Wine producers from all over the country gathered in the Okanagan for the annual industry awards on Tuesday night.
The Wyse family, who run Burrowing Owl Estate Winery in Oliver, was among the winners at the event held in Penticton, B.C.
They were honored with the Canadian wine industry’s Award of Distinction for their years of work.
The award is seen as the highest form of peer recognition in the Canadian wine industry.
Wine Growers Canada president and CEO Dan Paszkowski said, “The Wyse family’s dedication to high-quality wines and the environment has made a significant impact on the BC wine industry.”
He also mentioned the family's commitment to an energy-efficient winery, culinary and wine tourism, and the conservation of the burrowing owl as a huge legacy on the wider wine industry in British Columbia and Canada.
Chris Wyse, a family member, expressed that the award is a testament to his parents' vision of bringing a hospitality concept and high-quality wines to the Okanagan in the 1990s.
He believes the award is a recognition of their success and achievements.
The other winners included:
- Canadian Wine Industry Champion Award: author Natalie MacLean
- The Karl Kaiser Canadian Winemaker Award: Gina Haverstock of Nova Scotia
- Wine Growers British Columbia Leadership Excellence Award: Severine Pinte of Enotecca Wineries and Resorts.
- Wine Growers British Columbia Ultimate B.C. Wine Ambassador Award: Bram Bolwijn of Iconic Wineries of BC
- Wine Growers British Columbia Master Marketer Award: Kayla Bordignon of UncorkBC
- The awards were presented by Wine Growers of Canada and Wine Growers British Columbia.
Wine Growers BC president and CEO Miles Prodan highlighted the importance of people in the wine industry and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate accomplishments and recognize those who have significantly contributed to the industry.
