Announcing the 2006 "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 2006 “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 4-11 at Anthony's Homeport at Shilshole
Bay in Seattle. Preliminary Judges select 30 semi-finalists and then 20 wines to go to the Final Judgings. Over 36 oyster-loving wine and
food professionals in Los Angeles, San
Francisco and Seattle participate in  the Final Judgings. Scores from the three cities will
be combined to determine the 10 equal “Oyster Award” winners.

Immediate Sales Results

"Oyster Award” winning wineries enjoy immediate sales results. Restaurants serving oysters use “Oyster Award” winning 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. Last year the Chicago Tribune ran an article entitled "Slurp City" about how oysters are showing up here, there and everywhere in Chicago restaurants. Restaurant oyster lists are starting to resemble wine lists and “oyster wines” have become an exciting new wine category.

AND THE WINNERS ARE...