Canada

The 2025 National Wine Awards

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Photo credit: winealign.com

This year Penticton, British Columbia hosted the 25th anniversary of the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada (NWAC). The NWAC is the country’s largest competition, involving only 100 percent Canadian-grown and produced wines.

This year a new category was introduced – Library Wines. This classification includes wines that are 5 years or older. These aged wines were not compared against each other but instead, each wine was independently assessed as to where it was in its lifecycle and how well it was ageing and tasting.

The Replacement wines or Crafted in B.C. wines were not included as part of The WineAlign National Wine Awards.

Winery of the Year

The 2025 Winery of the Year is Penticton, British Columbia’s Mission Hill Family Estate. This is the sixth time Anthony von Mandl has been awarded this prestigious honour.

This year, Mission Hill entered 11 top-tier wines, earning two Platinum medals, five Golds and one Silver medal.

The balance of the top 10 wineries are:

  • Laughing Stock Vineyards, Penticton, British Columbia
  • Meyer Family Vineyards, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • SpearHead Winery, Kelowna, British Columbia
  • The Organized Crime Winery, Beamsville, Ontario
  • Quails’ Gate Winery, Kelowna, British Columbia
  • Peller Estates, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  • Fielding Estate Winery, Lincoln, Ontario
  • Trius Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  • Tantalus Vineyards, Kelowna, British Columbia

Best Performing Small Winery

This year’s Best Performing Small Winery is Penticton, British Columbia’s Laughing Stock Vineyards. Laughing Stock earned eight medals at this year’s event: two Platinum, three Gold, one Silver, and two Bronze. 

When the winery was acquired by Arterra Wines in 2017, some experts had concerns as to whether Laughing Stock would maintain its boutique identity under its new corporate umbrella. However, the winery continues to operate with a small, focused team and remains fully independent in its winemaking approach.

The balance of the top 10 small wineries are:

  • Meyer Family Vineyards, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • SpearHead Winery, Kelowna, British Columbia
  • The Organized Crime Winery, Beamsville, Ontario
  • Tantalus Vineyards, Kelowna, British Columbia
  • Township 7 Vineyards and Winery, Penticton, British Columbia
  • Stag’s Hollow Winery, Okanagan Falls, British Columbia
  • Moon Cruiser Vineyards, Osoyoos, British Columbia
  • Orofino Vineyards, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
  • Thirty Bench Wine Makers, Beamsville, Ontario

Platinum Awards

A Platinum medal is the highest award possible. Less than 2% of the 1,700 wines and ciders entered received this award.

The award process involves a minimum of eight judges, three or four in the first round, and five or six in the second round. Each wine must have achieved an aggregate score of 93 points by five of those judges. 93 points or better is considered entering the realm of “outstanding.” Thus, not every judging category had a Platinum recipient.

This year’s Platinum Award winners are listed below:

Library Wines

  • Moon Curser 2020 Malbec, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Red Blends

  • Black Hills 2023 Bona Fide, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Laughing Stock 2022 Blind Trust Red, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Nomad at Hinterbrook Winery 2021 Wanderlust, Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Palatine Hills Ramblers 2024 Schmoozer Cabernet Merlot, Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • The Organized Crime 2022 The Download, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Trius 2022 Grand Red, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Pinot Noir

  • 1 Mill Road 2022 Pinot Noir Home Block, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Lightning Rock Winery 2022 Pinot Noir Canyonview Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Meyer 2022 Old Block Pinot Noir   McLean Creek Road Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • SpearHead 2022 Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • SpearHead 2022 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Chardonnay

  • 1 Mill Road 2023 Chardonnay, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Meyer 2022 Chardonnay McLean Creek Road Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Mission Hill Family Estate 2022 Perpetua, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Quails’ Gate Winery 2022 Rosemary’s Block Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Syrah

  • Laughing Stock 2022 Syrah, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Sandhill 2022 Syrah Terroir Driven Wine, British Columbia
  • Stag’s Hollow 2022 Syrah, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Riesling

  • CedarCreek 2022 Aspect Collection Riesling, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Peller Estates 2023 Signature Series Riesling, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Thirty Bench 2022 Small Lot Riesling, Triangle Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario Trius 2023 Showcase Riesling, Ghost Creek, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Icewine and Late Harvest

  • Inniskillin 2023 Riesling Icewine Niagara Estate, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Byland 2023 Riesling Icewine, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Cabernet Franc

  • Black Bank Hill 2022 Cabernet Franc, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Fielding 2023 Cabernet Franc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Kismet 2022 Cabernet Franc Reserve, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Mission Hill Family Estate 2022 Terroir Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Niagara College Teaching Winery 2022 Dean’s List Cabernet Franc, St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Tinhorn Creek 2022 Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Merlot

The complete list of award winners can be found at www.winealign/awards.

