SOLIS WINERY TURNS UP THE HEAT THIS SUMMER EARNING HUGE HONORS AT TWO PRESTIGIOUS WINE COMPETITIONS
GILROY, CA, July 08, 2009 – For the award-winning Gilroy winery, as the temperature rises this year, so does the acclaim. It is certainly turning out to be the 'summer of Solis' – contending in two of the most notable wine competitions, the winery was a standout among thousands of entries, adding to its trophy case and expanding its esteemed reputation even farther.
At this year's California State Fair Wine Competition, held in June, the winery was awarded the highest honor for its 2008 Fiano, Estate ($18): "Best of California" Gold Medal. It also received a top "Best of Class of Area" and Gold Medal for both its 2005 Cara Mia, Reserve ($30) and 2006 Sangiovese, Estate ($18), and a Silver Medal for its 2005 Syrah ($20).
Only days later, at the 2009 San Francisco International Wine Competition, Solis Winery was awarded a Gold Medal for its 2008 Fiano, Estate ($18), a Silver Medal for its 2006 Sangiovese, Estate ($18), and a Bronze Medal for its 2008 Vino Roséo di Sangiovese ($12).
"I'm overwhelmed by the tremendous accolades bestowed upon our local winery at two of the finest wine competitions around," said owner Vic Vanni. "For our varietals and proprietal blends to receive such a warm reception is a testament to our commitment to producing world-class wine, with a passion that's based on family tradition. I am beyond proud at this moment."
In what is recognized as the oldest, most prestigious wine contest in North America, the 2009 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition is the most meaningful of the major competitions restricted to California wines. First held in 1855, is the only competition requiring all wines to be entered based on the viticulture area, or appellation, where the grapes are grown, and not where the winery is located. Entries are limited to California bonded wineries selling retail. Distinguished panels of judges, ranging from wine educators, wine makers, wine journalists, retailers and wholesalers to wine collectors and those from the restaurant trade, determined the winners among the thousands of entries over three days, June 10-12. For more information about the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, visit www.thebestcaliforniawine.com.
As for the 2009 San Francisco International Wine Competition is the largest, it is recognized as the most influential international wine competition in America. Over 1,200 wineries from 21 countries entered in this year's contest. The wines where evaluated by a prestigious panel of nationally recognized wine experts over three days, June 19-21, at The Hotel Nikko in downtown San Francisco. Judging was based on a blind, consensual procedure, ensuring that the leading wine competition continues to maintain the highest level of integrity and respect. For more information, visit www.sfwinecomp.com.
Solis Winery's award-winning wines are available locally. Guests are encouraged to sample them by personally visiting the winery's tasting room, located at 3920 Hecker Pass in Gilroy. To learn more, visit www.soliswinery.com.
About Solis Winery
Solis Winery lies in the heart of Santa Clara Valley's rich wine-growing region. Originally planted by Italian immigrants in the 1920s, the vineyard changed hands in 1980 when the Vanni family purchased the land. Since then, the Vannis have continued to marry tradition with modern technology and art with innovation to produce award-winning wines.
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