The Wines of British Columbia Shine at the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
June 16, 2011 (Kelowna, BC) – Once again, the Wines of British Columbia have made a big impression on the world stage. The results are in from the 72nd Annual Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition (LAIWSC), and the Wines of BC received over 90 medals, including 9 Best in Class awards.
Attracting over 3,200 entries from all over the world, the LAIWSC is one of the most respected international competitions. “These accolades are a true testament to the exceptional quality of the Wines of British Columbia,” says BC Wine Institute Executive Director Miles Prodan. “Already this year, our wines have received over 900 awards in national and international competitions.”
Among the top performers were Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery receiving 3 Best of Class awards for the 2010 Classic Auxerrois (93 points), 2010 Classic Ehrenfelser (92 points) and 2010 Desert Sun (93 points), and Summerhill Pyramid Organic Winery receiving 2 Best of Class nods for their 2007 Organic Cabernet Franc (93 points) and 2009 Organic Gewürztraminer (95 points).
This year, the Best in Class award for a Bordeaux Blend (including Meritage blends) once again went to an Okanagan winery. In 2010, Nk’Mip Cellars upset top California wineries on their home turf to receive the honour, and in 2011, Sandhill earned the award with their 2008 Phantom Creek Vineyard Small Lots One (95 points).
Other Best of Class winners included Calona Vineyards (2010 Artist Series Sovereign Opal, 94 points), Hester Creek Estate Winery (2009 Character Red, 93 points) and Red Rooster Winery (2010 Pinot Gris, 93 points).
The award-winning wines are available at the wineries or may be found at specialty wine stores throughout the province (find your local BC VQA wine store). For a complete list of awards, visit www.winebc.com.
Images available.
For further information:
Lindsay Kelm
Communications Manager
lkelm@winebc.com
tel. 250-762-9744 ext. 103
cell. 250-317-8688
British Columbia Wine Institute
Suite 107 – 1726 Dolphin Avenue
Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 9R9
www.winebc.org
twitter.com/winebcdotcom
phone. 250-762-9744
toll free. 1-800-661-2294
fax. 250-762-9788
About the BC Wine Institute (BCWI)
Since 1990, the BCWI has played a pivotal role in taking BC’s wine industry from a vision to an internationally recognized niche region producing premium wines and providing quality wine tourism experiences.
Representing 120 member wineries throughout the province, the BCWI supports and markets the Wines of British Columbia (BC VQA), which gives consumers assurance they are buying a wine that is 100% from BC. The BCWI also markets the Wine Regions of BC; delivers quality trade, media and consumer tastings; and acts as the voice of BC’s wine industry by advocating to government on behalf of its members.
About BC VQA
BC VQA = 100% BC Wine. BC VQA is an appellation of origin system that guarantees authenticity of origin and stipulates minimum quality standards for BC wines. Please visit winebc.com to learn more.
