The Central Coast Wine Competition announced today that its panel of judges for 2011 would be  highlighted  by Doug Frost, Master of Wine (MW) and Master Sommelier (MS), and noted wine writers Dan Berger, Mike Dunne, Laurie Daniel,  and Robert Whitley.  Doug Frost is one of only three people in the world to be a MW and MS.  The 15 member panel will be lead by Chief Judge Bob Foster and includes members of the wine industry, trade and media.  Mr. Foster is the Assistant Editor of the California Grapevine wine newsletter and has over 25 years of wine judging experience. “We have assembled a very experienced panel of judges. Collectively they have well over 100 years of wine judging experience,” noted Foster.  “I have been judging wine competitions for many years and have worked with many of these individuals.  They are top professionals in their fields.”

The 2011 judges include: Dan Berger – journalist, William Bloxsom-Carter –  Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage at the Playboy Mansion, Laurie Daniel – journalist, Mike Dunne – journalist, Traci Dutton – Sommelier for Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant, Doug Frost – MS & MW, Daryl Groom – Professional Winemaker, Joe Hart, Hart Winery, Chris Hoel – Sommelier, The French Laundry, Ellen Landis – Wine Director and Sommelier at Landis Shores Oceanfront Inn, Ann Littlefield – international wine industry consultant, Mike Stepanovich – Bakersfield Magazine, Dr. Valery Uhl – Chief Judge and Director of the “North of the Gate” Wine Competition, and Robert Whitley – journalist. For a full biography on all our judges please visit CCWC Facebook page or our wine blog at centralcoastwinecompetition.wordpress.com.

The nine year old competition has continued to grow showcasing some of the finest wines produced on California’s Central Coast.  The 2011 competition will feature an expansion of the wine classes.  “We refined the classes so that blended wines would be able to compete against similar style blends”, stated Bob Foster, Chief Judges of the competition. “We have also spilt the Chardonnay classes into traditional oak and non oak to better represent the winemaking styles of the Central Coast.” Entry information will be available after the first of January with the competition taking place in mid June. For further information refer to our wine blog at centralcoastwinecompetition.wordpress.com. or become our fan on Facebook.