Rochester, NY- The Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition (FLIWSC) proudly announces another successful year, surpassing all expectations with an impressive participation of over 1,750 entries. Celebrating its 23^rd edition, the competition once again raised vital funds for Camp Good Days, a cherished nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families affected by cancer or sickle cell anemia.

The FLIWC, held annually, showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and diversity of wines and spirits from around the world and has become one of the largest wine competitions in the world to benefit a charitable organization. This year’s event attracted an unprecedented number of entries, reaffirming its status as a premier competition in the industry.

Over 1,750 wines and spirits were entered and then blind judged by a distinguished group of judges composed of sommeliers, wine makers, wine writers, experienced spirits judges, as well as wine and spirit educators. They were awarded bronze, silver and gold medals, and where it was unanimous, double gold. A platinum medal is awarded to the wine or spirit that holds extraordinary distinction during the “Best in Class” evaluation.

All wines and spirits were presented blindly to the panel of judges with only the varietal or blend identified.  No indication of geography, vintage, or price point is shared, ensuring total unbiased evaluation given to each wine and spirit. 

“The Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition has once again proven its ability to bring together passionate wine and spirits producers from across the globe while supporting children and families affected by cancer or sickle cell anemia,” said Jamie Varble, Event Director of the FLIWC. “We are incredibly grateful to all the participants, judges, sponsors, and volunteers who have made this event a resounding success, enabling us to contribute to the invaluable work of Camp Good Days.”

To celebrate the success of the Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition, Camp Good Days will host its Annual Wine & Spirits Gala on October 28, 2023 and will feature medal winning wines and spirits from the competition. Guests will be able to enjoy these award-winning products through tastings and silent auctions throughout the night.

For more information about the winning entries and the Camp Good Days Wine Auction, please visit the FLIWC website at www.fliwc-cdg.com

The wines that won the “Best in Class” categories are:

The spirits that won the “Best in Class” categories are:

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MORE ABOUT CAMP GOOD DAYS AND SPECIAL TIMES:

Camp Good Days and Special Times, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults, and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and sickle cell anemia, was founded by Gary Mervis in 1979, following the diagnosis of his youngest daughter, Teddi, with a malignant brain tumor. What was started to provide Teddi and 62 other children with cancer (21 from Rochester, 21 from Buffalo, 21 from Syracuse) with a residential camping experience has grown to become one of the largest organizations of its kind, having served as model for other organizations and cancer treatment centers around the world.  Providing residential camping programs and year-round recreational and support activities and events, Camp Good Days has served more than 50,000 campers from 22 states and 36 foreign countries.