{"id":2688,"date":"2026-03-26T14:08:41","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T21:08:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lvwine.org\/blog\/?p=2688"},"modified":"2026-03-26T14:08:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T21:08:44","slug":"uncorked-celebrating-excellence-in-california-wine%ef%bf%bc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lvwine.org\/blog\/uncorked-celebrating-excellence-in-california-wine%ef%bf%bc\/","title":{"rendered":"Uncorked! Celebrating Excellence in California Wine\ufffc"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

Uncork the Gold.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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An evening of gold medal wines, live award announcements, and everything Livermore Valley does best!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every bottle poured at Uncorked 2026 has earned a Gold Medal or higher at the California Signature Wine Awards \u2014 a rigorous, independent competition held to the highest standards in the industry, evaluated by a panel of respected wine professionals. To pour here, a wine had to prove itself. That\u2019s what makes this evening different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2026, Uncorked! marks an exciting evolution with the launch of the California Signature Wine Competition<\/strong>. This new competition unites two respected traditions, the long-running Alameda County Fair wine competitions and Livermore Valley\u2019s Uncorked! Judging, creating one premier event dedicated to recognizing exceptional wines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us at the stunning McGrail Vineyards & Winery on May 15th for a night that celebrates the very best Livermore Valley has to offer,  in the glass and on the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the expert judges to the rigorous blind tasting process, Uncorked! showcases the dedication and artistry behind every bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Evening<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

6:00 \u2013 7:00 PM \u2014 Seminar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start the evening with an intimate, expert-led seminar that goes beyond the pour. Hear directly from the people behind Livermore Valley\u2019s wines and become apart of our community. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seminar tickets are available individually or packaged with a general tasting ticket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7:00 \u2013 9:00 PM \u2014 Tasting Event<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us outdoors on the front lawn of McGrail Vineyards & Winery and taste your way through Livermore Valley\u2019s finest. Every wine available tonight earned a Gold Medal or higher at the California Signature Wine Awards. This isn\u2019t a showcase of everything \u2014 it\u2019s a showcase of the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Main Event \u2014 Live Award Announcements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The evening culminates with the announcement of the Uncorked Best Red and Uncorked Best White \u2014 Livermore Valley\u2019s highest wine honors. Eligible wines are those that received a Double Gold or higher at the California Signature Wine Awards from wines submitted from Livermore Valley wineries. The winners are revealed live, on the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why This Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The California Signature Wine Awards is a new competition built on a simple idea: rigorous judging produces meaningful results. With strict standards for both the wines entered and the professionals who evaluate them, a gold medal here carries real weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every winery pouring tonight met that standard. That\u2019s not something you\u2019ll find at a typical wine event \u2014 and it\u2019s exactly why Uncorked 2026 is worth your evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two ways to experience Uncorked 2026:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General Tasting Admission<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access to the full tasting event from 7:00 \u2013 9:00 PM. Taste gold medal wines and be there for the live announcement of Uncorked’s Best Red and Best White.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seminar + Tasting Package<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The full evening experience \u2014 intimate seminar from 6:00 \u2013 7:00 PM followed by the tasting event. Limited seats available for the seminar; package tickets are recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meet the Judges<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At the heart of the Uncorked! competition are the judges. They are wine professionals, journalists, educators, and trade experts who bring years of experience and discerning palates to the tasting panels<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Warner Boin<\/a>– a Certified Sommelier and the founder of Confidence Uncorked, specializing in wine education and marketing consulting. A native Texan who now calls Sonoma County, CA home, her passion lies in making wine fun and accessible for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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John Jackson<\/strong><\/a>– (AttorneySomm) is a data privacy attorney & wine expert w\/ DipWSET level 4 certification. Featured in “In the Dark Wine Sea” & published in Forbes, he has 39K+ Instagram followers & has visited 400+ wineries across 75 wine regions worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jeremy Troupe-Massi<\/strong><\/a>– <\/strong>A Bay Area native, Jeremy is a Certified Sommelier, Chef, & Small Business Owner. After working at Bohemian Club, Roka Akor SF, & Darcie Kent Vineyards, he now serves on Livermore Downtown Inc.’s board & hosts the “Through the Grapevine” podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kat C. Ren\u00e9<\/strong><\/a>– <\/strong>Kat Ren\u00e9 is a wine writer, blogger, judge & educator. A native Houstonian, tax attorney, wife, & mother of two, she loves sharing her passion for wine, food, & travel. You can follow her vinous adventures at www.thecorkscrewconcierge.