An Athens wine expert is preparing to take her knowledge of food and wine to an international stage, earning a spot on the judging panels for two major European competitions.
Paula Laurita, a sommelier and certified wine judge, will represent Alabama at the Frankfurt International Trophy and another European food and wine competition, according to The News Courier.
The selection marks a notable opportunity for Laurita, whose wine judging credentials place her among a group of specialists trusted to evaluate entries in competitions that draw products and expertise from around the world.
Wine judging involves more than deciding whether a bottle tastes good. Judges assess characteristics such as aroma, flavor, balance and finish, using trained sensory evaluation to distinguish between wines and determine how they measure up against established standards.
Laurita’s credentials include certification through the American Wine Society, which maintains a wine judge certification program requiring extensive study and a comprehensive examination. The program covers a range of wines, including those made from traditional wine grapes, hybrid varieties and other fruits.
The American Wine Society’s certification process is designed to help judges evaluate wines consistently and objectively. Certified judges may work at recognized competitions in the United States and internationally.
For Laurita, the European appointments offer an opportunity to apply that training beyond North Alabama while bringing recognition to the Athens community.
The Frankfurt International Trophy is among the competitions that bring together wine professionals and other qualified tasters to evaluate entries. International competitions can provide producers with independent assessments of their products and recognition that may help distinguish their wines in a crowded marketplace.
Laurita’s selection also highlights the range of expertise found in North Alabama, where professional and personal interests can extend well beyond the region.
While wine competitions may seem far removed from everyday life in Limestone County, their results can influence how producers present their products and how consumers discover wines from different regions.
Laurita’s judging work will put her in a position to evaluate those entries alongside other specialists, drawing on the experience and training required to assess wines on their individual merits.
Her selection comes as she continues to build on her wine expertise in Athens, bringing an internationally focused pursuit to a community better known for its historic downtown, local businesses and agricultural roots.
The appointments place Laurita among the wine professionals helping evaluate products on an international scale, with Athens serving as her home base.
Zachary Austin is a writer for 256 Today. You can contact him at [email protected].
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