Eastern States Exposition To Host Wine Competition

West Springfield, MA - March 1, 2006 Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, Mass., extends an invitation to wineries throughout New England and New York to participate in the Northeast Gold Wine Competition, Sunday, May 28, 2006.

"We have been studying the changing dynamics of local agriculture and believe that The Big E is the perfect place to showcase your wine, providing local vineyards an opportunity to illustrate the outstanding quality and phenomenal values available throughout our region," said Jerry Myers, director of Agriculture & Education.

Judging will take place with entries in each class competing for Double Gold (about 5 or 6 top scoring wines in total competition); Gold, Silver and Bronze medals; and blue, red and white ribbon prizes. Special to the Northeast Gold Wine Competition will be the inclusion of Best State Wine. Wineries from each of the seven eligible states will compete for the honor of being named Best State Wine. Winning wineries will be invited to participate during The Big E in an event which will showcase the winning wines to the public.

The competition will be administered in conjunction with the Amenti del Vino wine society, headed by wine aficionado, Gene Spaziani. Amenti del Vino is the oldest wine society in the Northeast and assists with other wine competitions across the country. They currently work with the Pennsylvania Commercial Wine Competition, the Colorado Mountain Winefest and the Amenti del Vino International Wine Competition among others.

All vinifera, hybrid and native grape wines, meads, fruit wines and fortified wines produced in wineries located in New England and New York are eligible. In order to participate entries must be submitted by May 15, 2006 with the $35 fee per entry.

The Big E, the largest fair in the northeast, boasts an attendance of over 1 million people annually. This year's dates are Sept. 15-Oct. 1, 2006.

For more information or to participate, please visit www.thebige.com, call Donna Woolam at 413-205-5011 or email wine@thebige.com.