Sláinte mhaith

The 2025 All Canadian Wine Championships

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The All Canadian Wine Championships (ACWC) is open to all Canadian licensed wineries, cideries and meaderies and content must normally be grown and made in Canada. However, for this year, a new section was added, the international “Cellared in Canada” segment. These wines contain imported grapes or juice. The “Cellared in Canada” program was introduced in 2024 in response to the environmental disasters that severely impacted many British Columbia vineyards. No trophies were awarded for this special category.

As with previous years, the judges come from across Canada and include wine writers, sommeliers, and professional wine judges from the Wine Judges of Ontario. Some judges have been with the competition for more than twenty years.

Awards are presented for Gold, Silver and Bronze winners but the top scoring wine in each category is awarded Double Gold.

This year there were a total of 911 wines entered from 163 wineries.

The Trophy and Double Gold winners for grape wines are presented below. For the complete listing of award winners, visit the ACWC website at www.allcanadianwinechampionships.com/acwc-2025-results/. All prices are expressed in Canadian dollars.

The 2025 Trophy Awards were presented to:

Best Sparkling Wine of the Year

Time Family of Wines, British Columbia – 2018 Evolve Brut Nature – $49.99

Best Red Wine of the Year

Creekside Estate Winery (Diamond Estate Wines and Spirits), Ontario – 2020 Shiraz – $15.95

Best White Wine of the Year

Solvero Wines, British Columbia – 2022 Chardonnay – $40.25

Best Dessert Wine of the Year

Pillitteri Estates Winery Inc., Ontario – 2019 Racina Riesling Icewine – $40.00

Best Rosé Wine of the Year

Keint-he Winery and Vineyards Ltd., Ontario – 2023 Portage Rosé – $24.80

Best Fruit Wine of the Year

Maan Farms Estate Winery, British Columbia – N/V Strawberry Dessert – $29.41

Best Cider of the Year

Archibald Orchards & Winery, Ontario – N/V Hard Ginger – $13.80

Best Mead of the Year

Miel Nature Inc., Quebec – N/V Pomme et miel – $20.00

The 2025 Double Gold medal winners were the following:

Sparkling Wine-Traditional Method

Time Family of Wines, British Columbia – 2018 Evolve Brut Rosé – $49.99

Sparkling Wine–Charmat Method

Monte Creek Winery, British Columbia – 2022 Living Land Sparkling – $27.59

Sparkling Wine–Frizzante Method

Cherry Point Estate Wines, British Columbia – 2024 Spritzy Rosé – $33.40

Chardonnay, Unoaked

Strewn, Ontario – 2023 Distinctive Small Lot Chardonnay Musque – $24.92

Chardonnay Under $35.00

Deep Roots Winery, British Columbia – 2023 Reserve Chardonnay – $34.90

Chardonnay Over $35.00

Solvero Wines, British Columbia – 2022 Chardonnay – $40.25 “Best White Wine of the Year”

Riesling Dry

Three Sisters Winery, British Columbia – 2023 Riesling – $28.75

Riesling Off Dry

Huff Estates Winery, Ontario – 2023 Day Tripping Riesling – $20.00

Sauvignon Blanc

Featherstone Winery, Ontario – 2024 Sauvignon Blanc – $17.95

Gewürztraminer

Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2023 Gewürztraminer – $26.00

Pinot Gris Style

Alderlea Vineyards, British Columbia – 2024 Pinot Gris – $26.45

Pinot Grigio Style

Volcanic Hills Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2024 Pinot Gris – $28.74

Viognier

Rainmaker Wines, British Columbia – 2022 Viognier Rainmaker – $30.00

Other Single Vitis Vinifera Whites

Chaberton Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2024 Estate Grown Siegerrebe – $19.95

White Vitis Vinifera Blends

Alderlea Vineyards, British Columbia – 2024 Valerie – $26.45

Single White Hybrids

Magnetic Hill Winery, New Brunswick – 2024 The OC Osceola by the Sea – $20.00

White Hybrid Blends

Bear River Vineyards, Nova Scotia – 2024 Greater Yellowlegs – $25.00

Orange Wines

The Good Earth Food and Wine Co., Ontario – 2023 Chardonnay Musque Orange – $23.80

