99 The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Vine 2 Wine International Wine Competition is set to make its debut October 17-23 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. The event, while not open to the public, promises to leverage excitement for the Stock Show’s traditional Vine 2 Wine events – Sip & Shop, Wine Camps and Bubbles & Bites – into an exciting competition that attracts not only Texas vintages, but wines from around the world. Competitions like this one open new doors for stock shows, says the competition’s consultant, Stephanie Baird. The Houston, Texas based owner of Journey Into Wine also assists with competitions at the Calgary Stampede and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “A winery’s primary goal is to turn a win into wine sales,” said Baird. “They want the bragging rights to translate into market share, market awareness and new customers. Based on the level of the award, I have seen wineries parlay their wine into huge earnings from continued wine sales. Much depends on what award is won and the effort a winery puts into capitalizing on the opportunity.” Baird also pointed out that while some might see rodeo-hosted wine competitions as a fairly new concept, it is in fact decades old when considering county fairs and similar events, dating back to the 1935 Los Angeles County Fair. She notes that Fort Worth is primed for a top event not only for wineries but for the city, as well. Winning wines will be included in the Show’s already successful Sip & Shop and Bubbles & Bites events and will be available for purchase in a special six-bottle case. “We’re excited to add this competition to the list of events the Show holds throughout the year,” said FWSSR General Manager Matt Carter. “The Show is experiencing great success with events like the Jr. Shooting Sports Competition, Shoot For Scholarships and Scramble Fore Scholarships, and we anticipate this one will be just as successful. Hosting new and unique events during non-Stock Show months helps keep our supporters and volunteers engaged in the year-round mission of the Show , providing additional funding for Texas youth and initiatives..” “Our goal is to see approximately 800 wines entered in the competition,” said FWSSR Special Events Manager Ashley Davis. “This expansion of the Show’s Vine 2 Wine program, which started in 2017, supports the overall objective to not only raise awareness of Texas wines, but elevate their stature among wines from around the world.” Entries open August 1 and awards will be given in the following categories: • Grand Champion • Reserve Grand Champion • Best Texas Wine • Best in Class Texas Hill Country American Viticulture Area (AVA) • Best in Class Texas High Plains AVA • Best in Class Texas North Region AVA • Other Texas AVAs • Top All-Around Wine Company • Top Texas Winery Boot • Best in Class Red • Best in Class White • Best in Class Sparkling • Best in Class Rosé • Best Value Wine FWSSR to Launch International Wine Competition
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