INDUSTRY RECOGNITION AWARDS 2024
Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) was thrilled to partner with Wine Growers Canada to recognize outstanding individuals from the BC and Canadian wine industry at this year’s ceremony on March 12th.
BC INDUSTRY RECOGNITION AWARDS WINNERS
The Wines of British Columbia represent the welcoming and diverse people of our wine industry in British Columbia. This year, we are excited to launch new categories that are in line with the values of the industry as we create, innovate and work together for the future of the BC wine industry. Join us in congratulating the finalists and winners 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.
WINNER
Severine Pinte
Enotecca Wineries & Resorts
Finalists
Leeann Froese
Town Hall Brands
Rolf de Bruin & Heleen Pannekoek
Fort Berens Estate Winery
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.
WINNER
Bram Bolwijn
Iconic Wineries of BC
Finalists
Louise Dabisza
Quails’ Gate Winery
Rachel Rogers
Hester Creek Estate Winery
Master Marketer Award
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.
WINNER
Uncork BC
Finalists
Gone West Wine Club
Okanagan Wine Festivals Society
Tourism Kelowna
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Silver Sponsor – KPMG LLP
Wine Sponsor – Lakeboat Vineyard & Winery
AWARDS SELECTION PROCESS
Nominations now closed.
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
Kim Lawton, Fort Berens Estate Winery
Laurie Barnes, Poplar Grove Winery
Kathryn Newhouse, Volcanic Hills Estate Winery
Kim Pasquali, Mission Hill Family Estate
Serena Schlueter, Arterra Wines Canada
Robyn Hanson, Destination British Columbia
Tim Pawsey, Past Recipient Representative, Hired Belly
Jennifer Busman, Wine Association Representative, Oliver Osoyoos Wineries Association
Kate Durisek, BC Wine Grape Council
Previous Winners
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
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