The local wine community gathered in force at The Lake Club last week to select the top local homemade winemakers in our region. Twenty-four wines were entered the 2016 Donald P. Pipino World Series of Wine Contest, utilizing 14 different varietals from different countries and regions.

The event was held Thursday, Oct. 20 in conjunction with title sponsor the Donald P. Pipino Company and was hosted by WFMJs Dana Balash. It consisted of a commercial wine tasting from Superior Beverage, a chocolate table from Giannios candies, dinner from the Lake Club, and most importantly, a tasting of the homemade wines entered in the contest.

The audience of over 250 people voted in a blind taste test narrowing the 24 entries down to a final 8,. Then an expert panel picked from these 8 to crown the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Over $22,000 was raised to help the Children's Circle of Friends Foundation and the Alta Care Group.

The judging panel consisted of Chef Vernon Cesta of Vernons Cafe and V2, Dennis Houston (Sommelier of Vernons Caf), Matt Framton (Wine Dealer for Heidelberg Beverages), Michael Alberini (of Michael Alberinis Restaurant and Wine Shop), and Ed Moses (owner of V2). The judges selected these winemakers as winners:

Winner (Gold Medal): Rocky Mitolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, $1,000 prize
2ndPlace (Silver Medal): Cloyd Abruzzo, Cabernet Sauvingon, $500 prize
3rdPlace (Bronze Medal): Brian Laraway and Phil Battafarano, Montepulciano, $250 prize

Lake Club owner Ed Muransky was thrilled with the event. This was a wonderful night that raised a lot of money for the unheralded but crucial cause of childrens mental health counseling. My father-in-law, the late Donald P. Pipino, believed strongly in every child receiving proper care in life and the Donald P. Pipino Company continues his legacy with their title sponsorship. We also thank the rest of our sponsors and guests for their great support as well as the 24 winemakers who donated their delicious wines, with Rocky Mitolo taking home the big prize.

Anyone interested in participating in next year's event can contact the Children's Mental Health Circle of Friends Foundation at 330-793-2487.