Rosé Dry

Keint-he Winery and Vineyards Ltd., Ontario – 2023 Portage Rosé – $24.80 “Best Rosé of the Year”

Rosé Off Dry

Kismet Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2024 Phulkari Rosé – $29.89

Cabernet Sauvignon $35 and Under

Black Sage Vineyard, British Columbia – 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon – $32.99

Cabernet Sauvignon Over $35.00

Laughing Stock Vineyards, British Columbia – 2022 Market Darling – $60.00

Merlot $35 and Under

Bordertown Vineyard & Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2020 Merlot – $25.00

Merlot Over $35.00

Pillitteri Estates Winery Inc., Ontario – 2020 Exclamation Merlot – $60.00

Pinot Noir $35 and Under

Keint-he Winery and Vineyards Ltd., Ontario – 2022 Portage Pinot Noir – $24.80

Pinot Noir Over $35.00

16 Mile Cellar, Ontario – 2022 Tenacity Pinot Noir – $59.80

Cabernet Franc $35 and Under

Pillitteri Estates Winery Inc., Ontario – 2020 Carretto Cabernet Franc – $28.00

Cabernet Franc Over $35.00

Bella Terra Vineyards, Ontario – 2022 Cabernet Franc – $49.72

Bordeaux Blends $35 and Under

Magnotta Winery, Ontario – 2019 Magnotta Meritage Gran Riserva VQA – $31.95

Bordeaux Blends Over $35.00

Dirty Laundry Winery, British Columbia – 2020 Bordello – $44.99

Syrah/Shiraz $35 and Under

Creekside Estate Winery (Diamond Estate Wines and Spirits), Ontario – 2020 Shiraz – $15.95 “Best Red Wine of the Year”

Syrah/Shiraz Over $35.00

Moraine Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2022 Syrah – $39.00

Single Red Hybrids

Magnetic Hill Winery, New Brunswick, – N/V Terroir Generator New World Cali Style – $30.00

Red Hybrid Blends

Planters Ridge Winery, Nova Scotia – 2022 Quintessence Red – $25.36

Other Single Red Vitis Vinifera

Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, Ontario – 2022 Petit Verdot – $39.95

Other Red Vitis Vinifera Blends

Nk’Mip Cellars   British Columbia, – 2022 Winemakers Talon – $32.99

Marechal Foch

Alderlea Vineyards, British Columbia – 2023 Clarinet – $27.60

Malbec

Rainmaker Wines, British Columbia – 2022 Malbec – $40.00

Gamay

Hillside Winery & Bistro, British Columbia – 2021 Founder’s Block Gamay Noir – $45.00

Appassimento Style

Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, Ontario – 2023 Appassimento Cabernet Franc Hawks Flight Reserve – $44.80

NEW SEGMENT FOR 2025 – INTERNATIONAL “CELLARED IN CANADA”

Single Red Vitus Vinifera

Devonian Coast Wineries, Nova Scotia – N/V Ducks Crossing Cabernet Sauvignon – $13.67

Sparkling

Moraine Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2024 Shipuchka Frizzante – $28.00

Single White Vitus Vinifera

See ya Later Ranch, British Columbia – 2024 Pinot Gris – $19.99

White Vitus Vinifera Blends

Sunnybrae Vineyards & Winery, British Columbia – 2024 Twisted Path Washington – $24.73

Rosé

Arterra Wines Canada, British Columbia – 2024 Saintly Rosé – $20.99

DESSERT WINES

Late Harvests

Vignoble Rivière du Chêne, Quebec – 2024 Cuvée Glacée des Laurentides – $28.05

White Icewines (Riesling, Vidal, Other)

Pillitteri Estates Winery Inc., Ontario – 2019 Racina Riesling Icewine – $40.00 “Best Dessert Wine of the Year”

Red Icewines

Magnotta Winery, Ontario – 2019 Magnotta Cabernet Franc Icewine Limited Edition VQA – $44.95

Grape Fortifieds

Moraine Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2022 O’port – $47.00

Next up on the championship list will be the National Wine Awards. The results should be released around mid-July.

Sláinte mhaith

BC Wineries 2024 “Crafted in BC” Wines

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Photo credit: orchardandvine.net

British Columbia wineries are now beginning to bottle and debut wines that are classified in the new wine category, “Crafted in BC”. This is a limited time offering that was authorized by the Vintage 2024 Relief and Support Program. This program was introduced by the British Columbia government in the summer of 2024 to help offset the devastating losses that resulted from last year’s extreme climate effects. For more information, see my November 9, 2024 post 2024: A Year to Remember in British Columbia.

