The Union's wine writer, Rod Byers, has been selected to judge at this year's Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, in Rochester, New York.

The competition March 29-30 is open to commercial wineries from all wine-producing countries. In 2007, the event attracted more than 2,300 wines from around the globe.

Byers is one of five judges from California participating in this year's event, among 44 judges from 10 states and seven countries.

Each year, a diverse, highly skilled group of certified judges including sommeliers, educators, winemakers, writers, importers and retailers are invited to participate, organizer David Male said. "I'm looking forward to a more diverse field of wines," Byers said. "Most of the events I judge at are dominated by wines from California. There are some great wines coming from other areas of the country."

The event is the world's largest charitable wine competition: Proceeds support Camp Good Days, a nonprofit organization that gives a camping experience to children and adults facing challenges.

Byers will take a side trip through New York's Finger Lakes wine region. "They're earning quite a reputation for the rieslings," Byers said. "I'm looking forward to trying a few."