On February 19, 2010 Ontario winemakers honoured their own. They are the only wine awards in Canada to be judged entirely by the winemakers themselves. It’s like the academy awards for wines. The winners were announced at a splendid gala at Niagara Fallsview Casino at which Daniel’s of Nobleton was one of the twelve restaurants chosen to supply the food.

This year 41 winemakers tasted over 190 wines from 52 wineries, representing, Erie North Shore, Niagara and Prince Edward County. Each winery submits their three best wines as well as a red and a white that is in general list, if they have any.

Most of the winners are only available from the winery or in LCBO Vintages. If you are going to Niagara or any Ontario wine region, most are pleased to let you sample their award winners. Here is a small sampling of the winners.

General List Red Wine Winner:
Dan Aykroyd Winery, Cabernet Shiraz 2007
General List White Wine Winner:
Jackson Triggs Niagara, Proprietor’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Sparkling Wine Gold:
Hillebrand Estates Showcase Sparkling Riesling 2006
Best Red:
Thirty Bench Winemakers, Small Lot Cabernet Franc 2006
Best White:
Legends Estate, Riesling Reserve 2003
tied with Creekside Estate Viognier 2007
Best Pinot Noir:
Niagara College, Dean’s List Pinot Noir 2007
Best Chardonnay:
Peller Estates, Signature Series Chardonnay Sur Lie
Best Sweet Wine:
Inniskilin Riesling Ice Wine 2007

Bear in mind that these are choices made by winemakers and they are very technical in approach. I tasted many of the wines and here are some of my favourites that didn’t reach the top:
Angel’s Gate, Old Vines Chardonnay 2008, $23.95
Strewn Winery, Chardonnay barrel fermented Amalgam 2007, $23.95
Alvento Winery Elige 2006, $23.95, Featherstone Winery, Onyx 2007, $29.95
Lailey Vineyard, Impromptu 2007, $45.00,
Southbrook Vineyards, Poetica 2007, $60.00
These last few wines are only available at the winery and are definitely cellar wines, but they are marvelous.