This support program is enabling B.C.’s winemakers to use out-of-province grapes thus allowing wineries to keep their doors open and staff employed. This is also providing winemakers with the unique opportunity to think beyond the realms of their own vineyards by using different varietals of grapes from various climates and terroirs.

The “Crafted in BC” title is not a designation or certification but instead, a messaging approach. VQA wines, made from 100% B. C. grapes, remain the focus and the future for B.C. wineries. There is still plenty of supply in the market from previous vintages and those areas unaffected by the 2024 climate events. The “Crafted in BC” wines from the 2024 vintage will help to bridge the gap while vines recover or vineyards are replanted and B.C. wineries can return to producing wines produced from 100% British Columbia grapes.

Sláinte mhaith

Should the LCBO be Privatized?

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In Ontario, where I live, there is an age-old debate as to whether wine and liquor sales should be government controlled and sold only in the Liquor Control Board of Ontario outlets (LCBO) or allowed to be sold by private enterprise. During recent years, government control has been loosened somewhat, enabling wine, beer and coolers to be sold in grocery stores and more recently in convenience stores.

Photo credit: foodincanada.com

The LCBO’s history dates back to 1927 and the end of prohibition in Ontario. In 1927 the LCBO was basis of three central beliefs:

  1. The best way to prevent social harm and health risks related to alcohol consumption was to make purchasing alcohol awkward or inconvenient.
  2. Adults could not be trusted to make their own decisions around responsible alcohol consumption.
  3. Private sector retailers did not have the capacity to balance market competition and social responsibility.

Attitudes are very different today and it can be argued that the LCBO would not have been necessary nor created if current circumstances had applied in the 1920s.  In today’s world, the private sector manages business enterprises for profit and the government regulates their behaviour through the establishment of standards and the use of enforcement to ensure those standards are met. 

There have been several studies over the years on what reforms, if any, should be made to the LCBO.  It has been argued that the government could generate more revenue by privatizing the LCBO’s retail stores while keeping their wholesale business in place.

This is what Alberta did back in 1993 when it introduced a privatization scheme.  The system initiated more selection, arguably reduced prices and enhanced convenience for the consumer. It provided better opportunities for small business and alleviated the government from direct business operations. 

Despite Alberta’s experience, Ontario has not had the enthusiasm for such a venture. A study published in 2019 suggested that the people of Ontario did not want privatization as they felt the LCBO provided great value-add to the community as their surpluses fund other provincial initiatives. Reform is more likely to take place in the distribution process via an expansion in the type and number of retail outlets allowed to sell wine and in the pricing of wine.

The LCBO has a dual social responsibility mandate. It is responsible for generating revenue for the benefit of the Ontario government, as well as a social responsibility to put in place a system of minimum selling prices to discourage excessive alcohol consumption.  This has been criticized as being a legally sanctioned price fixing mechanism to guarantee profits and discourage price competition. 

It’s interesting to note that each province sets its own rules and regulations regarding the sale of wine and liquor. This is illustrated by the table below which indicates when each province implemented and repealed prohibition in Canada.

Province/territory           Prohibition enacted                     Repealed

British Columbia              1917                                                    1921

Alberta                             1916                                                    1923

Saskatchewan                  1915                                                    1925

Manitoba                         1916                                                    1921

Ontario                             1916                                                    1927

Quebec                             1919                                                    1919

New Brunswick                 1856                                                   1856

                                         1917                                                    1927

Northwest Territories      1874                                                    1891

Nova Scotia                      1921                                                    1930

Prince Edward Island      1901                                                    1948

Yukon                               1918                                                    1920

Newfoundland                 1917                                                    1924

Perhaps standardization of liquor sales should be considered across the country. That could be a discussion for another day.

Sláinte mhaith

April is Wine Month in British Columbia

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For the eighth year, the British Columbia government has declared April as Wine Month in recognition of the vital role that the B.C. wine industry plays in the province’s economy, tourism and culture. Given the effects of the current economic uncertainty combined with the devastating environmental impacts of the past couple of years, this recognition is very timely.

Photo credit: winetourhub.com

B.C. Wine Month is intended to be a celebration of everything related to B.C. wine, including new 2024 vintage releases, including B.C. VQA wines, which consist of wines that are 100% produced in B.C., and for a limited time because of the 2024 environmental situation, Crafted in BC wines produced under the 2024 vintage relief and support program. See my post from November 9, 2024, “2024: A Year to Remember” for details regarding the events of 2024.

