Camp Good Days Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition

Camp Good Days Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition The Finger Lakes International Wine and Spirits Competition (FLIWC) is one of America's Largest Charitable Wine & Spirits Competitions in the U.S.!

🍷 Meet International Judge Josef Valihrach, Jr., from the Czech Republic!Born into a winemaking family, Josef Valihrach,...
06/17/2026

🍷 Meet International Judge Josef Valihrach, Jr., from the Czech Republic!

Born into a winemaking family, Josef Valihrach, Jr. has dedicated his life to the craft of viticulture and winemaking. Since becoming Head Oenologist at Vinařství Josef Valihrach in 2014, he has helped lead the winery to international acclaim, including four Chardonnay du Monde championships and multiple Czech Winemaker of the Year awards. Josef is also Vice-President of the Independent Winegrowers of Europe, Technical Director of the Danube Wine Challenge, and a respected judge at wine competitions around the world. His passion for quality, innovation, and collaboration continues to make a lasting impact on the global wine community.

💬 When asked why Josef keeps coming back, Josef shared: “Judging at FLIWC is always a highlight from both a professional and personal point of view. I feel honored and grateful to be a small part of such an inspirational event. The selflessness of everyone involved is what makes it truly stand out.”

Thank you, Josef, for sharing your expertise and passion with FLIWC, helping ensure it is a respected competition year after year. It was a pleasure to have you present a selection of wines from your family vineyard during lunch. We are grateful for your continued support and are honored to have you as part of our judging panel.

🥃 Meet Marty Nott! Marty brings a diverse range of expertise to the judging panel, holding certifications as a Society o...
06/16/2026

🥃 Meet Marty Nott!

Marty brings a diverse range of expertise to the judging panel, holding certifications as a Society of Wine Educators Certified Specialist of Spirits, a Lustau Certified Sherry Wine Specialist, and a SEC Certified Sake Professional. With extensive knowledge spanning spirits, sherry, and sake, Marty offers a unique perspective and valuable insight that helps make our competition a success.

💬 When asked what makes FLIWC so special, Marty shared: "What wine and spirits have in common with Camp Good Days is the striving for quality of life and treasuring every moment. It's a privilege to be part of the FLIWC in support of this high calling."

Thank you, Marty, for all that you do; we couldn’t do it without judges like you! We are incredibly grateful for your continued support of Camp Good Days and contributions to FLIWC!

🥃 Meet Lorraine Hems!Lorraine is a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Rochest...
06/15/2026

🥃 Meet Lorraine Hems!

Lorraine is a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Rochester Institute of Technology. Lorraine credentials include WSET Level 3 certification, Certified Wine Educator and Certified Specialist of Spirits designations from the Society of Wine Educators, and Certified Sommelier status through the Court of Master Sommeliers. Lorraine’s extensive knowledge and passion for wine makes her a valuable member of this year's judging panel.

💬 When asked why Lorraine keeps coming back, Lorraine shared: “I enjoy getting together with judges at these competitions because we are all there to help raise funds in support of the great work done by Camp Good Days and Special Times.”

Thank you, Lorraine, for your ongoing support of Camp Good Days. Judges like you help make this competition possible, and we are incredibly grateful for all that you do!

🥃 Spirits judging is underway today at the 26th Annual Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition!Judges from...
06/15/2026

🥃 Spirits judging is underway today at the 26th Annual Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition!

Judges from across the industry have gathered to evaluate spirits from producers around the world through a professional blind tasting process. Each entry will be carefully assessed for quality, balance, and overall excellence as we work to identify this year’s award winners.

A big thank you to our judges, volunteers, and staff who help make this competition possible and uphold the trusted standards FLIWC is known for.

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes highlights from judging day! ✨

🍷 Meet Manju Wagner! After beginning her career in software engineering, Manju found her true passion in wine. She holds...
06/12/2026

🍷 Meet Manju Wagner!

After beginning her career in software engineering, Manju found her true passion in wine. She holds certifications from the International Sommelier Guild, WSET Level 3 and Diploma credentials, and completed wine-judging training with the American Wine Society. In 2024, she founded The Somm Closet, a wine bar and retail shop in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, where she continues to share her love of wine while remaining a lifelong student of the industry.

💬 Manju shared: “Being a FLIWC judge connects me to a larger family of winemakers, colleagues from across the wine world, and above all, the children and adults whose fight against cancer and sickle cell anemia reminds us why this work really matters.”

