In Dedication to Bill Hayes - Judge The Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge along with its intimate team of judges are saddened by the recent loss of much-loved fellow judge Bill Hayes. Bill was one of the core judges for the past 5 competitions and his expertise, knowledge, experience, and friendliness will be very much missed. Says Daryl Groom Chief Judge “Bill was always top of my list to invite back every year. He had a great palate but more importantly he just got along with everyone. He is a judge you could put on any panel as he loved and appreciated all wines and simply got along with everyone. He was always happy and smiling and at the end of every competition made sure he came and thanked me for having him and how much he enjoyed himself. He was often the last one to leave, always being around and volunteering for any Gold Medal judge offs for Best of Class. He oozed passion, respect, and kindness.                   &

Afternoon Brief, February 24th

Smoke on the Vineyards: Wine Industry Looks for Solutions to a Continuing Problem: Hundreds of wine industry owners and professionals joined a Tuesday seminar on wildfire smoke’s effect on wine, searching for answers to what is becoming an almost annual problem...