The American Fine Wine Competition celebrates the finest wines produced in the United States and consists of several events, ending with a Gala Dinner on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at the Boca Raton Resort Club & Spa in Mizner Center.

The celebration starts off with the Allied, Kitchen & Bath VIP event on Thursday, March 8, 2011 at their showroom in Fort Lauderdale. Professionals will have an opportunity to network and meet the judges while learning about the upcoming Gala and enjoying a meal featuring American wines from last year’s AFWC event.

Next is the Consumer Challenge Fundraiser hosted by AFWC on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at Bogart’s restaurant, located inside the Cinemark Palace 20 in Boca Raton. At this event — open to the public — attendees will judge by participating in a blindfold taste challenge of 10 American wines. Tickets for the Fundraiser are $35 per person. All proceeds from the Bogart’s event and Gala Dinner will benefit the Diabetes Research Institute and the Golden Bell Education Foundation.

The series of events will conclude with the Gala Dinner on Thursday, April 19, 2012. The event will feature all the wines entered into the competition served along with a four-course dinner and live entertainment. Chef Emeril Lagasse will prepare the evening’s main course during a live cooking demonstration. Tickets for the Gala Dinner are $300 per person.

For more information on these events, click here.

-guest contributor