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INDUSTRY RECOGNITION AWARDS

Wine Growers British Columbia proudly represent the welcoming and diverse people who shape our province’s vibrant wine industry. Each year, our BC Wine Industry Recognition Awards honour those whose remarkable leadership, innovation, and exceptional hospitality elevate our industry and inspire others.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 BC Wine Industry Recognition Awards! These awards celebrate the individuals, wineries, organizations, and businesses that embody the core values of British Columbia’s wine community, those who inspire, innovate, and collaborate to advance the future of BC wine.

This year, three outstanding recipients will be recognized in the following categories:

Leadership Excellence Award

This award recognizes a winery or non-winery (media, government, tourism etc.) individual who has gone above and beyond to take a leadership role and build great relationships with the industry. This person positively contributes to the greater wine community in British Columbia, making it a better place to work and live.

Ultimate BC Wine Ambassador Award

This award recognizes a frontline winery individual who is passionate about sharing their love of the BC wine industry with their guests. This person is a BC wine superstar coming to work every day with a smile on their face, taking pride in what they do and working hard to positively impact not only their guests, but their team as well.

Master Marketer Award

This award recognizes an innovative winery, regional wine association, retailer, restaurant or tourism organization or professional that thought outside the box to promote the Wines of BC; whether it’s an innovative marketing campaign, launching an in-demand new product or creating a unique wine-focused event.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

SPONSORSHIP OPPORRTUNITY

Join us in celebrating excellence in the BC wine industry. Sponsoring the BC Wine Industry Recognition Awards is a meaningful way to showcase your support and connect with the leaders shaping our province’s wine community.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at info@winebc.com

AWARDS SELECTION PROCESS

The Awards are open to all organizations, businesses, and individuals in the BC grape wine industry. Individual self-nomination is not accepted; however, organizations or businesses may apply directly. Individual Board members and employees of the WGBC are not eligible. The committee (including WGBC marketing & communications committee, regional association representatives, WGBC Ambassador Facilitators) will review each nominee against a set criteria for the new awards and narrow down to 2 choices for each category. The committee will then meet to discuss and align on the winners – coming down to a vote if necessary.

2026 Awards Selection Committee:
Cassandra Zerebeski, Tourism Industry Association of BC
Christa-Lee McWatters, Adega on 45th Estate Winery
Kim Pasquali, Mission Hill Family Estate
Laurie Barnes, Poplar Grove Winery
Lindsay Kelm, Similkameen Independent Winegrowers
Paul Sawler, Dirty Laundry Vineyards
Robbie Hundertmark (past recipient)
Tim Pawsey, (past recipient)
Valerie Van der Gracgt, MyVanCity

Previous Winners

 

Leadership Excellence Award

2025
Michael Bartier, Bartier Bros. Vineyard & Winery

2024
Severine Pinte, Enotecca Wineries & Resorts

Ultimate BC Wine Ambassador

2025
Robbie Hundertmark

2024
Bram Bolwijn

Master Marketer

2025
Leeann Froese, Town Hall Brands

2024
Kayla Bordignon, Uncork BC Wine

 

Industry Recognition Award (non-winery)

2022
Marjorie King

2021
Kurtis Kolt, Vancouver-based Sommelier

2020
Tim Pawsey, Media

2019
Jeffrey Thomas, BC Wine Authority
Darrell Jones, Save-On-Foods Ltd.

2018
CJ Basaraba, Westwood Wines

2017
John Yap, MLA, Parliamentary Secretary of Liquor

2016
John Schreiner, Author

2015
Jurgen Gothe, Media

2014
Senator Ross Fitzpatrick

2013
Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament

Award of Distinction (winery)

2022
Josie Tyabji, Gneiss Wines

2021
Glenn Fawcett, Chief Wine Evangelist, Black Hills Estate Winery

2020
Robert Smith, Hester Creek Winery

2019
Dick Cleave, R & R Management
Robert Goltz, R & R Management

2018
Vera Klokocka (founder, Hillside Winery)

2017
Howard Soon, Sandhill (Andrew Peller)
Harry McWatters, Encore Vineyards

2016
Tony Stewart, Quails’ Gate Winery

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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Members of the WGBC are proud of their wines and are committed to ensuring their wines are promoted and enjoyed responsibly by those adults who choose to consume them for the continued enjoyment and prosperity of the BC wine industry.

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