Think Wine Country don’t know barbecue? Think again.
On September 10, 2011, pit masters from around the Bay Area will head to Santa Rosa to fire up world-class ribs, tri-tip and smokin ‘que at the first annual Wine Country Big Q. But hold onto your dry rub, partner, this ain’t for backyard bragging rights, this a smoker versus smoker meat-match sanctioned by the big boys at the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS).
That means serious judging and high-caliber competitors in the categories of Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork and Beef Brisket. With $7,500 in prize money at stake, in addition to qualification points for other KCBS events, there are already some serious contenders, including John Anderson from Woodhouse Barbecue St. Helena. Much-feared on the local circuit, the Woodhouse Chocolate founder has some serious time and cash into his four (four!) custom-built pits. There’s are also rumors that Santa Rosa Team, Ribs for Your Pleasure, will compete.
In addition to the team barbecue event, the event will also host a “Winery Big Beef Challenge” with local wineries vying for a “People’s Choice” award for their barbecue tri-tip. Local firehouses get in on the action with the “Fireman’s Bold Bean Challenge”, another People’s Choice award for, you guessed it, beans.
Starting to drool? The public gets in on the game from 1 to 5pm Saturday, snarfing up samples of the barbecue, beans and wine and voting for their favorite teams. If you’re dreaming of a judging gig (you’ll likely eat more barbecue than should be legal), you’ll need to be KCBS-certified. That means a five-hour class and lots of rib-eating, according to organizer Judy Groverman, who herself recently completed the training. Well, that an elbowing out all the other certified judges planning their barbecue and Wine Country getaway.
‘Cue on Sonoma County!
Think you’ve got the right stuff to enter? Registration is on like Kong at Wine Country Big Q (winecountrybigq.com). Entry is $250 per team before August 5.
The Deets:
Wine Country Big Q, September 10, 2011, 1-5pm
Sonoma Academy
2500 Farmer’s Lane, Santa Rosa
$45 per person includes eight 2oz tastes (1 lb) and four wine samples
Live Entertainment featuring PETE [stringfellow]
Benefits Worth Our Weight