Photo: Contributed

The Gebert family from St. Hubertus Estate Winery celebrates their Lieutenant Governor Award at their vineyard.

Congratulations to Volcanic Hills, Sandhill, and St. Hubertus for your Lieutenant Governor Awards! We’re lucky to have tremendous wineries in Kelowna, and prizes such as this one just add more proof to the pudding.

The Honourable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and Her Honour, Mrs. Gwendolyn Point were in town last week to present 11 Okanagan wineries with their Lieutenant Governor Awards for 2011. These three wineries in the Kelowna-area are among the winners.

Volcanic Hills won for its 2010 Rosé. This winery opened its doors just last year and has already won this wonderful endorsement. It is located along the Westside Wine Trail on Boucherie Rd, so definitely make them a stop if you haven’t done so already!

St. Hubertus is located on the Lakeshore Wine Route, along Lakeshore Rd. They won for their 2009 Dry Riesling, which veteran wine writer John Schreiner describes as “a classic Riesling, with its hint of petrol, its spine of minerals and its tangy flavours of lime and grapefruit.”

Sandhill won for its Small Lots Syrah – no stranger to the wine awards world. Stop by Calona Wines on Richter right downtown whenever you can and try their 3 distinct labels, Calona Artist Series, Peller Estates, and Sandhill. This winery is located on the Downtown Heritage Visit route.

Congratulations to all the wineries who won! This year 309 wines were submitted from 83 wineries across the province. The winners are:

• Sandhill 2009 Small Lots Syrah
• St. Hubertus and Oak Bay Estate Winery 2009 Dry Riesling
• Volcanic Hills Estate Winery 2010 Rosé
• Sumac Ridge Estate Winery 2006 Steller’s Jay Brut
• Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Noir
• Laughing Stock Vineyards 2010 Pinot Gris
• Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery 2008 Syrah
• Red Rooster Winery 2008 Meritage
• Stoneboat Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir
• Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery 2010 Mystic River Pinot Blanc