Provided by Imagine
The average person drinks about 182.5 gallons per year, making it the most popular drink on earth. The highly anticipated 32nd International Water Tasting Festival welcomes nearly one hundred waters from across the globe on Feb. 25 and 26, 2022. Held at the Country Inn in the historic spa town of Berkeley Springs, it is the world’s largest and longest-running water tasting competition.
A free seminar will be available to the public that will teach the importance of water and its impact on our world. Featured speakers include John Etgen, CEO of Project WET, and Emmanuel Itier, an experienced filmmaker making a documentary about discovering the true essence of water. The seminar begin at 1:00 p.m. on Feb. 25.
Feb. 26 is the official water tasting day. Tasting of municipal waters, followed by purified drinking water, begins at 2:30 p.m. Bottled waters both still and sparkling, are tasted at 6:30 p.m. Winners in all categories are announced at a public awards reception at 8:00 p.m.
A distinguished panel of media judges determines the official winners, while the public determines the People’s Choice Awards. The public can watch as the judges do a blind taste test of waters in four categories; municipal, non-carbonated, carbonated, and purified. While the judges are doing their job the public can learn how the waters are judged by watermaster Arthur Von Wiesenberger and festival producer Jill Klein Rone.
The People’s Choice Award is awarded to the entry that the public feels is the best package design. “How the product looks has become ever so important as the bottled water industry continues to grow,” said Rone. “There are now more than 600 brands of water.” After the ceremony, the public is encouraged to take the bottled water home in the world-famous water rush.
Judges for the 2022 International Water Tasting Festival include:
- Mary Bemis- Cofounder of Organic Spa Magazine
- Michael Cervin- Contributor for Intowine.com
- Kellie B Gormly- Freelance writer for Washington Post
- Mark Kraham- News Director at WDVM-TV
- Emmanuel Itier- Film Producer of The Ivocation
- Marilyn Odesser-Torpey- Travel editor for Main Line Today Magazine
- Harriet Pearson- Publisher for WV Independent Observer
- Lynn Seldon- Author of Virginia’s Ring
- Dale Ann Leatherman- Co-author of Courting Danger
For more information about the International Water Tasting Festival, visit berkeleyspringswatertasting.com
About Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs is a historic small town located in the mountains of West Virginia and home of the historic Roman baths and one-of-a-kind spas. In addition to its renowned leisure activities, Berkeley Springs has a nationally recognized art scene, various dining options, and distinctive shops. A convenient drive from Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and experience the small-town charm. Learn more by visiting berkeleysprings.com.
