Jenni and I will host the inaugural Palmetto Wine Competition on May 1st, featuring wine produced by South Carolina Winery Association members. We are both honored and excited for this event which provides the perfect platform for us to promote our passion (some might say obsession) for local wineries.
In our winery escapades, we are so fortunate to meet the owners and winemakers at many of the local wineries we love and visit often. Shannon Mercer, owner and winemaker at Lexington’s Mercer House Estate Winery approached us with the idea of a South Carolina wine competition. Jenni and I discussed the idea with others, Josh at CityScape Winery in Pelzer and Deb at Old Rock Quarry Winery in Enoree to gage interest in the event. The more we discussed the more it seemed the perfect event to promote local South Carolina wine.
We knew in order for the event to have ligitimacy, we’d have to ensure no bias towards any of the participants. Jenni and I knew the perfect venue in the Historic Belmont Inn in Abbeville, South Carolina. The charm not only of The Belmont but likewise of Abbeville is perfect for showcasing the artisan crafted wines. I approached Renè Smith, owner of The Belmont Inn about hosting our event and she was immediately excited to work with us.
The competition will feature artisan crafted wines produced by 16 South Carolina wineries. Judging will take place by blind tasting. Our diverse panel of judges will include, winemakers, sommeliers, chefs, and fellow bloggers. The 20 Point American Wine Society scale will be used for scoring and gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded for each category. Best of show and Palmetto signature winners will further be awarded.
The awards ceremony is open to the public. Afterward will afford the opportunity for wine tasting and food pairings and shopping of local merchants. Our hope is to promote local South Carolina wineries and the town and small merchants of Abbeville, South Carolina.
Promotion opportunities for The Palmetto Wine Competition at The Belmont can be explored by contacting us at wineryescapades@gmail.com
Craft Beverage Marketing and Wine Competitions! 