For Immediate Release  
 
Announcing the Winners of the 2003 Association of Oregon Counties’ Annual Wine and Beer Tasting Competition  
 
Oregon’s county commissioners and other officials met in Eugene on November 19th for their annual Product Tasting held in conjunction with their annual meeting. The highlight of the Product Tasting Event has been the Wine Tasting Competition. This year marked the first annual Beer Tasting Competition. Tasting is done with the identity of the winery or brewery concealed and the winners are chosen by popular vote of those in attendance.  
 
The 2003 wine tasting winners are:  
 
White Riesling:  
 
Flerchinger Vineyards: 2002 Oregon White Riesling  
Hood River – Hood River County  
 
Chardonnay:  
 
Paschal Winery: 2001 Estate Chardonnay  
Talent – Jackson County  
 
Pinot Gris:  
 
R. Stuart and Company, Bigfire: 2002 Pinot Gris  
McMinnville – Yamhill County  
 
Pinot Noir:  
 
R. Stuart and Company, Bigfire: 2002 Oregon Pinot Noir  
McMinnville – Yamhill County  
 
Red Wine:  
 
Griffin Creek: 2000 Syrah  
Medford – Jackson County  
 
Hinman Vineyards: 1999 Rogue Red  
Eugene – Lane County  
 
 
 
Sweet/Bubbly:  
 
Tualatin Estates: 2002 Semi-Sparkling Muscat  
Forest Grove – Washington County  
 
 
Yamhill County and Jackson County tied for the overall winner of the wine tasting. Twenty-nine Oregon wines were submitted for the competition.  
 
The 2003 beer tasting winners are:  
 
Ales:  
 
Barley and Brown: Coyote Peak Wheat  
Baker City – Baker County  
 
Stouts/Porters (tie):  
 
Barley and Brown: Espresso Stout  
Baker City – Baker County  
 
Rogue Brewery: Hazelnut Brown Nectar  
Newport – Lincoln County  
 
Baker County was the overall winner of the beer tasting. Twenty-two Oregon beers were submitted for the competition.  
 
The Product Tasting features food products from throughout Oregon. Foods range from homemade fry bread and chocolate-covered potato chips to jerky and shrimp. Over 500 people attended the event. Next year’s event will be held in November.  
 
For more information, contact:  
Lynnette Claire-Woldt  
Produce Tasting Coordinator  
Association of Oregon Counties Annual Meeting  
lynnetteclaire@hotmail.com  
(541) 689-5442