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Thomas Zarillo<\/strong><\/a>– <\/strong>WSET Level 3 and Italian Wine Scholar graduate. Created @winebarchronicles, attended press trips to wine regions globally. Recently moved to Charleston, SC, embracing its wine and food scene while continuing to share wine stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fran Cunniffe- <\/strong><\/a>Certified Sommelier and WSET Level 4 Diploma. Wine educator at PRIMA Vini, Italian wine specialist, and founder of a Northern Italy food and wine tourism program. 15 years across Livermore Valley and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Miggi Demeyer- <\/strong>Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers), Le Cordon Bleu graduate, and Bay Area wine consultant. Author of two books, including Napa Valley (2025). Wine educator for private and corporate clients since 2013.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Peter Granoff, MS<\/strong><\/a>– <\/strong>One of America’s first 15 Master Sommeliers, 1991 James Beard Sommelier of the Year, and co-founder of Virtual Vineyards \u2014 the first business to sell wine on the internet. Co-proprietor, Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant, San Francisco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jamie Knee<\/strong><\/a>– <\/strong>Certified Sommelier, global wine travel personality, and host of Petite Wine Traveler Explores (PBS, 2026). Top 50 Most Influential Women in Wine. Judge at SF Chronicle, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles & more. Circle of Wine Writers member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dave McIntyre<\/strong><\/a>– <\/strong>Certified Sommelier, Associate Wine Editor SOMM Journal, and former Washington Post wine columnist (2008\u20132025). Contributor, World Atlas of Wine 8th & 9th editions. WineLine on Substack, recommended by the WSJ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sarah Looper- <\/strong>WSET Diploma, Certified Wine Educator, and Master Sommelier candidate with 25+ years in food and wine. Founder of Loopersomm wine education & travel company. CIA Napa Valley\u2013trained and CU Boulder European History alumna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tonya Pitts<\/strong><\/a>– <\/strong>Writer-at-Large, Wine Enthusiast; Certified Sommelier and 15-year Wine Director at One Market, SF. Judge, SF International Wine Competition and TEXSOM. Founding mentor, Wine Unify and B\u00e2tonnage Forum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ranier Reglos- <\/strong>Certified Sommelier and Beverage Director for Sabio Hospitality Group, overseeing wine and cocktail programs across three Tri-Valley restaurants, including Wine Spectator Award of Excellence\u2013winning Sabio on Main.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Raquel Royers<\/strong><\/a>– <\/strong>WSET Diploma, Certified Specialist of Wine, and creator of top wine Instagram Watch Me Sip. Sonoma-based tastemaker with 10+ years in wine marketing, reaching millions with her digital-first approach to wine storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cindy Rynning<\/strong><\/a>– <\/strong>Award-winning wine blogger (Grape Experiences, est. 2011), WSET Level 3 with Merit, and member of the prestigious Circle of Wine Writers. Contributing Editor, Slow Wine Guide 2024\u20132026. Judge, Central Coast Wine Competition 2022\u20132025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kristy Wenz<\/strong><\/a>– <\/strong>WSET 3, Rioja Wine Diploma. Wine writer, educator, and judge at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Field correspondent, Slow Wine Guide USA. Content creator @kristys_winetravels and six-harvest veteran of Michigan and Willamette Valley wineries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Each judge is carefully selected for their expertise within the wine industry. Judges are required to hold WSET Level 2 certification or higher<\/strong>, or to be experienced wine journalists from established publications who have previously participated in wine competitions. This ensures every wine entered is evaluated by knowledgeable professionals who understand the complexity and diversity of modern winemaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the judging sessions, wines are tasted blind and independently<\/strong>, meaning judges evaluate each wine without knowing its producer. Only the varietal and vintage (when appropriate) are disclosed. This process allows wines to be judged purely on their quality, balance, and expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Judges carefully consider a range of attributes, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n