Wine Month is intended to recognize the people working in the wine and hospitality sectors who create memorable experiences for visitors from around the world that come to enjoy the wines and flavours of the region. This supports grape growers, winemakers and winery operations, increasing the market exposure to their excellent wines.

According to Wines BC (winesbc.com), there are 929 vineyards in British Columbia along with 369 licensed wineries. The B.C.  wine industry generates about 3.75 billion dollars annually, contributes over 440 million dollars in federal and provincial tax revenues, and employs over 14,000 full-time workers. An estimated one million tourists are drawn to the region each year resulting in 452 million dollars in tourism-related revenue, along with 147 million dollars in tourism-related wages from over 2,600 associated jobs. This all boils down to 105 dollars being generated for the economy from every bottle of wine sold.

B.C.’s Wine Month is something worth celebrating.

Sláinte mhaith

In Response to Donald Trump

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / 3 Comments

During the past six years that I have been writing this blog I have always steered away from political issues. However, today I feel compelled to speak out against Canada’s one time ally, the United States. With the return of Donald Trump to the White House’s Oval Office, Canada’s economy was placed under direct attack by Trump when he decided to impose twenty-five percent tariffs on Canadian imports to the U.S., without just cause. Similar sanctions have been imposed on Mexico and China and are being threatened against the European Union.

Photo credit: Manitoba Liquor Mart

In response to these bullying tactics by Trump, and as a proud Canadian, I will no longer purchase or write about American wine until such time as Trump refrains from his attack on Canada.

Canada has been the top export market for U.S. wines and Ontario’s provincial liquor board (the LCBO) has been among the largest purchasers of U.S. alcohol. In Ontario, imported wines are primarily sold through provincially owned and operated retail outlets, although recent regulatory changes have authorized 157 private grocery retail locations to distribute wine and beer.

The first phase of Canada’s response to the U.S. imposed tariffs includes tariffs on wine and spirits, in addition to many other products. Ontario is banning American liquor and the LCBO is removing American wine, spirits and beer from its shelves. This will represent about a billion dollars worth of American alcohol.

British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland are also removing U.S. liquor from their store shelves. At last word Quebec is considering the idea. On the bright side these bans will serve to enhance the sale of Canadian wines in Canada, as well as European, Australian, South American and South African wines.

Hopefully the American people will convince Trump that the imposition of his tariffs will not only hurt international economies but his own economy as well. It is a sad situation.

Sláinte mhaith

Inter-Provincial Wine Sales

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Given all of the recent tariff talk and the renewed patriotism that has come as a result of it, some interesting points have come to light regarding wine sales between provinces. Many Canadians are now avoiding U.S. made products, including wine. As a result, there are now signs of an increased need to support Canadian wineries and renewed calls to open inter-provincial trade in alcohol. However, there are inter-provincial trade barriers standing in the way.

Photo credit: LCBO

Until June 2019, federal legislation prohibited inter-provincial shipment of alcohol directly to the consumer.  This then allowed the provinces the opportunity to pass legislation to permit direct purchase to consumers.  Unfortunately, most provinces chose not to allow this, leaving only British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan who permit direct-to-consumer alcohol shipments.  Ontario has recently amended its laws to prohibit the possession of wine that has been imported from other provinces unless the transaction was handled via the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO). There are now calls to have this ban lifted.

Ontario wine consumers cannot support small local wineries in another province.  Ironically, living in Ontario and purchasing wines produced in another province, the LCBO charges the purchaser the same import duties as if the wine came from a foreign country.

The wine growers of B.C., as well as the B.C. government are advocates of opening provincial borders to enable wine to move east and west across this country. There is a great deal of regulatory burden making it difficult for small and medium-sized wineries. The process needs to be simple and streamlined.

The time has come for Canadian provinces to eliminate inter-provincial trade barriers.

Sláinte mhaith

Ontario’s Movers and Shakers for 2024

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As the end of the year rolls around I think back to the year that was and which wineries left me with an impressionable mark. This is not to suggest that these are the only great wineries in the province; they are merely the ones that caught my attention this year.   My list varies in length from year to year as I like to focus on achievements rather than listing a specific number of wineries.

Here is my list for 2024. The wineries are presented in alphabetical order.

Henry of Pelham Family Estate

I was surprised when I checked back to my past lists and found that Henry of Pelham has never appeared until now. It was the top Ontario winery this year at the National Wine Awards.

