INDUSTRY RECOGNITION AWARDS 2025
The Wines of British Columbia represent the welcoming and diverse people of our wine industry in British Columbia. The award recipients, celebrated for their remarkable leadership, innovation and exceptional hospitality, are recognized across three categories: the Leadership Excellence Award, Ultimate BC Wine Ambassador Award, and Master Marketer Award.
This year’s distinguished recipients are:
Leadership Excellence Award
2025 WINNER
Michael Bartier
Bartier Bros. Vineyard and Winery
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.
2025 FINALISTS:
David Paterson, Tantalus Vineyards
Leeann Froese, Town Hall Brands
Michael Bartier, Bartier Bros. Winery
Ultimate BC Wine Ambassador Award
2025 WINNER
Robbie Hundertmark
Crown & Thieves
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.
2025 FINALISTS:
Cathi Westrop, Peak Cellars
Janik Livera, Maverick Estate Winery
Robbie Hundertmark, Jason Parkes Customs / Crown & Thieves
Master Marketer Award
2025 WINNER
Leeann Froese
Town Hall Brands
This award recognizes an innovative winery, regional wine association, retailer, restaurant or tourism organization that thought outside the box this year 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.
2025 FINALISTS:
Darcel Giesbrecht, District Wine Village
Jen Henry (Islaub), Arterra Wines Canada
Leeann Froese, Town Hall Brands
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR
ContainerWorld Group of Companies has generously sponsored the 2025 BC Wine Industry Recognition Awards in honour of the hardworking and passionate people building a world-class brand for the Wines of British Columbia and making BC wine country a benchmark for wine tourism.
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.
Awards Selection Committee:
Chris Turyk, Unsworth Vineyards
Jennifer Busman, Wine Association Representative, Oliver Osoyoos Wineries Association
Karen Homes, Destination British Columbia
Kathryn Newhouse, Volcanic Hills Estate Winery
Kim Lawton, Fort Berens Estate Winery
Kim Pasquali, Mission Hill Family Estate
Laurie Barnes, Poplar Grove Winery
Paul Sawler, Dirty Laundry Vineyards
Serena Schlueter, Arterra Wines Canada
Tim Pawsey, Past Recipient Representative, Hired Belly
Previous Winners
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
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