02/02/12

The wines are mostly judged by members of the BC Guild of Wine Judges (BCGWJ) although there may be a few judges whose ability is known to the Chief Judge but who may not be current members of the BCGWJ.  Judging is to medal standards - i.e. on a 20-point scale, 18 points or over wins a gold medal, 16 to less than 18 wins a silver medal and 14 to less than 16 wins a bronze medal.  Typically about 40% of entered wines win medals.  Some classes have trophies and these go to the entry with the highest points in the class.  A good description of the methods of judging can be downloaded from the BCAWA Competition Handbook

Typically the Saanich Sommelier competition includes the following classes although this may change slightly from year to year:

Class A, Aperitif Sherry

Class B, Aperitif

Class C, Red table wine divided into the following categories:

1. Bordeaux Blend
2. Pinot Noir
3. Zinfandel
4. Any Other Red Wine
5. Cabernet Sauvignon
6. Rhone Style Red
7. Non-Vinifera Red Grape

Class D, White table wines divided into the following categories

1. Chardonnay
2. Pinot (white)
3. Other  Dry White
4. Aromatic White Grape

Class E, Rose

Class F, Dessert wine

Class G, After dinner (fortified) wine

Class H, Sparkling wine

Class I, Social

Class J, Country (non-grape) wine

Class K, Vancouver Island Dry Red Grape

Class L, Vancouver Island Dry White Grape

Class R, Cider

Class S, Wine made from Kits divided into the following categories:

1. Dry Red
2. Dry White

 Class M, Light Beer

Class N, Hop-focused Beer

Class O, Malt-focused Beer

Class P, Roast & Smoked Beer

Class Q, Belgian-style Wheat Beer