This six-generation family farm is situated in the Short Hills Bench sub-appellation of the Niagara Peninsula. In 2006, Henry of Pelham was the first vineyard to be certified as local and sustainable by Local Food Plus. They have followed Sustainable Winemaking Ontario’s world-leading standards in their farming practices since 2004. In 2017, they became one of only six Ontario wineries to be certified by the Wine Council of Ontario as following sustainable winemaking practices from vine to table.

This year’s award-winning wines included:

  • Henry of Pelham NV Cuvée Catharine Brut Rosé
  • Henry of Pelham 2022 Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay
  • Henry of Pelham 2023 Pinot Grigio
  • Henry of Pelham 2020 Speck Family Reserve Cabernet-Merlot
  • Henry of Pelham 2023 Speck Family Reserve Riesling

Peller Estates Niagara-on-the Lake

This is Peller Estates fourth appearance on my Movers and Shakers list in the past five years. This year Peller Estates placed eighth at the National Wine Awards.

The Peller Estates team has operated in Niagara-on-the-Lake, in the heart of the Niagara wine region, as a family-owned Canadian company for four generations. Their winemaker is Katie Dickieson, who has previous work experience in vineyards in New Zealand and France, as well as in Ontario and British Columbia.

Their 2024 award winning wines included:

  • Peller Estates 2020 Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Peller Estates 2022 Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc
  • Peller Estates 2021 Signature Series Estate Red
  • Peller Estates 2023 Private Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
  • Peller Estates 2023 Signature Series Vidal Oak Aged Icewine

The Organized Crime Winery

Organized Crime previously appeared as a Mover and Shaker in 2020. This year it was recognized as the fifth small winery at National Wine Awards.

Organized Crime is a second-generation, family-owned, small boutique winery located on the Beamsville Bench of the Niagara Peninsula.

They farm the land themselves and assist in the winemaking throughout all stages of the process. Their production volumes are very small as they intentionally lean towards the passion side of the business rather than the commercial.

Greg Yemen is Organized Crime’s Consultant Winemaker.

Award winning wines from 2024 included:

  • Organized Crime 2022 Sacred Series Cuvée Krystyna Chardonnay
  • Organized Crime 2020 Pipe Down
  • Organized Crime 2020 Sacred Series Tara Block Pinot Noir Unfiltered
  • Organized Crime 2020 Cabernet Franc Unfiltered
  • Organized Crime 2023 Riesling

Thirty Bench Wine Makers

Thirty Bench Wine Makers has previously appeared three times on the Movers and Shakers list, last in 2022. This year they were fifth at the National Wine Awards.

Thirty Bench is committed to “Small Lot” winemaking, which means that many of their wines are made in extremely limited numbers. With Riesling vineyards dating back as far as 1980, they are proud to be considered one of Niagara’s first true boutique wineries.

The Thirty Bench Wine Makers portfolio includes a diverse range of award-winning wines across nine varietals.

2024 award winning wines included:

  • Thirty Bench 2021 Small Lot Riesling Wood Post Vineyard
  • Thirty Bench 2022 Winemaker’s Blend Cabernet Franc
  • Thirty Bench N/V Sparkling Riesling
  • Thirty Bench 2021 Small Lot Chardonnay ‘Extended Barrel Aged’
  • Thirty Bench 2021 Small Lot Riesling Triangle Vineyard

Vieni Estates

Placing tenth at this year’s National Wine Awards, this is Vieni Estates first appearance on the Movers and Shakers list.

Vieni Estates brings the passion for wine from Italy and combines it with the love for this Canadian wine region. Located in the rolling hills of the Vinemount Ridge along the Niagara Escarpment, master winemaker Mauro Salvador takes the best of the many varietals grown on the estate to produce a broad range of still wines, ice wines and sparkling wines.

In addition to the many fine wines produced here, Vieni Estates also offers traditional Italian-style grappas and spirits distilled from the many fruits of Ontario.

This year’s award winning wines included:

  • Vieni Estates 2022 Cabernet Franc
  • Vieni Estates N/V Sparkling Apple Cider
  • Vieni Estates 2020 Cabernet Franc Reserve
  • Vieni Estates 2020 Aglianico Reserve
  • Vieni Estates 2023 Novello Nouveau Gamay Noir

Final Thoughts

The list of award-winning wines includes only a sampling from each winery in order to provide you with an idea of the noteworthy wines each winery produces. It is not an all-inclusive list.

As this is the final post for 2024, I would like to wish you all a safe and happy New Year!

