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 closed for the 2026 BC Wine Industry Recognition Awards.
Don’t foget to save the date to attend the ceremony on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 following our Insight Conference.
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.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
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
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
To explore more and access resources visit resources.therightamount.ca
