The Austin County Fair will once again give amateur winemakers from across Texas a chance to put their creations to the test during the 18th Annual Texas State-Wide Non-Commercial Wine Competition.
Produced and coordinated by the Gulf Coast Winegrowers Association, the competition will be held Sunday, Oct. 11, at the American Legion Hall on the Austin County Fairgrounds in Bellville. The event is the only non-commercial wine competition presented by a Texas county fair that is open to amateur winemakers from anywhere in the state. Entries must contain at least 75% Texas-grown fruit.
Wines will be evaluated through blind tastings by a 10-member judging panel representing educators in enology and viticulture, commercial grape growers and winemakers, members of the media and other wine industry representatives.
Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be awarded in 10 categories. Traditional Austin County Fair belt buckles will also be presented to the Overall State Grand Champion, Reserve State Grand Champion and Austin County Grand Champion, giving Texas home winemakers an opportunity to earn some serious statewide bragging rights.
Judging begins at 1 p.m. and is closed to the public. The hall is expected to open from approximately 3:30 to 5 p.m. for the awards presentation, a meet-and-greet with winemakers and free tastings of all entered wines. Parking and admission to both the fair and wine show are free that day. Winners do not have to be present to receive their awards.
Early entries will be accepted Sept. 21 through Oct. 2 at the Austin County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office. Day-of-show registration and entry will be available Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Complete rules, entry forms and registration information are available through the Austin County Fair. Additional information is available by calling the Austin County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at 979-865-2072.
