Wine competition returns to Niagara County Fair

Cornell Cooperative Extension will host the Western New York Home Wine Competition on Aug. 15 at the Niagara County Fair.

The competition is open to any amateur wine maker, 21 years and older, who is a resident of New York state or Southern Ontario. Entries for the wine competition can be dropped off at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County, 4487 Lake Ave., Lockport, starting July 22 and can be entered up until the time judging begins.

Entries must include an entry form and a $5 entry fee per bottle entered. Judging will begin at 10 a.m. and upon conclusion, fairgoers will have an opportunity to taste the wines.

An award ceremony will be held when judging is complete. Ribbons will be awarded for the best overall red, best overall white and best overall specialty. Ribbons will also be awarded for the top three wines in each of the following categories: Vinifera - white, vinifera - red, vinifera - rose, hybrid - white, hybrid - red, hybrid - rose, native - white, native - red, native - rose, tree fruit, berry fruit and specialty.

For complete contest rules and entry form, visit www.cceniagaracounty.org or call Karen at ext. 221, or Amanda at ext. 231 at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County at 716-433-8839.

The 2015 Niagara County Fair, organized and operated by CCE Niagara County, will take place from Aug. 5 to 9.