History

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History

The Founder’s Award was established in 1985 by Harry McWatters. This award recognizes outstanding and selfless contributions to the wine and grape growing industry and is given each year as an acknowledgment to pioneers of British Columbia wine. The award is open to all who impact the BC wine industry in a significant way. Recipients represent all sectors of the industry.

As the Founding President of the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society, Harry was ineligible to receive the award during his lifetime. Sadly, Harry passed away in 2019, and last year he was presented the Founder’s Award as a posthumous homage. To further honour Harry’s legacy, the award was renamed the “Harry McWatters Founder’s Award.”  

By nomination process, the award recipient is determined in Fall of each year and is announced at the BC Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards Ceremony. 


Past Recipients

Tim Pawsey, 2021
Rafe Mair, 2020
Harry McWatters, 2019
Christine Coletta, 2018
Sandra Oldfield, 2017
Stephen Cipes, 2016
Jurgen Gothe, 2015
Leo Gebert, 2014
Don Triggs, 2013
Lanny Martiniuk, 2012
John Vielvoye, 2011
Bill Collings, 2010
Gehringer Family, 2009
Anthony von Mandl, 2008
Les Adams, 2007
Adolf Kruger, 2006
Dave Gamble, 2005
Frank Whitehead, 2004
W.M.(Bill) Cross, 2003
John Schreiner, 2002
Rick Thorpe, 2001
Marjorie King, 2000
Connie Bielert, 1999
Howard Soon, 1998
Lynn & John Bremmer, 1997
Richard Cleave, 1996
Michael Warren, 1995
Maurice Gregoire, 1994
The Heiss Family, 1993
Ron Taylor, 1992
The Hughes, Dulik, Schmidt, Casorso Families, 1991
The Capozzi Family, 1990
Dick Stewart, 1989
Evans Lougheed, 1988
Tony Biollo, 1987
Lyall Denby, 1985

Penticton hosting competition to determine BC Top 50 wines
May 27 2024
Penticton hosting competition to determine BC Top 50 wines

The start of the 45th Annual Okanagan Spring Wine Festival is coming up in Penticton, with some format change-ups this year. On Friday, June 7,...


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Countdown to the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival
May 2 2024
Countdown to the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival

It’s still a month away but spring feels like it’s been whipping by, so why not start planning now for the spring version of the...


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'Taste and Sip' your way through spring with Okanagan Wine Festivals
April 29 2024
'Taste and Sip' your way through spring with Okanagan Wine Festivals

Several events are planned throughout the Okanagan between June 2-23. Okanagan Spring Wine Festivals are back. The festival pops the cork on...


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TASTE and SIPS BC Wine Country at the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival
April 9 2024
TASTE and SIPS BC Wine Country at the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival

(KELOWNA, BC) The Okanagan Wine Festivals returns this June with three weeks in wine country you don’t want to miss. There is no better time...


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Events


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.


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