The Critics Challenge, which employs renowned wine journalists as judges, is one of three international wine challenges staged annually in San Diego. The other two are the Winemaker Challenge (all judges are winemakers) and Sommelier Challenge (all judges are sommeliers). Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Dry Riesling from the previous vintage, 2008, captured the Best of Show white wine title at the Winemaker Challenge earlier this year.

1. To qualify for entry in the 2010 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition, a wine must have been produced for commercial sale. Homemade wines will not be accepted for judging.

2. Each wine's category will be determined by information on the label.

3. The decision of the judges is final.

4. The Competition Director reserves the right to create new categories if the number of entries warrant.

5. Six (6) 750ml bottles or the equivalent comprise an entry.

6. Entries must be received by April 26, 2010 to qualify for the Early Bird entry fee of $80. For entries submitted after April 26, the fee is $90. Entry fees are non-refundable. Fees are due at time of entry.

7. All wines entered must be received by May 10, 2010.

8. Make checks payable to Critics Challenge. We also accept Visa, Master Card and American Express. Charges will appear on your statement as "Wine Cellar Productions Inc."

All wines become the property of the Critics Challenge International Wine Competition.

Foreign Wines

The Critics Challenge International Wine Competition accepts entries from commercial wineries worldwide. It is best for foreign wineries to use their own importer or agent to clear their wines through U.S. Customs. A winery without representation in the United States may still enter using the Sommelier Challenge's import agent, Wine Cellar Productions Inc. Wine Cellar Productions will need winery name, wine name, grape varieties and alcohol content on each wine for the forms it submits to the TTB for the approvals that are required to clear U.S. Customs. A fee of $75 will be charged for clearing up to three entries through Customs. The fee for more than three entries is $150. All import fees are due in advance along with the entry fees. Information about the wines to be cleared should be faxed to 619-294-4878 or emailed to Director Robert Whitley at whitleyonwine@yahoo.com.

Award Categories#

Judges will award Critics Silver honors to wines that demonstrate above average character for the wine type and place of origin. CriticsGold honors will be awarded to wines that rise above a straightforward recommendation.

Critics Platinum awards will be reserved for wines nominated for Best of Show in these categories: sparkling, rose, white, red and dessert. All judges will participate in the tasting evaluation and vote for Best of Show and Wine of the Year.

Judges will taste all wines blind, but may ask for information about place of origin or grape varieties included in a blend. Producer, price and vintage will not be disclosed until the close of the competition. The Director may, at his discretion, recognize outstanding performances by an individual winery or importer following tabulation of all results. Awards will be announced at www.CriticsChallenge.com and by regular mail.

Entering

A complete wine entry is comprised of six (6) 750ml bottles, or the equivalent. Grape varieties, residual sugar, appellation, vineyard designation, proprietary names and retail price must be listed on the entry form with each entry. For spirits entries such as brandy, Cognac or grappa, the requirement is three (3) 750ml bottles of the equivalent.

Please fill out the Cruvee wine competition entry completely and accurately. The winery's telephone number, email address and contact person are important. Winners will be notified shortly after the end of the wine competition by email, telephone or regular U.S. mail.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to enter each wine in the proper category. If a category does not exist for your wine, leave the category field blank and the Director will assign the wine to the correct category or create a new category, if necessary, using the varietal composition and residual sugar level as a guide. Wines entered in the wrong category will be moved to the correct category by the Director.

Enter the wine's name as it appears on the label. The wine's label will determine how the wine is identified to consumers and industry when awards are announced.

Entry Fees

$80 per entry received by April 12, 2011
$90 per entry after April 12, 2011
Final Entry Deadline: May 3, 2011

Make checks payable to Critics Challenge.
Payment can also be made by Visa, Master Card and American Express.

Mail Fees (not wine) to:
Critics Challenge
302 Washington St. #139
San Diego, CA 92103

Alternative Entry Methods:
Enter by fax: 619-294-4878
Attention: Robert Whitley

Enter by email: Critics_Challenge@yahoo.com

Ship Wines Only to:

Critics Challenge
The Westgate
c/o Rich Cook
1055 Second Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101

(Do not include payment with wine shipment)

Deadline for Wines:
May 10, 2011