I think I just moved up in the world!

Well, a case of serendipity (and perhaps a bit of talent) has landed me a spot as a judge at this year's Ottawa Wine and Food Show!

Yesterday morning, I was honoured to be alongside the who's who of the wine world while we judged this year's entries to the show. 10:30am brought with it a flight of Chardonnays, followed by a selection of off-dry whites. Then came the Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc blends and finally, for dessert, the Icewines. Ninety in total. 90!! 3:00pm brought with it a very long nap!

I kind of felt like one of the judges at Westminster... Oh, no! Too thin, too flabby, no backbone. Oooh! Great structure, beautiful colouring, excellent legs, a wonderful finish! Equally indulgent a thing to judge. But important nonetheless for those of us who care. And don't tell me you don't spend ticket after ticket on those wines with the medals gleaming around their necks as you make your rounds of the show!

Best of all, I get to don one of those ostentatious "JUDGE" badges for the duration of the show! Giving me immediate access to those booths with the lineups down the aisle and the treasures kept under the table for the most discerning of visitors. I promise, I will have a plethora of stories to share.

Speaking of which, I hope you'll join me at this year's event, November 2nd til the 4th at the Ottawa Congress Centre. Tickets are $15 and available through Ticket Master (19yrs and older, only).

Grape Potential is working on having never-before seen access to the show; conducting interviews with exhibitors and visitors alike, giving our free stuff and of course gorging on well, frankly, anything we can get our lips on!

I do hope you'll join us. I always say, I'd trade in 10 Christmases to spend the weekend at the Wine and Food Show. And this year, it looks like Christmas is coming early!