Canada’s Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate captured the ‘Best Canadian Producer’ award at the annual International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), held last night in London, England. The IWSC is considered to be one of the most revered and influential wine competitions of its kind. Jackson Triggs’ Okanagan Estate Winemakers Brooke Blair and Derek Kontkanen were on hand to accept the award, presented by Prince Michael zu Salm-Salm, President, IWSC.
“Being awarded ‘Best Canadian Producer’ at the IWSC is an honour and a testament to the great teamwork at Jackson Triggs. It’s the ultimate recognition and win,” says Derek Kontkanen.
“This IWSC award is something winemakers strive for – it’s the pinnacle. Being in London to accept the award on behalf of our team added a whole new dimension to winning, making it even more memorable,” adds Brooke Blair.
Jackson Triggs has had the unprecedented honour of winning the ‘Best Canadian Producer’ title seven times at IWSC, and twenty one times in global wine competitions – a feat no other Canadian winery can claim.
IWSC entrants are judged and evaluated in a rigorous two-stage judging process that includes professional blind tasting, and detailed technical analysis. This year, the IWSC received entries from over 80 countries worldwide.
Jackson Triggs Estate Wines won 29 IWSC awards across both appellations. Brooke Blair was awarded the’World’s Best’ Trophy for her Jackson Triggs Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Merlot 2007. Derek Kontkanen, Okanagan Estate White Winemaker earned the ‘World’s Best’ Product Trophy for Best Dessert Wine for his Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Riesling Icewine 2007.
Each year the who’s who of the wine and spirit trade the world over gather at the IWSC Banquet and Presentations event to honour their peers. The evening begins with the opportunity to taste the gold, gold best in class and trophy winning products and then moves on to The Banquet where over 500 esteemed guests enjoyed a five-course dinner accompanied by award-winning wines and spirits. The national trophies along with all international trophies were awarded during the banquet.
Purchasing Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate Wines:
Both trophy wines and other award-winning wines are available directly from the winery. Call 1-866-455-0559, email
okanaganestate@jacksontriggswinery.com or purchase it at the BCLDB, VQA stores and private wine stores.
Purchasing Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate Wines:
Award-winning wines are available to purchase online for Ontario residents at jacksontriggswinery.com, or directly from the winery (product availability limited), or call 1-866 589-4637. Select wines available at Ontario Wine Rack and LCBO Vintages locations.
About IWSC:
The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Each year the who’s who of the wine and spirit trade the world over gather at the IWSC Banquet and Presentations event to honour their peers. The evening begins with the opportunity to taste the gold, gold best in class and trophy winning products and then moves on to The Banquet where over 500 esteemed guests enjoyed a five-course dinner accompanied by award-winning wines and spirits. The national trophies along with all international trophies were awarded during the banquet.
About Jackson Triggs Estate Wines:
Founded in 1993, Jackson Triggs has earned a reputation for producing some of the country’s leading premium VQA wines with true varietal character that capture the essence of Canadian terroir. Both Jackson Triggs Okanagan and Niagara Estate wineries have been uncompromising in their pursuit of crafting Canadian wines that compete with the world’s finest and promise exceptional quality and value.
