News

BC's Largest and Most Prestigious Wine Competition Returns to Kelowna

(KELOWNA) August 26, 2021 – On September 8-11, the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society will once again hold the BC Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards at Manteo Resort in Kelowna. As the premier wine judging competition in BC, this event provides the opportunity for all licensed BC wineries to have their best wines judged by a highly esteemed industry panel. Presented by Valley First, TricorBraun and ContainerWorld, the competition recognizes a wide variety of wine styles and had over 740 wines judged in 2020.

“I am thrilled to announce this year’s judging panel”, says Okanagan Wine Festivals Society General Manager, Elan Morris. “Our impressive panel speaks to the veracity of this competition. Everyone involved in the process is excited to see this year’s wine entries--- and of course, which wine will earn the distinction of Wine of the Year”. We want to see every one of our incredible BC wineries have the opportunity to show off their wines. In fact with compliments of the Honorable Janet Austin, all licensed BC wineries may enter 2 wines without charge. Final submission date is September 2, so get your wines in now!”

2021 Judges Announced:
-              Alder Yarrow
-              Treve Ring
-              Gurvinder Bhatia
-              Sebastien Le Goff
-              Brad Royale
-              Emily Walker
-              Barbara Philip
-              DJ Kearney
-              Sid Cross
-              Rhys Pender
-              Iain Philip
-              Matt Landry
-              Tim Pawsey
-              Mark Filatow
-              Geoff Last

In 2020, the highest honor of Wine of the Year went to Upper Bench Winery and Creamery for their 2019 Riesling. Says Morris, “For several years in a year now, we have seen the top honor go to a smaller winery. Every BC winery has the opportunity to shine at this competition. This year already, we have seen a record number of smaller wineries enter their wines. That’s exciting!”

As a veteran judge at the BCLG Wine Awards, Tim Pawsey understands the importance, “With roots in the original Okanagan Wine Festivals judging (dating back over 40 years), the BCLG Awards is the longest-running competition dedicated to rewarding excellence in BC Wines. With one of the broadest and most widely experienced panels, its accolades remain among the most sought after in Canada. Wineries can register their wines at: www.thewinefestivals.com .

-30-

About The Okanagan Wine Festivals Society:
The Okanagan Wine Festivals Society is responsible for the development of the wine tourism sector in the interior of British Columbia. It is well known for producing four seasonally inspired Okanagan Wine Festivals in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. It is also responsible for Signature Wine Events including the Valley First Wine Tastings, and it produces and runs the top two annual wine competitions in BC: the British Columbia Best of Varietal Wine Competition, and the province’s most prestigious and oldest wine competition, the British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards. For more information visit, www.thewinefestivals.com.

Media Contact:
Elan Morris
General Manager
The Okanagan Wine Festivals Society
[email protected]
Phone: 250.861.6654

January 10 2023

The Winter Winefest is coming to Canada's first "Wine Village!"

Attention wine lovers! The Winter Winefest is coming to Canada's first wine village, District Wine Village, and it's sure to be an...

More Details

December 3 2022

The Okanagan Winter Wine Festival: Creating memorable January experiences in Wine Country

(KELOWNA, BC) – After a short pause in Summer and Fall this year, the Okanagan Wine Festivals is ready to launch the The Okanagan Winter...

More Details

November 1 2022

Okanagan Wine Festivals Society appoints new General Manager

The Board of Directors of the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society is pleased to share with the BC Wine & Growers community the new appointment of...

More Details

March 15 2022

Celebrate the Coming Season! The Spring Okanagan Wine Festival is Back

(KELOWNA, BC) March 9, 2022 – After two challenging years, the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society and Presenting Sponsor Valley First are...

More Details

All News »

BC Lieutenant Governor's Wine Awards

British Columbia's oldest and most prestigious wine judging competition that recognizes excellence in winemaking for all British Columbia wineries.

» View Recent Winners »

Meet our Members

The Okanagan Wine Festival Society is made up of a number of Okanagan wineries and tourism related businesses. Every member is recognized as an outstanding service or product supplier in their related industry.

View on Map » Browse Members

Events

We’re proud to produce 3 seasonal festivals with over 100 events annually and an annual wine competition in the Okanagan Valley – one of the world’s most renowned wine regions.

» View Events