Sláinte mhaith

British Columbia’s Movers and Shakers for 2024

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As the end of the year rolls around I think back to the year that was and which wineries left me with an impressionable mark.    My list varies in length from year to year as I like to focus on achievements rather than listing a specific number of wineries. Although B.C. wineries have had a very traumatic year, they continued to release some fantastic wines. The strength of B.C. wineries runs deep as they were awarded the majority of the awards at both the National Wine Awards and the All Canadian Wine Awards.

Here is my list of the wineries that have performed extremely well this past year. The wineries are presented in alphabetical order.

Black Hills Estate Winery

Black Hills last appeared on my list in 2022. This year they were fourth overall at the National Wine Awards.

Black Hills wine team is led by Ross Wise, one of only ten Masters of Wine in Canada. He has over 20 years of experience having worked in British Columbia, Ontario, and New Zealand, with an extensive background in organic and regenerative viticulture. 

Black Hills has practiced organic farming since 2020, incorporating regenerative viticulture practices. By working with nature and promoting biodiversity, they strive towards a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Their approach is based on traditional, time-honoured winemaking techniques that favour patience over efficiency. The fruit is hand-harvested and slowly fermented using native yeasts to build complexity.

Black Hills approach to winemaking is defined by careful craftsmanship and a deep respect for nature. They blend traditional winemaking methods with modern technology.

Their 2024 award winning wines include:

  • Black Hills 2022 Bona Fide
  • Black Hills 2022 Ipso Facto
  • Black Hills 2022 Addendum
  • Black Hills 2022 Syrah
  • Black Hills 2022 Roussanne

Corcelettes Estate Winery

Corcelettes appeared on my Movers and Shakers list for the first time last year. This year they were the sixth place small winery at the National Wine Awards. They credit their success to their commitment to farming their vineyards in the most balanced and sustainable way possible.

The estate contains nearly 160 acres, with 30 planted acres of mostly Bordeaux varietal grapes, Syrah and Pinot Noir. The vineyards are located in the Similkameen Valley.

Their 2024 winning wines include:

  • Corcelettes 2021 Syrah
  • Corcelettes 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown
  • Corcelettes 2021 Malbec Micro Lot Series Estate Vineyard
  • Corcelettes 2020 Talus
  • Corcelettes 2021 Chardonnay

Lake Breeze Vineyards

Lake Breeze previously appeared on my list in 2020. This year they placed ninth overall at this year’s National Wine Awards. They were also the fourth place small winery.

Lake Breeze is located on the Naramata Bench on Lake Okanagan. The MacIntyre family purchased the property in 2001. Since then, Lake Breeze has become one of the most beautiful wineries in British Columbia. They practice careful and meticulous viticultural practices. They endeavor to take the natural expression of the grape and transfer it to the bottle with minimal intervention.

The vineyard consists of a 14 acre parcel originally named Rock Oven Vineyards. The first vines on the property were planted in 1985, making them some of the oldest on the Naramata Bench.

Their list of 2024 award winning wines include:

  • Lake Breeze 2020 Cellar Series Mistral
  • Lake Breeze 2022 Roussanne Viognier
  • Lake Breeze 2023 Riesling
  • Lake Breeze 2023 Ehrenfelser
  • Lake Breeze 2020 Cellar Series Alizé Roussanne

Meyer Family Vineyards

Meyer Family Vineyards was awarded second overall at this year’s National Wine Awards.

They follow the traditional French Burgundian style of wine making focusing on small case lots of varietals best suited and expressive of their unique place of origin. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the varietals produced. The grapes are hand harvested and hand crafted.

Meyer Family Vineyards has been in operation in the Okanagan Valley since 2006.

Their award-winning wines for 2024 include:

  • Meyer 2022 Chardonnay McLean Creek Road Vineyard
  • Meyer 2022 B Field Blend McLean Creek Road Vineyard
  • Meyer 2022 Old Block Pinot Noir McLean Creek Vineyard
  • Meyer 2020 Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard
  • Meyer 2022 Micro Cuvee Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard

Nostalgia Wines

Nostalgia Wines placed seventh this year at the National Wine Awards and was also the third-place small winery. They are located on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver.

Vintner Gina Fernandes Harfman is the fourth generation family farmer. She has created a small lot lineup of excellent quality wines.

The 2024 list of award-winning wines includes:

  • Nostalgia Wines 2020 Malbec Petit Verdot
  • Nostalgia Wines 2020 Merlot
  • Nostalgia Wines 2020 Meritage
  • Nostalgia Wines 2022 Rockabilly Red
  • Nostalgia Wines 2022 Chardonnay

Quails’ Gate Estate Winery

Quail’s Gate consistently performs well at the various Canadian wine awards. This year they placed sixth overall at the National Wine Awards.

