Nearly 300 wine lovers came together recently for the 8th Annual Wine Tasting Challenge, an event held in partnership with Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute.

Top professionals and amateurs competed for prizes that included cash and trips. Some groups get together monthly to practice for the competition, said Barb Tatarnic, challenge director and auditor, and CCOVI’s co-ordinator of continuing education and wine education events.

“They take the competition very seriously,” she said. “It’s not just about the prizes. It’s about the prestige of being able to call yourself the grand champion.”

Competitors travel from across Canada and New York state, but the majority are professionals from Niagara and the Greater Toronto Area. The results will be published at a gala luncheon in March, which will be attended by the media, challenge sponsors and this year’s winners.

The Wine Tasting Challenge, which was held at the Toronto Four Seasons on Nov. 21, is presented by CCOVI in partnership with the industry.