Okanagan wineries receive top marks at London’s celebrated International Wine and Spirit Competition
October 27, 2010 (Kelowna, BC) – Once again, the Okanagan Valley is making its mark on the world stage. The International Wine and Spirit Competition trophy results have been announced and three of the thirteen ‘International Wine & Fortified Wine Trophies’ were awarded to local wineries!
Summerhill Pyramid Winery in Kelowna received the Trophy for ‘Best Bottle Fermented Sparkling Wine’ for its Cipes Grabriel non-vintage. Winemaker Eric von Krosigk is excited about their global recognition, noting “this win shows that our sparkling wines can continue to compete with the best in the world. We’re proud of our wine’s consistent quality, and the recognition is great!”
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate in Oliver received two prestigious awards at the competition. Red Winemaker Brooke Blair was recognized as having the ‘Best Merlot’ for the 2007 Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Merlot and White Winemaker Derek Kontkanen earned top marks for ‘Best Dessert Wine’ for the 2007 Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Riesling Icewine. Kontkanen noted that this award is not an individual tribute, “it is an extremely great honour to win this award. This shows the dedication of our entire team, from the vineyard through to the cellar.”
BC Wine Institute Executive Director, Miles Prodan is thrilled to see such outstanding results on the world stage. “Congratulations to all the winners! The International Wine and Spirit Competition is the ultimate international recognition of quality. These awards are a true testament to the excellence of the Wines of British Columbia.”
Overall, the Wines of British Columbia received over 70 medals at the influential competition. The winner of Canadian Wine Producer of the Year will be announced on at the awards banquet on November 17. Shortlisted wineries are:
• Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery (BC)
• Inniskillin Wines (ON)
• Jackson-Triggs Vintners Niagara Estate (ON)
• Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate (BC)
• Magnotta Winery Corporation (ON)
• Peller Estates (ON)
The trophy-winning wines are available at the wineries or at fine wine stores such as BC VQA wine stores throughout the province. For the complete list of awards, visit www.winebc.com.
About the International Wine and Spirit Competition
Founded in 1969, the International Wine and Spirit Competition is recognized as the world’s premier competition of its kind. Receiving entries from over 80 countries, its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs.
For further information:
Lindsay Kelm, Communications Manager
tel (250) 762-9744 ext. 103 toll-free 1-800-661-2294
lkelm@winebc.com
