Top wine winners

The Honourable Judith Guichon arrived in the Okanagan to award 11 wineries with the 2017 Lieutenant-Governor's Awards for Excellence.

One hundred and thirty-two wineries in British Columbia submitted 486 wines for blind judging that were reviewed by nine judges.

First on the list for Honourable Guichon to visit was The Hatch winery in West Kelowna followed by Gray Monk Estate Winery and Kitsch Wines.

On Thursday, she will visit Perseus Winery, Upper Bench Estate Winery, Howling Bluff Estate Winery, Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winer. The final day will finish with Cassini Cellars, Castoro de Oro Estate Winery, Maverick Estate Winery and Burrowing Owl Estate Winery.

This year marks the 14th wine tour and also a memorable one for Honourable Guichon.

“I’d like to point out that today is probably the last trip for her honour, coming up to her fifth anniversary of her term of office in early November,” said Michael O’Connor, The Government House Foundation Chair.

“I can say without doubt she is one of the most spectacular, hard working and very best Lieutenant Governors this province has seen.”

All of the wines submitted had to be from 100 per cent British Columbia-grown grapes to be eligible.