Earlier this month the winners of the 2011 Seattle Wine Awards were announced. This program was founded by Executive Director Christopher Chan in 2006 to recognize the state’s best wines.

This year saw an unprecedented 909 submissions. Tasting panels (see a list of panel participants here) evaluated wines blind based on color, aroma, flavor & palate, balance, finish, and overall impression. Top wines received Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze Grand Awards of Excellence based both on varietal and price category.

Congratulations to all of the 2011 award-winning wineries!