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80+ Medal-Winning BC Wines to Discover from Canada’s Largest Wine Competition

August 24, 2026 / by: Wines of British Columbia

Looking for your next great bottle of BC wine? The results of Canada’s largest wine competition offer plenty of inspiration, with British Columbia wineries earning an impressive 640 medals at the 2026 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada, including 100 Gold and Platinum medals.

Representing 51 per cent of all medals awarded, BC wineries led the country in medal count, giving wine lovers even more reasons to explore the exceptional quality, diversity and character being produced across BC wine country.

Held in Niagara, Ontario, from June 12 to 18, the National Wine Awards of Canada welcomed more than 1,800 entries from 250 wineries and cideries across six provinces. Through a rigorous blind-tasting process conducted by some of Canada’s most respected wine professionals, the competition remains the country’s largest and most comprehensive evaluation of Canadian wine.

BC by the Numbers

  • 8 Platinum medals
  • 92 Gold medals
  • 254 Silver medals
  • 286 Bronze medals
  • 640 total medals
  • 51% of all medals awarded nationally

The results showcase the talent of BC’s grape growers, vineyard teams and winemakers, while highlighting the remarkable diversity of wines produced throughout the province’s wine regions. Several BC producers were also listed among the top-performing wineries in Canada.

Top BC Wineries

Plan your route to taste at these and other wineries using our Winery Finder.

The results underscore the breadth of BC’s winemaking excellence. From internationally recognized varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling to standout performances by Cabernet Franc and Syrah, BC wineries earned top honours across a diverse range of styles. The strong showing reflects the quality, innovation and regional diversity that continue to distinguish British Columbia as one of the world’s leading cool-climate wine regions.

Platinum Medal Winners

Only the very best wines rise to Platinum. Reserved for approximately the top 1% of wines entered, these medals recognize exceptional wines that stood above an already highly awarded field.

If you’re looking for a BC bottle for a special occasion, a memorable dinner or simply want to taste some of the highest-rated wines from this year’s competition, these eight Platinum winners are an excellent place to start.

Gold Medal Winners

With 92 BC wines earning Gold, there’s plenty to explore. These wines earned outstanding scores from the judges and stood out for their quality, character and balance.

Whether you’re looking for a bottle to bring to dinner, something new for the weekend or a few award-winning BC wines to add to your collection, the Gold medal list offers inspiration across varieties, styles and BC wine regions.

See all results and winners on the WineAlign Website.

A Proven Standard of Excellence

The National Wine Awards serve as a trusted guide to discovering some of Canada’s best wines.

Every wine is evaluated through a strict blind-tasting process, ensuring judges assess only what is in the glass, without knowing the producer, region or label. Wines are judged solely on quality, character, balance and overall excellence.

The scale of the competition reflects its importance within the Canadian wine industry:

2026 Competition by the Numbers

  • 21 judges, including 2 PhDs, 3 Master Sommeliers and 3 Masters of Wine
  • More than 325 tasting flights
  • More than 1,800 entries
  • More than 6,725 bottles and cans evaluated
  • More than 9,000 glasses poured, washed and polished

Long-time international wine writer and judge Jamie Goode, who has participated in the National Wine Awards since 2014, says the competition ranks among the finest wine judging events in the world.

“I’ve been judging the National Wine Awards of Canada since 2014, and it’s one of the best-organized and best-judged competitions that I’ve been part of. The systems in place allow us to focus on judging, and the wines are given time to show their best, free of distraction. There are no lucky medals or flukes here. If a wine earns a medal, it has deserved it, and the very best wines consistently rise to the top. That’s why I’ve been coming back every year.”

For wine lovers, a National Wine Awards medal offers confidence in every purchase. Whether selecting a favourite winery or exploring something new, consumers can trust that medal-winning wines have been recognized by an independent panel of Canada’s leading wine experts.

Your Next Great BC Wine Starts Here

With 640 medal-winning wines, including 100 Gold and Platinum winners, this year’s results make a pretty compelling shopping list for anyone who loves BC wine.

Start with the Platinum winners when you’re looking for something special. Explore the Gold medal list to discover new bottles, varieties and producers. Or look for Silver and Bronze medal winners when you want to venture beyond your usual favourites. With award-winning wines spanning varieties, styles and wine regions, there is a BC wine for everyone.

And when you find a wine you love, take the experience one step further. Visit the winery, meet the people behind the bottle and explore the BC wine region where it was grown.

Ready to Taste award-winning BC wine?

Explore the 2026 National Wine Awards winners, then use the Wines of BC Winery Finder to plan your next tasting or wine country visit.

Congratulations to all of BC’s 2026 medal winners. Now comes the best part: discovering them for yourself.

Find more award-winning BC wines on the WineAlign Website.

Leeann Froese, Town Hall Brands

Leeann Froese is a sought-after marketer and speaker, owns Town Hall Brands, a PR and branding agency that has been supporting the BC wine industry for more than two decades.

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