KLRN is gearing up for the annual San Antonio Wine Festival later this month.

To get the ball rolling, the station sponsored its annual Wine Competition at La Quinta on I-10 Saturday. Five panels judged 515 wines in categories that ranged from Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to Spanish Varietals and Port-style Wines. Each panel of judges, featuring wine professionals, collectors and more, sampled more than 100 wines over the course of the day.

Volunteers and KLRN supporters kept the glasses moving from the pouring area to judging room, whiles the wines from around the country and around the world were graded.

Many of the winners will be featured at the various events, including the Fine Wine & Cuisine Tasting on Feb. 15, the Opener on Feb. 19 and the Champagne Brunch on Feb. 21. For a full schedule of events, including prices, locations and times, click here.

The annual festival is a benefit for the local public television station.

A Malbec round ready for the judges.	A small sampling of the wines to be judged.	Appearance is important.
Sean Ballesteros taking in the aroma.	Carl Dominguez and Charlie Deacon	Looks like we have a few medal winners.
Volunteers Jay McCracken and Pie Alvarado making sure all the glasses are spotless.	Volunteer Leslie Campbel takes a quick break.	Volunteer opening a bottle.

(Photos: Nicholas N. Mistry)