Updated: 03/10/08

This page will be updated with important information for participating wineries. Please watch for updates & notices.

Important Dates:

• Call for Entries Booklet* Mailing Date: October 20, 2007
• Wine Entry Due Date: EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 15, 2007
• Delivery of Wine: December 15, 2007
• Competition Dates at the Cloverdale Citrus Fair: January 8-11, 2008
• Judges Dinner at Stonestreet: January 10, 2008
• SFGATE/Winejudging.com Published Date of Award Winners: January 11, 2008
• Chronicle Wine Awards Special Section Published Date: February 8, 2008
• Tasting Date at Fort Mason Center: February 16, 2008

* You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to view these files. If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer simply click here to download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Greetings from largest competition of American wine in the world. Thank you for entering your wines into the competition.

Enclosed with this letter are several important items:

1. A copy of your winery’s results. The results page shows all of your medal winners. Wines not listed received No Award.
2. Information on the San Francisco Chronicle Special Section to be published on Friday, February 8. The San Francisco Chronicle Special Section will list all of the Gold and Double Gold Medal Winners. Many wineries also purchase an ad to highlight their brand message.
3. The 2008 Public Tasting Poster - just the right size to display.
4. Information provided by Schott Zwiesel providing the glasses that we use for our judging/tasting.
5. POS for wineries who have won gold and/or silver medals. If you wish to purchase more contact the printer directly or another vendor of your choosing: Martie McPherson, O’Dell Printing, 707.585.2718, martie@odell-printing.com
6. Following is information wineries that have paid for and reserved a table at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Public Tasting February 16, 2008. After posting the results, all table space quickly sold out. (If you would like to be placed on a waiting list in the event of a cancellation, please contact Teri Edens of the Cloverdale Citrus Fair (707-894-3992).

• You may unload your vehicles in front of the Festival Pavilion and park at the Marina Middle School nearby. Directions and map are online at www.winejudging.com/directions.htm.
• Winery check-in for the tasting is 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Bring your wine, cooling containers and display materials. A limited amount of ice will be available until 1:00 p.m. - it is recommended that you bring white wine already chilled.
• Each winery that receives at least a silver medal will receive a single plaque listing their silver, gold and double gold awards at the tasting. Non- attendee winery plaques will be mailed.
• Even though the public tasting is 2-5 p.m., we actually open the doors for the consumers at 1:30 pm to alleviate the crowded lines impacting the fire lanes at Fort Mason Center.
• Drop-off a single bottle of each gold medal winner at check-in. It will be poured at the Special Tasting with the Chronicle which starts at 1:00 PM.
• The entire event at Fort Mason is strictly for consumers. There are no trade passes and only 2 people may represent each winery that is pouring. Industry friends and associates must purchase a ticket if they wish to receive a glass and taste wine.
• Please check online at www.winejudging.com for current and further information.

The Marriott Fisherman's Wharf is the official host hotel for the 2008 public tasting. They are offering reduced rates to winery staff, food purveyors and patrons attending the event. For information on special event rates and packages call the hotel at (415) 447-7511 and ask for the 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Special Rate or go online to www.winejudging.com/accommodations.htm.

Gold medal winning wineries who are not participating in the public tasting: Ship one case of each gold medal winner, to arrive no later than February 8, to Groskopf Warehouse & Logistics: 20580 Eighth Street East, Sonoma, CA 95476, attn: Tony Becerra. Phone: 707-939-3106. Mark outside of cases clearly with event name (SF Chronicle Wine Competition Tasting) and name of your winery or brand. These wines will be poured at Fort Mason by SF Chronicle staff and volunteers.

No wine will be handled for wineries pouring at the Tasting. Any wine received at Groskopf for wineries attending the tasting will be donated directly to the SRJC Wine Studies Program and will not be sent to Fort Mason. All leftover gold medal wines delivered for pouring will also be donated to SRJC Wine Studies Program.

Sincerely,

Bob Fraser