Four Vancouver Island vineyards were recognized for their wines at the 38th annual Fall Okanagan Wine Festival, including two from the Comox Valley.
A pannel of 12 judges sampled over 700 wines to come up with the winners of the 2018 British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards.
40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery won two gold medals for their 2017 Pinot Gris and 2014 Soleil Rosé. They also won two silver medals for their 2017 Ziggy and 2017 Rosé.
Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery also won a gold with their 2016 CA Beautage, and a silver with their 2017 Ortega.
Brenda Hetman-Craig, owner of 40 Knots said the crew was is very pleased with this recognition and said their four winning wines are made from 100% Estate grown grapes. She went on to explain the inspiration behind one of their winning wines.
“Soleil Rosé is a French Traditional Method wine, with a ‘Love is Love’ message to celebrate all the work that groups such as the LGBTQ have done to allow people the freedom to love,” said Hetman-Craig. “This wine is made with 100% Estate grapes.”
Communications manager with Beaufort Vineyard said they were excited to be recognized along with the other vineyards across the island.
“It’s really exciting, not least because how we were represented at the awards, but also I think primarily because of the other wins on the Island,” she said. “It’s really important for us as a group to have these shared successes.”
The other Island winners were Alderlea Vineyards in Duncan with one silver medal, and Enrico Winery in the Cowichan Valley with two bronze medals.
Along with the platinum, gold, silver and bronze medals, the 2018 Lieutenant Governor’s Wine of the Year Award was presented to Lake Breeze Vineyards’ 2016 Pinot Noir.
To view the full list of winners, visit thewinefestivals.com/bclgwa-results