Best of varietals return

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

The Okanagan Wine Festival's Best of Varietal Wine Awards is back.

The contest is held in conjunction with the annual Spring Okanagan Wine Festival.

The 10-day tasting revelry features more than 80 culinary and wine events, with 125 member wineries participating in this year’s 22nd festival, April 29 to May 8. 

The competition marks the start of the festival and recognizes the top B.C. varietal wines across 26 different categories. The final awards entry deadline for wineries to participate is March 22.

The competition has expanded significantly since its founding in 1994 as the Winemaker’s Awards.

In 2015, 479 entries were received.

There will be 15 judges selecting the best wine in each varietal category, awarding gold and silver medals to the other winners.

The contest is open to all B.C. wineries that use 100 per cent fruit grown in the province. 
 
This year’s judging is on April 7, at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre and will be done by:

• James Addington – food and beverage manager, Delta Grand Resort, Kelowna
• Shelley Boettcher – freelance writer and editor, Calgary
• Dennis Dwernychuk – senior product consultant, BC Liquor Stores, Kelowna
• Mark Filatow - executive chef and owner, Waterfront Wines, Kelowna
• Simon Gillett - sommelier, Watermark Beach Resort, Osoyoos
• Geoff Last – general manager, Bin 905, Calgary
• Martin Lewis – co-owner, Bad Tattoo Brewing, Penticton
• Jim Martin – senior product consultant, Metro Liquor Group, Kelowna
• Samantha Rahn – sommelier, Araxi, Whistler
• Audrey Surrao – co-owner, Raudz Regional Table, Kelowna
• Mark Taylor – owner and sommelier, Siena Restaurant, Vancouver
• Troy Townsin – author and CBC Radio wine columnist, Victoria
• Matt Wentzell – sommelier, Kelowna
• Gloria Wheeler – food and beverage manager, Hotel Eldorado, Kelowna

The honours will be handed out April 28 at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. 

Tickets are $50 and are available here.