Last spring when we developed the idea for a global wine competition to be held in conjunction with the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo, we had no idea the response and post event feedback would be so positive.

It is a testament to the caliber of the wine industry in North Idaho, from wineries to distributors all the way through to restaurants and retailers.

Having entries of over 225 wines and the chance for wine consumers to taste many of them in one location at one time was, for "wine geeks" like me, a fabulous experience. The feedback from the event led the Board of the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo to approach us about adding a winter installment of the tasting event with even more enhancements and new and different wines.

The Winter Wine Rodeo will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, where the building will be decked out festively for the season. The wines featured that evening will cover those that were not tasted at the August event. The time was selected specifically so as consumers you will have the chance to attend and try award winning wines prior to your other holiday events held that evening. Again we have gotten great response. You will have the chance to taste a huge assortment of wines from many local producers. Several of your favorite local restaurants including Bistro on Spruce have signed on to provide appetizers paired with some of the wines. You will also have the opportunity to shop for the holidays as local retailers will be represented.

All of the wines you taste that day will be available for purchase at the event so no pre-order or waiting - you can take them with you right then. Many of the wines featured will be selected based on their ability to be paired with your holiday feasts, and many of them will make great gifts for the every level of wine enthusiast and collector on your lists.

You will also have the chance to meet local wine makers including Arne Michalson from Reasons Winery, winner of the Best in Show Red wine and second place winner in the Cabernet category. This will be your first chance to try Arne's new vintages. Also Kevin Rogers from local Post Falls winery,

TimberRock, who also consults with Arne on the Reasons wines will be there. We expect more of our local wine makers to be there as well as some from the wine regions of Washington State. All will be available to help you learn more about their wines and the wine making process.

Some of the judges from the wine competition will also attend and will answer questions and provide insight on the process of judging, and detailing what we look for in a winning wine.

The ticket price of $15 will again get you the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo crystal wine glass. Also included will be 5 tastes of wine and 5 appetizers from participating restaurants. Just like the summer event you will have the opportunity to purchase more wine tastes and appetizers while you are there. Be sure and enter the raffle for a chance to win wine and restaurant prizes.

We have also learned much from last summer's tasting as we will be providing a lay out showing where your favorite wines, wineries, wine makers, and restaurants are located, along with a complete list of those participating.

We are looking forward to a great event that will feature so many of our local wine makers and chefs showcasing all that makes North Idaho a great place to live and contributes so much to the vibrancy of our wine and restaurant scene. Tickets will be available at the dinner party, at Bistro on Spruce and from the Fairgrounds. We look forward to seeing you there.

If there is a topic you would like to read about or questions on wine you can e-mail George@thedinnerpartyshop.com or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.

George Balling is co-owner with his wife Mary Lancaster of the dinner party a wine and table top decor shop in Coeur d'Alene by Costco. George is also the managing judge of The North Idaho Wine Rodeo. Information: www.thedinnerpartyshop.com