July 23, 2015, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont – The Canadian Vintners Association (CVA) recently announced the results of the second annual Canadian Wine Industry Awards.
These awards recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that have gone above and beyond to support and enhance the wine industry in Canada, celebrating the success, leadership and outstanding commitment in Canada’s grape wine industry.
The nomination process for the awards was open to all organizations, businesses and individuals in the Canadian grape wine industry. This year, several outstanding nominees were considered for both award categories, all of who reflect the dedication and enthusiasm for Canadian wine found from coast-to-coast.
“It is a great honour to recognize Newman Smith of Strewn Winery, Ontario, with the Award of Distinction,” said Tony Stewart, CVA chair and president of Quails’ Gate Winery.
“He is an industry veteran in the true sense of the word, actively serving the wine industry for 45 years. Newman has helped build the Canadian wine industry from the ground up, working to establish the regulatory, financial and policy foundation which has helped pave the way for this industry’s 550 wineries. His contributions of the past and present continue to strengthen our industry.”
The Award of Distinction is the preeminent award for the Canadian wine industry and regarded as the highest form of peer recognition and appreciation of outstanding leadership, commitment and passion for the advancement of the Canadian wine industry.
The Wine Industry Champion Award was presented to John Schreiner of Vancouver, BC, recognizing his enthusiastic and influential support for the Canadian wine industry.
“In the last 30 years, John has written 15 books on Canadian wine and wine regions, including The Wines of Canada and his most popular book, Okanagan Wine Tour Guide, which is now in its 5th edition,” said Stewart. “John’s been a fan of Canadian wines long before they were considered ‘cool’ and through his work, he’s educated and influenced consumers across the country and beyond our borders.”
The awards were presented on July 16, 2015, in concert with the 5th annual International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebrate (i4C). The event was held in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, at Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery with 120 Canadian and international industry and political guests of honour.
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