They are a fourth-generation Okanagan farming family. The winery was founded in 1989. They remain committed to ensuring that the founding family principles and values are maintained throughout the winery. Through dedicated research and ground-breaking innovation, they have assembled a collection of wines that consistently exceed expectations in quality, character and flavour.

Quail’s Gate has 160 acres of vineyards which contain some of the most mature vinifera plantings in the country. They have been leaders in the development of Canadian viticulture practices.

Quails’ Gate Estate is certified by Sustainable Winegrowing BC, a made-in-BC program that leads the way in sustainable winegrowing practices and sets a standard for the province and the rest of the country.

Quails’ Gates 2024 award winning wines includes:

  • Quails’ Gate 2021 Rosemary’s Block Chardonnay
  • Quails’ Gate 2021 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay
  • Quails’ Gate 2022 Clone 49 Riesling
  • Quails’ Gate 2022 Clone 220 Chenin Blanc
  • Quails’ Gate 2023 Clone 49 Riesling

SpearHead Winery

SpearHead has been part of the Movers and Shakers list continually since 2022. This year they were named Winery of the Year and Small Winery of the Year at the National Wine Awards. In addition to the twin honours this year, they also had unprecedented success in an individual category (Pinot Noir), winning a total of seven medals for their Pinots, including three platinum, one gold, three silvers and a bronze. In total they earned a total of twelve medals.

Spearhead Winery is located on the benchlands of Southeast Kelowna. Their focus is on premium quality wine which they produce from grapes grown on the estate vineyard and from selected Okanagan Valley vineyards. The hand harvested grapes are sorted at the winery and fermented in small lots. They grow Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling grapes. 

Their 2024 award winning wines include:

  • SpearHead 2022 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir
  • SpearHead 2022 Club Consensus Pinot Noir
  • SpearHead 2022 Saddle Block Pinot Noir
  • SpearHead 2021 Golden Retreat Pinot Noir
  • SpearHead 2021 Club Consensus Pinot Noir

Final Thoughts

Although these are the seven wineries I have featured, there are plenty of other fantastic British Columbia wineries. The devastation resulting from the environmental disasters of the past couple years have taken its toll on many of the wineries. I hope that all of the B.C. wineries will be able to recover from these disasters and continue to excel in producing the top-quality wines that we have come to enjoy over the years.

The list of award-winning wines includes only a sampling from each winery in order to provide you with an idea of the noteworthy wines each winery produces. It is not an all-inclusive list.

Sláinte mhaith

2024: A Year to Remember in British Columbia

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

It would be an understatement to simply say that Mother Nature has been unkind to the B.C. wine industry this year. In January the extreme cold caused devastating damage to the vast majority of the grapevines in both the Okanagan and Similkameen Valley. It is estimated that 90% of this year’s grape crops were lost and 15% of the vines were destroyed.

Further devastation resulted because of the hot dry summer consisting of heatwaves and wildfires. The good news is that because of the heat, the remaining grapes ripened quickly, resulting in an early harvest with smaller but more concentrated fruit.

Lifelong workers in B.C.’s wine industry cannot recall a year that has been as devastating as this one. The provincial government has established a 26 million dollar vine replant program with an additional 92 million dollars to be paid through the Production Insurance and AgriStability program.

B.C.’s wine industry generates approximately 3.75 billion dollars annually for the province and employs more than 14,000 full-time workers. There are about 350 licensed grape wine wineries in the province that receive nearly 1.2 million visitors annually.

In order to help the wine industry recover from the lost grape harvest, the province is permitting the impacted wineries to import grapes and grape juice in order to produce the 2024 vintage. However, the imported products will not be eligible to carry the B.C. Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) label. Without these unprecedented concessions, many wineries would face potential financial ruin resulting in cuts to thousands of direct and indirect jobs, including the loss of highly specialized wine makers and cellar masters whose expertise is essential to the industry.

So, what will all this mean for the wine drinker when comes to the 2024 vintage of BC wines? Because of the intense heat and early ripening of those grapes that did survive, they will provide very concentrated and flavourful wines. However, given the scarcity of the wines that will carry the VQA designation, you can expect the price of the 2024 vintage to be higher than most years.

You can also rest assured that the wines that will be created from imported grapes will meet the established standards of the winery producing them. After all, their hard established reputations are at stake here and no one is willing to jeopardize that. British Columbia’s talented winemakers will deliver great results.

Sláinte mhaith