Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in BC Wines

The Lieutenant Governor's Awards for Excellence in BC Wines were announced earlier today. This is truly one of the stiffest competitions of the year for the Wines of BC as over 300 wines from 83 wineries across the province were submitted, and only 11 receive the prestigious awards.

Painted Rock Estate Winery

Last year, I had the pleasure of joining Their Honours, the Honourable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and Mrs. Gwen Point and the distinguished Consular Corps members as they presented these awards to wineries throughout the Okanagan. I am very fortunate to be a part of such an amazing industry. Watching Their Honours and the Vice-Regal party discover a few of our wineries for the first time was truly inspiring; each visit offered a new, unique experience for Their Honours and their guests and the journey was truly one of those precious moments where I felt truly blessed and proud to work with such amazing people in such a beautiful province!

I know there are many consumers just like me who take a lot of pride in our local wine industry. The growth that the BC wine industry has seen in he past 20 years is astonishing, going from a mere 17 wineries in 1990 to over 220 today! Take some time to celebrate your local vintners this summer and toast the 2011 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in BC Wines recipients:

Howling Bluff Estate Winery
2009 Pinot Noir

Laughing Stock Vineyards
2010 Pinot Gris

Mt. Lehman Winery
2009 Viognier Reserve

Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery
2008 Syrah

Red Rooster Winery
2008 Meritage

Sandhill Wines
2009 Small Lots Syrah

St. Hubertus and Oak Bay Estate Winery
2009 Dry Riesling

Stoneboat Vineyards
2009 Pinot Noir

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery
2006 Steller's Jay Brut

Volcanic Hills Estate Winery
2010 Rosé

Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery
2010 Mystic River Pinot Blanc

Cheers!