Announcing the 2005 "Oyster Award" Winners
(view the press release)

What is an "Oyster Wine"?

Typically, the best “oyster wines” are dry, crisp, clean-finishing white wines. See the Hemingway quote at the bottom of the page and visit “What is an Oyster Wine” to see what past oyster wine judges have to say. Few wines go with oysters. That is why Taylor Shellfish Farms is inviting your wine(s) to meet the oysters in this year's Competition. Your wine may be one of the ten wines judges select to receive the coveted 2005 “Oyster Award”.

The Judgings

In blind tastings, wines are judged solely on their compatibility with Kumamoto oysters on the half shell. Preliminary judgings take place April 5-11 at Anthony's Homeport at Shilshole Bay in Seattle . Over 40 oyster-loving wine and food professionals in Los Angeles , San Francisco and Seattle are involved with the final judgings. Scores from the three cities will be combined to determine the 10 equal winners.

Immediate Sales Results

Oyster Award” winning wineries enjoy immediate sales results. Restaurants serving oysters use “Oyster Award” wines on wine lists, regular by-the-glass programs and special oyster bar features. Taylor Shellfish Farms has been gratified to see oysters become part of the winery cultures at many of the winning wineries.

There is something about oysters!

For 2000 years writers have tirelessly boosted the oyster's lusty reputation and they continue to do so. With more and more varieties and better quality oysters coming to market, oysters on the half shell are enjoying a growing nationwide popularity. The Chicago Tribune recently ran an article entitled "Slurp City" about how oysters are showing up here, there and everywhere in Chicago restaurants. Restaurant oyster lists are staring to resemble wine lists and “oyster wines” have become an exciting new wine category.

AND THE WINNERS ARE...