The Southern Oregon World of Wine (WOW) Festival displayed a world class lineup of judges today for its 9th annual wine competition. Experts from South Africa and London, England will join American wine editors of Mutineer and Sunset magazines for a world-class contest. The judging will take place Aug. 11 and 12 at Bigham Knoll in the historic national landmark town of Jacksonville, Oregon. Results will be publicly announced on Aug. 26 at the Festival Gala Dinner celebration.

“The wine competition has always been one of the focal points of the event and has benefited from the participation of many fine judges in the past, including prominent Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers, as well as noted wine writers,” said Les Martin, Chairman of the Judging Committee.

This year’s WOW festival builds upon eight previous sold out successes and will expand from an evening event to a multi-day celebration of the wonders of the local wine region on Aug. 24-27, 2011. A new slogan this year will promote a world class region of 68 wineries, along with award-winning cheeses, chocolates, organic and gourmet foods.

“Discover Southern Oregon’s World of Wine” is the call inviting visitors and locals alike to explore southern Oregon’s World of Wine region and discover more than 70 varietals grown in an area recognized for its scenic beauty, charm, B&B hospitality, Britt Music Festivals, theaters and Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

This year’s panel of judges includes the following:

Peter Koff
MW, Owner of Fairest Cape Wine Distributors
Peter Koff is one of only two people in the world to hold both the titles of Master of Wine and Cape Wine Master, a South African distinction. Originally from South Africa, he fell in love with wine when he was in college. Koff adheres to the philosophy, "Wine is not only civilized, it is civilizing."

In 1995, Koff founded Fairest Cape Wine Distributors, an importer and wholesaler of premium wines based in the United States.

Alan Kropf
Publisher and Editor of Mutineer Magazine
Alan Kropf is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, holds an Advanced Certificate with Merit through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, is a Certified Beer Server through the Cicerone Certification Program, and holds a Bartending/Mixology Certificate through National Bartenders Bartending School. Before founding Mutineer Magazine in 2008, Kropf contributed to magazines including Sante, The Tasting Panel, and SommSelections, and currently contributes beverage content to newspapers and online publications.

Kropf has authored over 500 blog articles and is currently nearing completion of his first book.

Tim Marson
MW
Tim Marson relocated from his native England to Napa, California in February 2011, where he is VP of Procurement for online retailer My Wines Direct Inc. Marson has judged at several of the most widely recognized international wine competitions, including the International Wine Challenge, London; the Decanter World Wine Awards; and the International Wines & Spirits Competition.

Marson is an honors graduate in classics from Oxford University and entered the wine business in 1997. With experience in retail and trade sales, he joined leading UK importer/distributor Bibendum Wine Ltd. as a buyer in 2006.  

Sara Schneider
Wine Editor for Sunset Magazine
Sara Schneider is Sunset Magazine’s wine editor. A graduate of the California Culinary Academy, she was the editor of Bay Food Magazine for three years before joining Sunset. Along with overseeing Sunset's wine coverage, developing recipes, and writing wine and food stories, she writes a monthly wine column on news, trends, and issues.

Schneider has been nominated twice for James Beard Awards for magazine feature reporting and is the co-author of the book California Wine Country: A Sunset Field Guide.