France’s Rhône Valley wine region took the spotlight at last week’s sold-out Celebrating Excellence: 11th Annual Awards Lunch. This Vancouver International Wine Fest event brings out the entire BC wine industry for a delicious lunch at the Vancouver Convention Centre, as well as the presentation of several key awards.
Sponsored by ContainerWorld, the Celebrating Excellence program honours industry professionals who contribute to our region’s exceptional wine and food culture.
[Emcee Fred Lee]
Fred Lee emceed the event. Each table was provided a couple of bottles of Rhône Valley wines to enjoy with the buffet-style lunch, prepared by executive chef Blair Rasmussen.
My lunch was enhanced by sipping (and savouring) 2012 Brunel de la Gardine.
The Spirited Industry Professional (SIP) Award, Sommelier of the Year, Wine List Awards and Blind Tasting Challenge Award are some of the most coveted awards in the BC wine industry.
[2014 Spirited Industry Professional Award winner Mark Davidson]
The Spirited Industry Professional Award honours an individual who makes significant contributions to the sales, service or promotion of wine in BC. 2014’s recipient is Mark Davidson, education director for Wine Australia USA, and former BC representative for the creation of a Canadian National Standard for Wine Service.
[Sommelier of the Year Mike Bernardo of Vij’s Group]
The Sommelier of the Year award was given to Mike Bernardo of Vij’s Group. Mike serves as Vij’s wine director and is also a Vancouver Magazine contributor.
On February 26, wine trade and service professionals, culinarians, and non-professional connoisseurs alike competed in the Blind Tasting Challenge, blind-tasting seven wines and identifying them using the Wine and Spirit Education Trust’s Systematic Approach to Tasting. This year’s Blind Tasting Challenge winners were Brian Glaum (consumer), David Winzer (culinarian), and Angela Wall (trade).
Being included in the wine awards is considered great feedback for your winery. 60 hours of tasting and judging (this year by Michelle Bouffard, Tom Doughty, DJ Kearney, Iain Philip and Terry Threlfall) is nothing to take lightly! Wine critic DJ Kearney added, “an honourable mention matters”.
[Richard Carras, BCHF]
Richard Carras of BC Hospitality Foundation also spoke out on behalf of the organization, with the request to take one of the BCHF business cards on the table and pass it along to someone who can either help the organization, or might benefit from its vital resources.
Here’s the Wine List Awards, celebrating and honouring the best food and wine pairings in the business in BC and Alberta restaurants. Congratulations to all winners!
METRO VANCOUVER
Platinum
Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar
Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca
Hawksworth Restaurant
Gold
Chambar Restaurant
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
La Pentola della Quercia
Tableau Bar Bistro
West
The Wine Room at Joey Bentall One
Zest Japanese Cuisine
Silver
Burdock & Co. – Best New Entry, Vancouver
Campagnolo Roma
CinCin
Edible Canada at the Market
Homer St. Cafe and Bar
Nicli Antica Pizzeria
Provence Marinaside & The Wine Bar
Salt Tasting Room
YEW
Bronze
Forage
Lift Bar Grill View
The Observatory
PiDGiN
Honourable Mention
The Fish House in Stanley Park
Fraîche
The Oakwood Canadian Bistro
Tap Restaurant
Tap & Barrel Coal Harbour
Tramonto at River Rock Casino Resort
Via Tevere Pizzeria
WHISTLER
Gold
Alta Bistro
Araxi Restaurant + Bar
Silver
Rimrock Cafe
VICTORIA AND SUNSHINE COAST
Gold
The Restaurant at Painted Boat Resort Spa & Marina (Madeira Park)
Silver
Little Jumbo – Best New Entry, Victoria
The Pacific Restaurant & Terrace at the Hotel Grand Pacific
Stage Wine Bar
Honourable Mention
Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio at the Inn at Laurel Point
BC INTERIOR
Gold
Emerald Lake Lodge (Field)
Silver
La Bussola Restaurant (Kelowna)
Honourable Mention
Watermark Wine Bar & Patio (Osoyoos)
EDMONTON
Silver
Wildflower Grill
CALGARY AND THE ROCKIES
Platinum
Cilantro
Divino Wine & Cheese Bistro
Gold
Deer Lodge
River Café
Vin Room Mission
Vin Room West
Silver
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Honourable Mention
Bar C
CHARCUT