Thank you, Manju, for supporting Camp Good Days and joining our panel of incredible judges!

🍷 Meet Sharyn Kervyn!Sharyn Kervyn de Volkaersbeke’s professional career has been devoted to the wine industry. She is ...
06/11/2026

🍷 Meet Sharyn Kervyn!

Sharyn Kervyn de Volkaersbeke’s professional career has been devoted to the wine industry. She is a diploma graduate with honors through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (dipWSET), a Certified Specialist of wine (CSW) through the Society of Wine Educators and Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. She is also an International OIV and American Wine Society (AWS) Certified Wine Judge with Merit (CWJM), and judges annually for competitions in America and Europe.

💬 When asked why Sharyn keeps coming back, Sharyn shared: “It is an honor and privilege to serve as a wine judge for the Finger Lakes International, an incredibly worthy cause I proudly support.”

Thank you, Sharyn, for continuously supporting Camp Good Days and helping make FLIWC one of the premier wine and spirits competitions of its kind in the world.

🍷 Meet Gina Shay!Gina works for Cork Supply and Tonnellerie Ô and has more than 24 years of experience in the wine indus...
06/10/2026

🍷 Meet Gina Shay!

Gina works for Cork Supply and Tonnellerie Ô and has more than 24 years of experience in the wine industry. As both a Certified Sommelier and Certified Specialist of Wine, she offers a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and passion for wine that helps make our judging panel exceptional.

💬 When asked why Gina keeps coming back, Gina shared: “While it seems impossible to change the world, Camp Good Days does exactly that for sick children, family by family, bringing moments of joy and camaraderie in the midst of their deepest struggle. If we as an industry can contribute to that while also celebrating entrants’ wines, it’s an honor.”

Thank you, Gina, for continuously supporting Camp Good Days and helping make FLIWC one of the premier wine and spirits competitions of its kind in the world.

🍷 Meet Abby Wilkens! Abby is a second-generation winemaker at Lakewood Vineyards in the Finger Lakes Region. She majored...
06/09/2026

🍷 Meet Abby Wilkens!

Abby is a second-generation winemaker at Lakewood Vineyards in the Finger Lakes Region. She majored in Enology and Viticulture at Cornell University. Upon graduation, she worked in the wine industries in New Zealand, Central Florida and Oregon before returning to the family business in late 2014 where she has worked the past 11+ years. Abby is involved in all aspects of winemaking at Lakewood Vineyards, where she works with the rest of the team to produce 40,000 cases of wine annually, from over 20 different varietals.

💬 When asked what makes FLIWC so special, Abby shared: “The Finger Lakes International Wine Competition is at the intersection of an incredible cause, thoughtful, experienced judges, and world-class wines and spirits. It's an honor to be involved!”

Thank you, Abby, for continuously supporting Camp Good Days and helping make FLIWC one of the premier wine and spirits competitions of its kind in the world.

🍷 Meet Our Head Judge, Bob Madill! Over the coming weeks, we’ll be introducing some of the outstanding judges who help m...
06/08/2026

🍷 Meet Our Head Judge, Bob Madill!

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be introducing some of the outstanding judges who help make the Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition possible!

We’re excited to kick off this series with our Head Judge, Bob Madill. Bob plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity and credibility of the competition. He oversees the selection and organization of judges into panels, helps maintain a fair and consistent judging process, and works closely with our team to ensure the accuracy of results.

💬 When asked what makes FLIWC so special, Bob shared: “The FLIWC has three remarkable pillars of strength. The powerful and compelling cause that the competition supports – Camp Good Days and Special Times for children with cancer and their families; the exceptional management team and volunteers who conduct the competition; and the enviable and widely acknowledged record for trusted wine judging professionalism that the FLIWC has demonstrated over the years!”

Thank you, Bob, for continuously sharing your expertise and helping make FLIWC one of the premier wine and spirits competitions of its kind in the world.

🍷 The wait is over — the wine portion of the 26th Annual Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition begins to...
06/08/2026

🍷 The wait is over — the wine portion of the 26th Annual Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition begins today!

Over the next several days, our panel of expert judges will evaluate wines from across the globe as they determine this year’s medal winners and Best in Class selections.

Stay tuned throughout the week as we take you behind the scenes and share highlights from the competition. Cheers to another exciting year of judging! 🍇✨

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1332 Pittsford Mendon Road
Mendon, NY
14506

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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(585) 624-5555

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