NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON--(Marketwired - July 17, 2015) - The Canadian Vintners Association (CVA) is pleased to announce the results of the second annual Canadian Wine Industry Awards. These prestigious awards recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that have gone above and beyond to support and enhance the wine industry in Canada, celebrating the success, leadership and outstanding commitment in Canada's grape wine industry.
The nomination process for the awards is open to all organizations, businesses and individuals in the Canadian grape wine industry. This year, several outstanding nominees were considered for both award categories, all of whom reflect the dedication and enthusiasm for Canadian wine found from coast-to-coast.
"It is a great honour to recognize Newman Smith of Strewn Winery, Ontario, with the Award of Distinction," said Tony Stewart, CVA Chair and President of Quails' Gate Winery.
"He is an industry veteran in the true sense of the word, actively serving the wine industry for 45 years. Newman has helped build the Canadian wine industry from the ground up, working to establish the regulatory, financial and policy foundation which has helped pave the way for this industry's 550 wineries. His contributions of the past and present continue to strengthen our industry."
The Award of Distinction is the preeminent award for the Canadian wine industry and regarded as the highest form of peer recognition and appreciation of outstanding leadership, commitment and passion for the advancement of the Canadian wine industry.
The Wine Industry Champion Award was presented to John Schreiner of Vancouver, British Columbia, recognizing Mr. Schreiner's enthusiastic and influential support for the Canadian wine industry.
"In the last 30 years, John has written 15 books on Canadian wine and wine regions, including The Wines of Canada and his most popular book, Okanagan Wine Tour Guide, which is now in its 5th edition," stated Stewart. "John's been a fan of Canadian wines long before they were considered 'cool' and through his work, he's educated and influenced consumers across the country and beyond our borders."
The awards were presented on July 16, 2015, in concert with the 5th annual International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebrate (i4C). The event was held in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, at Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery with 120 Canadian and international industry and political guests of honour.
BACKGROUND
Canadian Wine Industry Award of Distinction
The recipient of the 2015 Award of Distinction is Newman D. Smith.
Smith, based in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, is an industry veteran in the true sense of the word, serving the wine industry for over 45 years.
Smith, a Chartered Accountant, a Certified Management Accountant and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries, began his career with Andrés Wines (Andrew Peller Ltd.) in 1969. He started as Secretary Treasurer, advancing to Executive Vice President, a role which he performed for 10 years. In 1997, as co-owner and Chairman, Newman brought his wealth of knowledge to Strewn Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. As well as being a fully functioning winery, Strewn is also home to the first winery cooking school in Canada.
In addition to his outstanding career, Smith has volunteered countless hours and resources to community initiatives, as well contributing his time and knowledge to the betterment of the national and Ontario wine industry. Smith served as Chair of the Canadian Wine Institute (predecessor of the CVA) for 4 years; member of the VQA Ontario Board of Directors for 15 years (2000-2015); and currently holds the position of Board Director of the Wine Council of Ontario.
Smith has helped build the Canadian wine industry from the ground up. His calm and sage advice, attention to detail and fiscal and regulatory acumen has helped pave the way for the industry's success today, as well as in future years.
Canadian Wine Industry Champion Award
The recipient of the 2015 Wine Industry Champion Award is John Schreiner.
Schreiner, based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, is a prolific author of books on Canadian wines.
Schreiner has authored 15 books since 1984, including three Whitecap bestsellers: British Columbia Wine Country, The Wineries of British Columbia and John Schreiner's Okanagan Wine Tour Guide, his most popular book. The 5thedition was released in August 2014. A companion volume, John Schreiner's Coastal BC Wineries Tour Guide, was released in April, 2011. Icewine: The Complete Story, the first comprehensive international book on this dessert wine, was published in November 2001 and was judged "best book on wine history" in English that year in the World Gourmand cookbook and wine book competition.
Schreiner juggled his passion for wine with a 40-year career as a business writer for The Financial Post until retiring in 2001 to focus totally on wine. He is a member of judging panel for BC's Lieutenant Governor's Awards of Excellence in Wine and has judged at the All-Canadian Wine Awards. He is the former Chair of the Selection Committee for the Vancouver International Wine Festival. He blogs at johnschreiner.blogspot.ca. His wine writing appears in several magazines, including Westcoast Homes & Design and Indulge.
About the Canadian Vintners Association
CVA is the national voice of the Canadian wine industry, representing more than 90% of Canada's annual wine production. CVA members are engaged in the entire wine value chain: from grape growing, farm management, grape harvesting, research, wine production, bottling, retail sales and tourism. (www.canadianvintners.com)
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Contact Information:
For more information, contact:
Beth McMahon
Vice President, Government & Public Affairs
(613) 755-2736
beth@canadianvintners.com
