The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, announced the recipients of the third annual Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Ontario Wines – a program that is delivered in partnership with Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute.
Twelve tremendous wines have been recognized as having attained a level of excellence. In total, 225 wines were entered in this year’s contest by 65 VQA Ontario wineries.
The winning wines for the 2013 competition are (in no specific order):
• ‘The Blessed’ Chardonnay 2011 (Exultet Estates);
• Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve, 2008 Riesling (Henry of Pelham);
• Cuvée Peter F. Huff 2007 (Huff Estates);
• Stratus Syrah 2010 (Stratus Vineyards);
• Merlot Reserve 2010 – Natural Fermentation (Rosewood Estates Winery);
• 2010 Whimsy! ‘201’ Cabernet Franc (Southbrook Vineyards);
• Stouck Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (Malivoire Wine Company);
• 2010 Vidal Icewine (Konzelmann Estate Winery);
• Signature Series 2008 Riesling Icewine (Peller Estates Winery);
• Carly’s Block 2010 Riesling (Tawse Winery);
• Stratus Chardonnay 2010 (Stratus Vineyards); and
• Tawse 2010 Meritage (Tawse Winery).
The awards were presented by Lieut. Gov. David Onley at a ceremony and wine-tasting reception in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park on July 11.
Established in 2011, The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Ontario Wines began after consultation with industry stakeholders including the Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute as well as the Winery and Grower Alliance of Ontario, the Grape Growers of Ontario, VQA Ontario, the Wine Council of Ontario.
The program is delivered in partnership with the CFWI.
• This annual competition is open to all VQA wines in the province produced, by definition, with 100% Ontario-grown and Ontario-processed grapes.
The competition recognizes the best wines submitted regardless of vintage or variety. Instead of the typical best of per varietal, this award celebrates the best of per competition.
In 2013, a total of 225 wines were submitted from 65 wineries. Adjudication was conducted by 13 of Ontario’s leading wine experts and sommeliers.
The 12 winning wines originate from both Prince Edward County and the Niagara Peninsula.
