I haven’t been ditching work. Promise. I had the daunting task of drinking wine for two days. Well, sipping and spitting for two days as a judge for the Lone Star International Wine Competition. It’s hard work. The first day, I tasted more than 80 wines (there were 410 total entrants). Half were from Texas wineries and the other half from U.S. and international producers. I know the Grand Star winners, but am sworn to secrecy until tomorrow. I can say there are a few repeat winners from last year (a luscious Sherry for one).
I was on panel 4–the only woman among five distinguished gentlemen, including Hans Ritter, who came all the way from Switzerland, where he runs Ritter Vins, producers of a fine Pinot Noir; Mirek Von Springer, the Gaylord Texan’s charming wine master; and Jim Cubberly, from Moonshine Grill, in Austin. Let’s just say I’m a lucky girl. Admittedly, the odds were in my favor. There were only six women out of 32 judges.
