and bring excellent wines to the attention of the wine-buying public, as judged by outstanding members of the wine industry.
This year’s judges include:
Paul Dolan, Honorary Chairman; Paul Dolan Vineyards, author, True to Our Roots: Fermenting a Business Revolution. Recognized as one of the pioneers of the organic & biodynamic movement in the U.S., Paul led the organic/biodynamic revolution, starting with Fetzer Wines. Today, he focuses on his own wines at pauldolanwine.com, consults, writes, and speaks on issues related to organic and biodynamic growing methods. His most recent writing project is The Green Winegrowing Handbook, available at www.pauldolanwine.com
Elin McCoy, wine & spirits columnist, Bloomberg News. Elin McCoy writes a monthly column for Bloomberg Markets and a bimonthly column for the Bloomberg news wire. She is currently writing a wine book set in Sonoma. Her most recent book, “The Emperor of Wine: The Rise of Robert M. Parker, Jr. and the Reign of American Taste,” won the 2005 World Gourmand Cookbook Award and was a finalist for the James Beard and IACP wine book of the year awards. The book has also garnered international praise and foreign editions will appear in nine countries. Elin was a contributing editor on wine at Food & Wine for 25 years and has been a columnist for House Beautiful, Las Vegas Life, Shattered, and Drink. She has written for several national publications, including The New York Times. Elin was also editorial director for her own book packaging company, Pen & Pencil Books. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Elin attended graduate school at New York University and the University of London.
Bill Ward, wine writer, Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Thirty years ago at a trattoria on the isle of Capri, Bill Ward had a lusty homemade red that rocked his world. Ever since this “so that’s what wine’s all about” moment, he has been seeking similar experiences, always aiming to approach wine with an innocent eye (and nose, and palate). Along the way, he’s learned that wine need not be profound to be meaningful and memorable, that it is a simple pleasure, and at its best when shared with friends and other loved ones.
Kevin Boyer brings 15 years of alcohol beverage and operations to the judging table, most recently as owner and founder of BOYANCI winery in Napa Valley and founder of Boyer Beverage solutions, a beverage consulting firm focused on beverage strategy and solutions for premium national restaurant groups. Previous to founding his own companies, Kevin was Global Vice President of Beverage for Ruth’s Chris Steak House Inc. and Sommelier and educator for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Kevin is recognized by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Society of Wine Educators, and many other worldwide wine organizations. His keen palette extends beyond the wine world to that of spirits, having created a new bar menu and the award winning Belvedere Lemonessence signature drink program for Ruth’s Chris Steak House. He is also a frequent contributor to top trade publications, radio programs and magazines including Wine Business Monthly, Wine Spectator, Hotel F+B Executive, Chain Leader and many others.
Cassandra Brown — Based in San Francisco, CA, Cassandra is General Manager of FarmerBrown, a restaurant specializing in organic soul food and drink. She is also recognized as a Certified Sommelier, CSW, and is a consultant through her own comany, The Chocolate Grape. Cassandra had the pleasure of beginning formal wine study and apprenticing with the incomparable Anita LaRaia, wine educator and author, in Atlanta. By sharing her nearly 30 years in the wine industry, Anita inspired Cassandra to dig as deeply into the world of wine as she possibly could. Anita LaRaia’s Wine School is the only private wine school that is accredited through the American Culinary Federation, and she earned 30 CE hours for culinary beverage study. While assisting Ms. LaRaia, Cassandra gained valuable consulting experience, worked with her on major wine events, assisted her with formal proposals and presentations and supported her in the formation of her new Italian wine import company. Cassandra is also a consultant to Wine Competition Management LLC in new product development.
Jil Child- Sommelier, Wine Educator
Monty Preiser, Publisher, Preiser Key to Napa Valley–Co-publisher and co-founder Monty Preiser and his wife Sara now publish Preiser’s Key to Napa Valley and are contributing wine writers to a variety of publications, including the South Florida Business Journal, and are now the principal wine writers for Sallys-Place.com, one of the Internet’s largest travel sites, with over 5.5 million readers. Monty co-owns Creative Professional Programs, a company devoted to continuing education for professionals in conjunction with fine wine & food instruction, and is co-owner of SaraBec Wines, which produces the premium SaraBec Syrah. He has judged competitions across the nation.
Douglas P. Lumgair, Partner, Windsor Oaks Vineyards and Winery– As General Manager and partner at Windsor Oaks Vineyards and Winery, Douglas is responsible for both strategic and operational oversight of the 700+ acre estate and winery located in both the Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill appellations of Sonoma County.
Through detailed analysis of native habitats to be set aside in a large open space preservation and the estate’s varied terroir, he oversaw replanting of over 50 distinct vineyard blocks encompassing 17 varietals from 1991 to date, all with a goal of sustainable, environmentally friendly agriculture. Additionally, Douglas is manages the estate with an emphasis on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. He also is a Certified Specialist of Wine and active member of the Society of Wine Educators where he enjoys a deep exposure to wines and winegrowing practices from all regions of the world.
When Douglas is not fine tuning Windsor Oaks, he enjoys restoring and flying his antique airplane, fly-fishing, scuba diving and volunteering with hospice. He has a deep connection and reverence for nature, and will always be an eternal student of the art, science and magic that transforms terroir, to grape, to wine. He loves his rich life with his wife and muse, Julie.
