Iron Vintner Challenge Raises Money for Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center

A monthlong culinary competition among area winemakers raised $30,000 for , double the amount it raised last year, according to event sponsor Willows Lodge.

The second annual Iron Vintner Challenge, held throughout June, was led by Executive Chief Bobby Moore. Winemakers were presented with a different secret ingredient each week and had an hour to make an appetizer and entrée for a panel of judges.

Chris Gorman of beat out fellow winemakers John Bigelow of , Chris Sparkman of and Chris Upchurch of for the title of 2011 Iron Vintner.

Gorman bested Upchurch in the championship round June 23, which featured beef as the secret ingredient. Gorman’s winning dish was butter poached beef tenderloin.

The competition ended with a winemaker dinner June 29.

“This event had an incredible energy and it was amazing to see the generous contributions made by our Woodinville winemakers, partners and attendees,” said Shaun Tucker, general manager.