Fred Bollaci Attends 9th Annual American Fine Wine Competition to Benefit Miami Dolphins Cancer Challenge and UM Sylvester Cancer Center at Hyatt Regency Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale, FL

With Stuart Bryan, Vintner of Pride Mountain Vineyards (Napa & Sonoma, CA) at The American Fine Wine Competition in Fort Lauderdale, FL

The American Fine Wine Competition & Charity Gala, which began in 2007 and is co-founded by Shari Gherman and Monty & Sara Preiser, has become one of the most influential wine events in the country. The competition takes place each January at FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality Management in the Wine Spectator Restaurant Lab. The competition is followed by the annual Charity Wine Gala which takes place in April. A series of Wine & Business After Hours events that raise money for a variety of non-profits continue to promote these American wines throughout the year. Between 650 and 700 of the finest wines produced in the U.S. are invited to participate in the elite competition. Since its inception, AFWC has raised more than $750,000 for local charities.

Shari Gherman, President and co-founder, is a Sommelier and has been involved in the wine industry for over 25 years. Her experiences in virtually every aspect of the industry, including marketing, distribution, supply, and advertising, have combined to form a unique background. Through the American Fine Wine Competition, Shari has established a vehicle to raise money for worthy causes, and has combined her love for wine with her drive to give something back to the community.

Monty and Sara Preiser, co-founders, reside in Palm Beach County, Florida, and spend their summers in Napa. They honed their wine skills as they traveled the country while Monty practiced law for 20 years, and for many years were wine columnists for The Boca Raton News and other publications. They are now the principal wine writers/editors for numerous lifestyle magazines including Coastal Isles on the Atlantic Coast and Living on the Suncoast on Florida’s west coast. They own Creative Professional Programs, a company devoted to continuing education for professionals in conjunction with fine wine and food. The Preisers have served as judges for a number of wine competitions across the country, are frequent guest commentators on wine radio shows, and now publish the most comprehensive guide to Napa Valley wineries and restaurants titled, The Preiser Key to Napa Valley and its sister Publication, the Preiser Key to Sonoma.

The gala took place on April 8th, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The evening celebrated some of the Best Wines produced in America, combined with excellent food and entertainment, while raising funds for the Dolphins Cancer Challenge with both live and silent auctions. Patrons bid on items ranging from trips to wine country with VIP access to wineries, exclusive wine gift baskets signed by winemakers and owners, and sports memorabilia. The Emcee for the evening was Kim Bokamper from the Miami Dolphins. Winemakers and Vintners in attendance included: Peju, Reynolds Family, Markham, Rocca Family, Frank Family, Pride Mountain, Field Stone, VIE, De Loach, Red Mare, VIE, Shadowbox, Hagafen, Hahn, Prix, and many more! “This is one of the premier exclusively American wine events in the nation, a great way to experience the very best wines without traveling all the way to the west coast, and it benefits a great cause. And if you are planning a visit to wine country, this is a great opportunity to sample excellent wines, and meet winemakers and vintners you’ll want to go see,” Bollaci said. “I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.”