From July 3-5, I had the opportunity to
volunteer at the ‘Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Ontario Wines’
(thankfully abbreviated on Twitter as the #LGWineAwards). This was my first experience behind-the-scenes
at a wine competition. And what an
experience it was.
A total of 268 wines were entered, from
which the judges (ahem, adjudicators) ultimately selected only 11 winners. I was glad to not be a judge. The level of quality, on the whole, of
these Ontario wines was quite high.
There easily could have been upwards of twenty winners. Unfortunately,
according to the parameters of the competition, a maximum of 12 winners could
be chosen.
Each category of wines had their
standouts. But, in my view, the
categories that were most consistent were no surprise: Riesling, Chardonnay,
Cabernet Franc, Icewine, and Sparkling.
These are some of the grape varieties (and wine styles) that have proven
to be most successful in Ontario.
The list of winners will be announced in
the coming weeks, all of which are exceptional. (There will be no leaks from me!) I am proud to know that these wines will be representing the
Ontario wine industry.
In Part II, I hope to provide an in-depth
view of what happens behind-the-scenes at a wine competition.
