South Okanagan wineries soak up accolades

Ten wineries between Osoyoos and Summerland were honoured in the 2012 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in British Columbia Wines

Lt.-Gov. Steven Point (hat) with Ruby Blues Winery representatives  (left to right) winemaker Lyndsay O'Rourke, shop manager Denis Currie and Prudence and Beat Mahrer (owners) Thursday. The winery won first place for its 2011 Viognier in the 2012 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in British Columbia Wines. A total of 10 wineries from Summerland to Osoyoos received awards this year.

Lt.-Gov. Steven Point (hat) with Ruby Blues Winery representatives (left to right) winemaker Lyndsay O'Rourke, shop manager Denis Currie and Prudence and Beat Mahrer (owners) Thursday. The winery won first place for its 2011 Viognier in the 2012 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in British Columbia Wines. A total of 10 wineries from Summerland to Osoyoos received awards this year.

B.C. Lt.-Gov. Steven Point is scheduled to wrap up the awards presentations to the winning wineries in the South Okanagan today.

In total, 10 wineries between Osoyoos and Summerland were honoured in the 2012 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in British Columbia Wines.

All wineries in the province were invited to submit entries to the panel of six industry judges, and this year there were 347 submissions from 94 participants. Eligible wines had to be made from 100 per cent B.C. grapes.

The following is a list of the 2012 winners in the South Okanagan:

Thornhaven Estates Winery, 2011 Gewurztraminer; Ruby Blues Winery, 2011 Viognier; Laughing Stock Vineyards, 2010 Syrah; Poplar Grove Winery, 2009 Cabernet Franc; Painted Rock Estate Winery,  2009 Syrah and 2009 Red Icon; Hester Creek Estate Winery, 2008 Reserve Merlot; Road 13 Vineyards, 2011 Jackpot Viognier Roussanne Marsanne; Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate, 2008 Entourage Sparkling Chardonnay; Gold Hill Winery, 2009 Cabernet Franc; and Eau Vivre Winery, 2009 Pinot Noir.

 

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