Virginia wine competition returning to 2014 State Fair

Virginia wineries have been invited to submit wines for judging at the 2014 State Fair of Virginia commercial wine competition.

“The State Fair’s annual wine competition has, in past years, generated considerable attention for winning wines and wineries, and rightfully so,” said Wayne F. Pryor, president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, which owns the fair. “Virginia’s wine industry is a vibrant and important element of Virginia agriculture, and Virginia wines are enjoyed in many parts of the world. Bringing the competition back for the 2014 fair is a wonderful opportunity to showcase some remarkable products.”

The competition was last held in 2011. It previously drew more than 250 entries from wineries throughout the commonwealth. Judging will take place in June, and winning wines will be on display during the 2014 State Fair.

Competition guidelines, the official entry form and information about entry fees are available at StateFairVa.org. Entries must be received by June 6.

All proceeds from the 2014 competition will benefit the fair’s scholarship program. “Revitalizing this competition is important, not only from an agricultural standpoint but also because it will help the State Fair continue to award more than $70,000 in scholarship funds each year,” said Jeff Dillon, the fair’s president. “Those scholarships reward young people for their dedication and achievement in State Fair livestock, science, technology and art competitions.”

This year’s State Fair of Virginia will run from Sept. 26 through Oct. 5 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.

Media: Contact Greg Hicks, State Fair vice president of communications, at 804-290-1139.