Announcing the Judges for the 2009 Hudson Valley Wine Competition

Poughkeepsie, NY March 25, 2009 The Hudson Valley Wine & Grape Association, the organization sponsoring the Hudson Valley Wine Competition is pleased to announce the judges for the 2009 Hudson Valley Wine Competition.

"This year we have some wonderful judges" comments Debbie Gioquindo , The Hudson Valley Wine Goddess and competition organizer. "The judges are notable wine bloggers, writers, buyers and sommeliers in the Tri State Region.

Two judges are returning to the wine competition this year. Jenny Redmond, who is a buyer for a local wine store is returning for the 4th year. Bill Rattner who is the Wine Director for Xavier's Restaurant Group is returning for his second year of judging this competition.

Judging this competition for the first time are Lenn Thompson, Publisher and Editor of Lenndevours.com; Steve Carrizzo "the winephilosopher.com" and the e-commerce manager of Mid Valley Wine & Liquors, Newburgh NY; Ned Towle, founder and Director of the Westchester Wine School, Robbin Gheesling, Sommelier and Tasting Coordinator for Food & Wine Magazine's Wine Guide; Bill Miller, Sommelier and wine buyer at Arlington Wines & Liquors, Poughkeepsie NY: W.R. Tish founder of wineforall.com, past editor of Wine Enthusiast Magazine; Liz Johnson, Food Editor of the Journal News and LoHud.com; Christopher Matthews, wine and spirits columnist for New York Law Journal Magazine; Chris Carbone, Beverage Manager at Terrapin Restaurant, Rhinebeck NY and Brian Simpson, Assistant Food & Beverage Manager at the Roger Smith Hotel in New York City.

Bios for all the judges can be found online by clicking here.

The Hudson Valley Wine and Grape Association is proud to welcome these judges to this wonderful competition that highlights the wines being produced in the Hudson Valley Wine Region.

The competition is taking place Saturday April 25, 2009, 9am at the Terrapin Restaurant in Rhinebeck NY.

Friday, June 12, 2009 the award winning wines of the Hudson Valley Wine Competition will be paired with haut cuisine by Chef Josh Kroner of Terrapin Restaurant and served at the Hudson Valley Wine & Culinary Food Pairing Dinner at Terrapin Catering located at the Dinsmore Golf Course on Route 9 in Staatsburgh NY.

The Hudson Valley Wine & Culinary Food Pairing Dinner is open to the public. It is a wonderful chance for people to experience the winning wines of the Hudson Valley Wine Region, learn about Hudson Valley Wines and dine with the local winemakers and winery owners.

Tickets for the dinner are $85 per person and can be purchase by clicking here.

Video from the 2008 Hudson Valley Wine & Culinary Food Pairing Dinner can be viewed by clicking here.