![\"Comptroller](\"http:\/\/winetrailtraveler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/071615a.jpg\")
<\/a>Comptroller of Maryland, Peter Franchot presents Randy Thompson, President of Big Cork Vineyards (BCV) the award for Best in Show. Pictured from left to right: Dave Collins, Winemaker at BCV, Peter Franchot, Randy Thompson and Heather Tapper, General Manager at BCV<\/p><\/div>\n
The Maryland Winemasters Choice Competition is a wine judging that is twofold. First the wines are evaluated by judges. The wines are also evaluated by winemakers. This peer evaluation helps the winemakers in the state recognize what other winemakers in the state are doing. Once the Best in Class<\/i> wines are identified, the judges select from that group of wines the Best in Show<\/i>. The judging is blind. The judges only are aware of a flight category. They do not know a wine\u2019s producer, price or details about the wine.<\/p>\n
Kevin Atticks, long time head of the Maryland Wineries Association, spoke to the assembled winery personal and media about the competition. He then introduced the guest from Annapolis that helped hand out the awards.<\/p>\n
The awards were presented by Comptroller of Maryland, Peter Franchot. Mr. Franchot has been a supporter of the wine industry in Maryland. Kathy asked the Comptroller about the state of Maryland wine. Mr. Franchot noted\u00a0that Maryland wines have improved tremendously in recent years. \u201cNow the state is making world class wines.\u201d Mr. Franchot went on to say that Maryland wineries have a bright future.<\/p>\n
Big Cork Vineyards hosted the event. The wineries that won the Best in Class Award were on hand to talk to the media and pour wines.<\/p>\n