Judge Bios | Former Judge Bios | Annual Judges' Dinner

2010 SFCWC Judges Celebrated In Style at Trione Vineyards and Winery

Thank you to the Trione family for allowing the largest competition of American wines in the world the privilege of celebrating at Trione Vineyards and Winery. They graciously offered their stunning estate to host the Annual Judges Dinner on Wednesday, January 6th. Located in the heart of Sonoma County, our judges had the opportunity to reflect on the week's events while paying tribute to the numerous individuals who have made the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition possible every year.

"It was an honor to express our support to a long standing competition as influential as the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition by toasting the judges for their hard work," says Denise Trione. "We're so glad to be in the company of hosts from years past."

Widely recognized for their commitment to the art of wine making over the past 35 harvests, Trione is built on tradition, successfully run by three generations of the Trione family. Starting with Henry Trione, who remains the winery's best customer, Trione Vineyards and Winery is now owned by brothers Mark and Victor Trione, while Mark's daughter, Denise Trione, dedicates herself as the sales and hospitality manager.

The judges and guests were entranced by renowned winemaker Scot Covington's description of each wine as the evening progressed. Other prominent speakers that evening included Mark Adkins, president of the San Francisco Chronicle, and the publication’s wine editor Jon Bonne.

Much like the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition itself, Trione Vineyards and Winery is passionate about producing the finest environments in which to cultivate study and enjoy wines for every palate. "When you look up the word 'generosity' in the dictionary, you'll see a picture of the Trione family," says Anne Vercelli, assistant director of the SFCWC. Following the 2010 Judges Dinner, this is a difficult claim to dispute.

(click images to enlarge)
Executive director Bob Fraser celebrates with San Francisco Chronicle president Mark Adkins and his guest Melanie Hunsberger, along with Trione Vineyards and Winery co-owner Mark Trione	Sales and Hospitality Manager Denise Trione welcomes guests to the estate, including San Francisco Chronicle wine editor Jon Bonne
Erica Simpson, who handles marketing, promotions and events for the San Francisco Chronicle, enjoys a laugh with Bob Fraser, along with Rick Joslin, owned brand buyer, and Andrea Nypen, senior brand buyer for title sponsor Target	San Francisco Chronicle Advertising team Sue Merceri and Barb Belanyi
Judges TeeJay Lowe, retailer for G&G Supermarkets and Beverages & More! cellarmaster Wilfred Wong toast to another successful competition	Executive director Bob Fraser joins editor-in-chief of Wine Press Northwest Andy Perdue for a photo at the annual Judges Dinner
Wine editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, Jon Bonne, addresses the audience at Trione Vineyards and Winery	Michael Apstein, contributor to Boston Globe celebrates at Trione with Sacramento Bee contributor Mike Dunne and his wife Martha
Trione Vineyard and Winery owner Mark Trione chats with SFCWC assistant director Scott Fraser	De Wayne Holmdahl, Wine Show Host AM 1410 Santa Maria, CA; Bob Fraser; Tim McNally, Host Wine Show WIST 690 New Orleans, LA and his wife; William Bloxsom Carter, Food and Beverage Director, Playboy Mansion West, Los Angeles
Assistant director Ray Johnson and acclaimed wine journalist W. Blake Gray, shown here at the 2010 SFCWC Judges Dinner

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Official Judges Dinner Winery Hosts:

2010 Trione Vineyards and Winery
Host: The Trione Family members

2009 Rodney Strong Vineyards
Host: Tom Klein, Proprietor

2008 Stonestreet Alexander Mountain Estate
Hosts: Robert Carroll, General Manager and Ciara Meaney, Senior Marketing Director

2007 Brown-Forman Wines
held at Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards

2006 Peju Winery, Rutherford
Tony, Herta, and Lisa Peju, Hosts

2005 Kendall Jackson Wine Estates, Santa Rosa
Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke, Hosts

2004 Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville
Robert and Margrit Mondavi, Hosts

2003 Gallo of Sonoma, Healdsburg
Gina Gallo, Host

2002 Korbel Champagne Cellars, Geyserville
Chris Wills, Host

2001 Beringer Wine Estates, Asti
Tom Peterson, Host