Canadian Wine Industry Awards
The Canadian Wine Industry Awards are presented annually to recognize success, leadership and outstanding commitment in Canada's grape wine industry, and to reward those people, organizations and businesses that have gone above and beyond to support and enhance the wine industry in Canada.
Nominees are brought forward through an inclusive nomination process and a final selection will be made by a judging committee of industry peers. Winners will be notified in advance, with the awards presentation to take place at the Canadian Vintners Association’s Annual General Meeting.
Award of Distinction
The Award of Distinction is the preeminent award for the Canadian wine industry and regarded as the highest form of peer recognition and appreciation. The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment and passion for the advancement of the Canadian wine industry.
Previous recipients have included Newman Smith, George and Trudy Heiss, Harry McWatters, Bruce Walker, Donald Ziraldo and Paul Bosc Sr., all whom have made substantial contributions to the Canadian wine industry, benefitting the industry as a whole.
Eligibility: This award is open to individuals who own, manage or are employed by a Canadian winery.
Wine Industry Champion Award
The Wine Industry Champion Award is awarded to a person, organization or business that has provided exemplary support for the Canadian wine industry through media, research, policy and regulation, education, advocacy or other means, significantly contributing to the overall strength and long-term viability of the industry. The award recognizes the extensive community of Canadian wine champions who are passionate about Canadian wine and industry prosperity.
The inaugural Wine Industry Champion Award was presented to Dean Allison, Member of Parliament, Niagara West-Glanbrook, in 2014. Renowned BC wine writer, author John Schreiner received coveted Award in 2015.
Eligibility: This award is open to all wineries, growers and stakeholders who support the development of the Canadian wine industry.
Nomination and Selection Process
The Canadian Wine Industry Awards are open toallorganizations, businesses and individuals in the Canadian grape wine industry.
Individual self-nomination is not accepted; however, organizations or businesses may apply directly.
Individual board members and employees of the Canadian Vintners Association are not eligible for the Award of Distinction.
The judging committee will consist of persons actively involved in the Canadian wine industry. Judges are expected to declare any conflicts of interest.
Key Dates:
Call for nominations – April 4, 2016
Deadline for nominations – June 8, 2016
Announcement and ceremony (Kelowna, BC) – July 5, 2016
Press release and website announcement – July 2016
Nomination Form (please submit one form per nomination):
All nominations will be forwarded to the judging committee for review and assessment. Nominees will be assessed based on overall contributions and impact to the Canadian wine industry, commitment to the Canadian wine industry, and overall positive participation in the Canadian wine industry. Only one award will be presented per category in any given year, unless there are no worthy candidates.
Award type:
o Award of Distinction
o Wine Industry Champion Award
Individual or organization nominated:
Address:
Phone number:
Email:
Website (if applicable):
Nominated by:
Name:
Address:
Phone number:
Email:
Date of nomination:
• This form may be photocopied as needed.
• This form should be accompanied by a letter(s) of recommendation that addresses why the nominee is deserving of this national recognition. Please provide as much detail as possible. Additional supporting materials are welcomed and should be limited to 10 pages.
• Additional information on the nominee may be requested.
• Submit all nomination materials as a PDF to
with the subject line “Canadian Wine Industry Awards”.
NOMINATION DEADLINE: JUNE 8, 2016
Canadian Vintners Association
200-440 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa ON K1R 7X6
www.canadianvintners.com