We had a great time at the Winemaker Magazine conference in Santa Barbara last year in 2011, I was sorry to miss it this year.  But, the Finger Lakes are not exactly driving distance from San Diego!  I did get some great news today — I won a Gold Medal for my 2011 Cellar Craft Gruner Veltliner! I only entered 2 wines, I also sent in the 2009 Fallbrook Syrah, which I thought was tasting mighty good. Unfortunately the judges did not completely agree, although the scoring did fall in the “Pleasant” category. I could not argue with their assessments, though. As happy as I am with how this wine has turned around, I do think the subsequent vintages are much better. It was great to get the scoring sheets back from the judges, it’s one of the best parts of entering wines in contests like these.  The best part, of course, is winning that Gold!