Canyonville, OR – J. Scott Cellars of Eugene captured the Platinum medal at the Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association’s 43rd annual “Greatest of the Grape” competition with their 2011 Grenache. The competition was held March 2 in the Grand Ballroom of the Seven Feathers Hotel Resort and Casino.

A total of 28 wineries and 14 restaurants from Southern Oregon and the Umpqua Valley were paired by random draw. Entries competed for recognition from panel of professional judges and for People’s Choice Awards.

Nearly 900 wine and food enthusiasts from the Pacific Northwest and beyond attended Oregon’s oldest wine gala, one of the few in the region that focuses on the pairing of a specially prepared dish with every wine served.

Professional Wine Judges’ Award Winners:

J. Scott Cellars – 2011 Grenache, Platinum
Pyrenees Vineyard and Cellars – 2011 Riesling, Gold Season Cellars – 2012 “Transparency” White Blend, Gold
Triple Oak Vineyard – 2010 Tempranillo, Gold
Delfino Vineyards – 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Gold
Toon Vineyard – 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Gold
Sarver Winery – 2011 Pinot Gris, Silver
South Stage Cellars – 2009 Early Muscat, Silver
Henry Estate – 2008 “Barrel Select” Pinot Noir, Silver
Bradley Vineyards – 2011 Baco Noir, Silver Daisy Creek – 2010 Malbec, Silver
Chateau Nonchalant Vineyards – 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver

The professional food judge’s award for the best food and wine pairing went to River’s Edge Restaurant for a braised short rib with Wasabi sun choked puree paired with Spanglers 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

People's Choice Awards:

Best Red Wine: Hillcrest Winery & Distillery: 2009 Umpqua Ribera.
Best White Wine (tie): Giradet 2012 Estate Grown Cayuga; Season Cellars 2012 Transparency
“Greatest of the Grape:” Abacela, 2009 Estate Syrah