Proud of the culinary scene on Vancouver Island, founder of Taste: Victoria’s Festival of Food and Wine, Kathy McAree is thrilled to announce the winners of Taste’s first annual industry awards after a hugely successful opening event.  The Main Event brought almost a thousand food and wine lovers together at Crystal Garden in downtown Victoria to experience a cornucopia of local flavours and tastes.

The 2011 Taste Wine List Awards presented by EAT Magazine were awarded at Taste’s Trade Tasting prior to The Main Event.

Most Diner Friendly Wine Menu was awarded to Zambri’s who have a wine list that is approachable and easy for diners to understand. It has an innovative design that complements the restaurant’s theme, clear organization and no-nonsense descriptions.  Well trained staff that can answer questions is the final step in ensuring diners can feel confident about making their wine selection at Zambri’s.

Best Showcase of Island Wines went to Butchart Garden’s Dining Room Restaurant.  This award recognizes the wine list that best showcases the wines of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.  It has a diversity of producers, styles and price points – and innovative pairing with the restaurant’s menu.  Butchart Garden’s commitment to staff training is an integral part of educating diners and building awareness and appreciation of local wines where the wine list is selected by committee.

Best Overall Wine Program was also awarded to Zambri’s.  The Zambri’s wine list offers a fabulous selection of quality producers that complements the menu in price, size and style. The wine program is innovative and promotes wine knowledge and appreciation through by the glass offerings, seasonal features and wine dinners. Zambri’s also demonstrates a strong commitment to staff education and has qualified wine professionals on staff led by sommelier, Frances Sidhe.

Taste is proud to recognize the top sommelier on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands who is passionate, professional, knowledgeable, approachable and committed to building a vibrant wine culture.  This prestigious honour, sponsored by Mission Hill Family Estate, was awarded to Jacques Lacoste of Lure at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa.

The awards were judged by top industry professionals including DJ Kearney, Gary Hynes, John Schreiner, Mark Shipway, Pamela Sanderson, Sharon McLean, Tim Pawsey and Treve Ring.

Taste continues today with the Silk Road Tea Tasting 101 Seminar similar to a wine tasting and Sips & Seafood at Inn at Laurel Point.  Tickets are available at www.VictoriaTaste.com Swine & the Vine has the Hotel Grand Pacific going full boar – literally!  Plus Land and Sea Harvest on the Family Farm offers an exclusive white linen Marina dining experience in the middle of the farm field at Vantreight Farm.  Chef Matt Rissling is bringing the sea to the farm for a zero-mile culinary experience on what promises to be the best day of summer!