Hello, fellow water enthusiasts!
I'm thrilled to share the highlights from the 35th Annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting, which took place this past weekend in our charming town of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. As "The Water Lady," I had the pleasure of witnessing this celebration of the world's finest waters, and I'm excited to bring you the details, especially focusing on the Spring Water category.
A Gathering of Global Waters
This year's event was nothing short of spectacular, with over 80 entries representing waters from four continents. The diversity and quality of the waters showcased the global appreciation for pure and natural hydration sources.
Spotlight on Spring Waters
In the highly anticipated Bottled Non-Carbonated Water category, which predominantly features natural spring waters, the competition was fierce. Here's a breakdown of the top contenders and their achievements:
1.Gold Medal: Theoni Natural Mineral Water from Karditsa, Greece, clinched the top honor. This marks their second Gold Medal at our event, a testament to their consistent excellence.
2.Silver Medal: Shenandoah Rain from Edinburg, Virginia, made a remarkable impression, earning the Silver with its pristine taste and commitment to quality.
3.Bronze Medal: Eldorado Natural Spring Water from Eldorado Springs, Colorado, a previous Gold Medal winner, continued to showcase their superior quality by taking home the Bronze.
4.Fourth Place: Zaros Natural Mineral Water from Crete, Greece, another former Gold Medalist, demonstrated their enduring commitment to excellence.
5. Fifth Place: Their very own Berkeley Springs Water from Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, proudly secured a spot in the top five, reflecting the purity of our local springs.
Notable First-Time Entrants
It's always exciting to welcome new participants to our competition. This year, several first-time entries made significant impressions:
-Piney Plains Natural Spring Water from Little Orleans, Maryland, earned a Silver Medal in the Bottled Non-Carbonated Water category, an outstanding achievement for a newcomer.
-Peninsula Springs Spring Water from Doveton, Victoria, Australia, took home the Bronze, showcasing the exceptional quality of Australian spring waters.
Celebrating Excellence
The consistency in winners, even with different panels of judges each year, speaks volumes about the high caliber of waters entered. As our esteemed watermaster, Arthur von Wiesenberger, remarked, "The consistency in winners from year to year with different panels of judges validates the choices. It also speaks to the impressively high caliber of the waters entered."
A Global Appreciation
This year's event saw entries from nineteen U.S. states, four Canadian provinces, and eight foreign countries, including waters from as far as Tasmania, Turkey, Bosnia, Greece, and New Zealand. It's heartening to see such a widespread appreciation for natural spring waters.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate the successes of this year's participants, we also look forward to the 36th Annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting, scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026. We anticipate even more exceptional entries and the continued celebration of the world's finest waters.
Thank you for joining us in honoring these outstanding spring waters. Let's continue to support and cherish the natural sources that provide us with the purest hydration.
Stay hydrated and appreciative,
Ashley, The Water Lady
For more detailed information and a complete list of winners, please visit the official Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting website.