#11-1-30-08
Media Contacts:
Wendy Talarico (909) 865-4263

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION ANNOUNCES VODKA, GIN, RUM, WHISKEY, MEZCAL CATEGORIES

The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition has announced the addition of gin, rum, vodka, whiskey/whisky and mezcal divisions in addition to 100% Blue Agave Tequila for its 2008 competition. Although the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition has been in operation (formerly as the Los Angeles County Fair Wines of the World Competition) for 68 years, 2008 will mark the second year for the spirits division.

Noted wine writer and wine and spirits judge Rebecca Chapa has been chosen to lead the competition. “Although wine was my first passion, in the past few years my eyes have been opened to the incredible diversity of spirits.”

This year's spirits judging will be held April 21-23. Deadline for entries is March 28, 2008. Spirits will be assessed by a panel of expert spirits professionals and medals will be awarded to worthy recipients. The spirits competition has some unique features. First, it focuses on the purest reflection of the spirits entered; no flavored spirits will be judged in 2008 and only 100% Blue Agave Tequilas will be accepted for judging.

In addition, vodkas and gins will be judged as usual, straight up, followed by a second round in which they will be mixed with a carefully measured amount of soda or tonic. Judges will be looking for the spirit that best represents the category both on its own and when used in a cocktail, the way most consumers enjoy them. These unique features differentiate us and are sure to shake things up! Products also will be judged for packaging and design at no additional cost to entrants.

One of the greatest benefits of the competition is the opportunity for promotion year-round. The Best of Show winning spirit will be used to create a signature cocktail to be featured at Wine & Cars Under the Stars, a June 14, 2008 event at the NHRA Museum at Fairplex, where gold medal winning wines and spirits will be announced and tasted.

Winning spirits also will be displayed at the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Marketplace at the Los Angeles County Fair and seen by thousands of Fairguests September 5-28, 2008. The L.A. County Fair attracts nearly 1.4 million visitors per year! Winning spirits also will be displayed at the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Marketplace at the L.A. County Fair and seen by thousands of Fairguests September 5-28, 2008. For more information go to www.lawinecomp.com.