The LA County Fair is one of the most exciting and anticipated events of the year for families and friends. With rides, games, food, and a wide range of attractions, it’s no surprise that the LA County Fair draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. But what many people don’t know is that the LA County Fair is also home to one of the most prestigious wine competitions in the United States: the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition.
For 88 years, the competition has been bringing together the finest palates from around the world to sample and evaluate thousands of wines and spirits. From little-known wineries to traditional labels, this event can catapult a producer to worldwide fame or reiterate the staying power of an established brand.
The LA County Fair began awarding medals to the finest wines in California shortly after the end of prohibition. Over time, the event grew to world-class stature, and in 1991, judging included not only entries from the California wine industry, but also wines from throughout North and South America. Eventually, Italian varietals were added, and in 2002, the doors were opened to entries from around the globe.
In the early years of the competition, only 16 judges participated and fewer than 200 wines were sampled. Now, thousands of wines are evaluated by panels of judges ranging from master sommeliers, wine marketers, buyers, chefs, and wine writers.
The wine and spirits are judged in a blind tasting and scored using a point method. With many varietals and price ranges represented, the point system acknowledges each varietal’s special attributes and provides a level of precision in the competition’s wine ranking systems, a benefit for both the competition and wine enthusiasts.
Since its introduction in 2007, the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition has also become a gold standard for selecting the best distilled beverages. The respected panel of judges also uses a blind-tasting method to award medals to the finest spirits from around the world.
The competition, which was held on March 22 and 23 at Fairplex in Pomona, CA, is a partner of the LA County Fair. Visitors to the LA County Fair will be able to try the medal-winning wines and spirits while enjoying all the other attractions the fair has to offer. Access to the marketplace is included with general admission. Attendees will be able to purchase tickets for the tastings and education classes once inside.
So, if you’re planning to attend the LA County Fair this year, be sure to check out the medal-winning wines and spirits from the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. You never know, you may discover a new favorite or reaffirm your love for an old one.
