The Lieutenant Governor of B.C. is going to have a busy itinerary when she makes her annual pilgrimage to the South Okanagan in July.
Of the 12 wines chosen for the 2014 Lieutenant Governor's Awards for Excellence in British Columbia Wines, nine of the producing wineries are situated in the South Okanagan.
As in past years, the Lieutenant Governor, currently the Honourable Judith Guichon will be visiting the wineries personally to deliver the awards from July 24 to 26 Members of the Consular Corps of B.C. will accompany her when she makes these presentations to gain direct knowledge of B.C.’s wine industry.
"The outstanding quality of wines in British Columbia impresses our wine judges each year and makes the selection increasingly difficult," said Guichon. "This year's winners represent the best of the exceptional wines from our province."
This year was the largest competition in the 12-year history of the awards, with 436 wines submitted from 119 wineries throughout the province. The winners include:
8th Generation Vineyard, Trout Creek: Riesling 2012
Bonamici Cellars, Summerland: Merlot Cabernet Franc 2012
Hester Creek Estate Winery, Oliver: Block 2 Reserve Merlot 2011
Howling Bluff Estate Winery, Naramata: Summa Quies Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon 2013
Kraze Legz Vineyard & Winery, Kaleden: Skaha Vineyard Unoaked Chardonnay 2013
Laughing Stock Vineyards, Naramata: Portfolio 2011
Okanagan Crush Pad Winery, Summerland: Haywire Canyonview Pinot Noir 2011
Pentâge Winery, Penticton: Syrah Reserve 2010
Ruby Blues Winery, Naramata: Viognier 2013
All wineries in British Columbia were invited to submit their wines for blind judging by a panel of wine industry professionals. Wines submitted had to be from 100% British Columbian grown grapes and produced in province to be eligible. For more information visit: www.ltgov.bc.ca