2018 ACWC Overview
The recent All Canadian Wine Championships, now in its 38th year, was witness to many surprising outcomes during the course of the judging.
For the first time in its history, one winery has taken home both Red and White Wine of the Year trophies. Wild Goose Vineyard of Okanagan Falls, BC won for their luscious 2017 Gewurztraminer and the 2016 Red Horizon Meritage. This is the third time Wild Goose has won the White Wine of the Year (2015 ACWC, for their 2013 Stoney Slope Riesling AND in 2008 for their 2007 Mystic River Gewurztraminer). A spectacular achievement, showing a commitment to excellence in winemaking.
Another stunner was the Sparkling Wine of the Year Trophy round. In a category typically dominated by traditional method sparklers, the first year that Frizzante style has been invited to join the lineup has seen Ruby Blues Winery of Penticton, BC waltz away with the trophy for their frothy Peace, Love & Bubbles. While the judges held that the traditional sparkling entries were exceptionally strong this year, it seems that refreshment was the order of the day.
Also introduced this year was the “Older Vintage” sub-category for the major red categories. While there were several older vintages in the trophy lineup, the Red honours were bestowed on a fairly young wine.
Diamond Estates Wines, Niagara, Ontario snagged the Best Dessert Wine Trophy for their 2016 Lakeview Cellars Vidal Icewine. Fruit Wine trophy went to Maan Farms Winery in Abbotsford, BC for their 2016 Raspberry Dessert wine.
Another thrilling year of judging Canada’s absolute best here in Prince Edward County, Ontario. To those participating wineries, we wish you a very successful season and hope to see you next year!
Cheers,
Bev Carnahan
Director, All Canadian Wine Championships
