My Wine School Judges State Fair Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wisconsin State Fair Professional Wine Competition
Announces Judges for 2012
WEST ALLIS, Wis. - APRIL 17, 2012 - Wisconsin State Fair is excited to announce Dr. Valery Uhl (Lead Judge), Jessica Bell and Dr. Murli Dharmakhari as judges for the 2012 Wisconsin State Fair Professional Wine Competition. These judges have several years of experience evaluating wines throughout the United States and internationally. In addition, all have experience and passion for the grape varieties grown and the wines produced in the upper Midwest. The Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular will take place August 2 -12 in West Allis.
DR. VALERY UHL - LEAD JUDGE
Dr. Valery Uhl is the Chief Judge and Director of the "North of the Gate" Wine Competition for the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. She has experience judging wines produced from hybrid and American grape varieties at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, the Grand Harvest Awards, and the Mid-American Wine Competition.
Being a supporter of all types of wines (and a former resident of Illinois) she has toured wineries of the Midwest and Southeastern United States to learn about the unique character of non-vinifera grape varieties. This is her second year judging the Wisconsin State Fair Professional Wine Competition and first year as Lead Judge.
JESSICA BELL - MY WINE SCHOOL
In addition to starting her wine school in 2006, Bell has a background in investment banking on Wall Street, and an extensive list of wine accolades, including numerous public appearances and coveted professional positions in the world of wine. Specifically, Bell is accredited at the highest levels by the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. She also holds a certificate in Viticulture and Vinification from the American Sommelier Association and several Master-level certificates from the French Wine Society.
Her work experience is equally impressive with a key role at a Spanish winery, Sommelier for The Modern in New York City and as a highly sought after wine industry consultant. She is also one of 50 individuals in the world certified as an official instructor of Burgundy by the Burgundy Wine Board and possesses additional regional-specific accreditations from several French and Spanish regions.
WSF PROFESSIONAL WINE COMPETITION ANNOUNCES JUDGES / ADD ONE
Bell is also host of the Emmy-nominated television program "Wisconsin Foodie", Time Warner's "On Demand Wine Tips" and a regular contributor to the podcast "Life Between the Vines", WTMJ-TV’s (NBC affiliate) morning talk show, "The Morning Blend", and Wisconsin Public Radio talk show, "The Larry Meiller Show". To learn more about Jessica and My Wine School, visit her at www.mywineschool.com or their Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/MyWineSchool.
DR. MURLI DHARMADHIKARI - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY (ISU) EXTENSION AND OUTREACH
As Director and Extension Enologist, Dr. Dharmadhikari’s main responsibility is to lead the development and coordination of the Enology and Viticulture program at ISU. The program includes education, research, extension and service projects aimed at building a strong and prosperous grape and wine industry in the state of Iowa and the upper Midwest region. Dr. Dharmadhikari has a Ph.D. from Ohio State University specializing in Midwest grapes. At Iowa State he manages the Iowa Quality wine certification program, trains sensory panel in wine tasting proficiency, teaches a graduate level class in sensory evaluation of wines and leads enology research. He is also the author of “Micro Vinification.”
The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair Professional Wine Competition will take place prior to the Fair on Thursday, June 21 at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis. Winning wines from the contest will be on display during the 2012 Wisconsin State Fair!
For additional information about the Wisconsin State Fair Professional Wine Competition go to www.wistatefair.com/fair_competitions/other_contest.html or contact the Wisconsin State Fair Entry Office at 414.266.7052.
