Wine Growers Canada (WGC) and Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) announced the recipients of the 2026 Canadian Wine Industry Awards and B.C. Industry Recognition Awards, presented live at the awards ceremony in Penticton, B.C., on March 31.
This year’s distinguished recipients are:
- Canadian Wine Industry Award of Distinction – the Stewart Family
- Canadian Wine Industry Champion Award – Miles Prodan
- The Karl Kaiser Canadian Winemaker Award – Andrzej Lipiński
- WGBC Leadership Excellence Award – Rhys Pender
- WGBC Ultimate B.C. Wine Ambassador Award – Brynne Dickson
- WGBC Master Marketer Award – Jenna White, That BC Wine Girl
2026 Canadian Wine Industry Awards
The Canadian Wine Industry Awards, sponsored by the national accounting, tax and business firm MNP, are presented annually by WGC. They recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that have gone above and beyond to support and enhance Canada’s wine industry.
“[The 2026] Canadian Wine Industry Awards have showcased our diverse industry, and everyone at WGC is honoured to recognize the outstanding contribution, dedication and expertise of the winners…. These annual awards celebrate these individuals who have contributed so much to our industry and helped it grow to the $11.5 billion industry it is today,” said Dan Paszkowski, president and CEO, WGC.
The winner of the Canadian Wine Industry Award of Distinction, regarded as one of the highest forms of peer recognition in the Canadian wine industry, was the Stewart Family from Quails’ Gate Winery in West Kelowna, B.C. “Early adopters of vinifera in the Okanagan Valley, this fourth-generation farming family, through their dedication to premium quality wines and unique culinary experiences, helped establish the Okanagan Valley as one of North America’s most compelling cool-climate wine regions,” said Paszkowski.
The Wine Industry Champion Award, presented to an individual who has provided exemplary support to the Canadian wine industry through media, policy or advocacy, was given to Miles Prodan.
“[Prodan] led [WGBC] for 14 years, bringing a strategic vision to the role, that connected wine, tourism and regional economic growth. Nationally, he was tenacious in his advocacy supporting interprovincial ,” said Paszkowski. “We’ve seen considerable provincial momentum this past year to permit interprovincial direct-to-consumer wine sales, but it’s important to remember the efforts of all of those, including Miles, who advocated in support of that over many years.”
The Karl Kaiser Canadian Winemaker Award was created in 2018 to celebrate great Canadian winemakers, in honour of the legacy of the late Karl Kaiser, a Canadian wine industry pioneer and viticultural visionary. The recipient of this year’s award was Andrzej Lipiński of Big Head Wines in Niagara, Ont.
“Founder of Big Head Wines, [Lipiński’s] wines have won medals around the world, most recently winning the prize for the Best Chenin Blanc at Wine Paris 2024,” said Paszkowski. “His pioneering work using appassimento, wild fermentation and a range of other techniques stands out, as do his contributions to the Niagara wine industry more broadly.”
2026 British Columbia Industry Recognition Awards
The WGBC Industry Recognition Awards are presented annually in acknowledgement of outstanding achievements and contributions to the B.C. wine industry. The categories of Leadership Excellence, Ultimate B.C. Wine Ambassador and Master Marketer celebrate individuals who exemplify visionary leadership, champion B.C. wine with passion and authenticity, and set the standard for creativity and impact in marketing and promotion.
“Behind every bottle of B.C. wine is a passionate individual helping to shape something bigger,” said WGBC CEO and president Jeff Guignard. “These awards are about recognizing those who are championing our industry today while building the future of B.C. wine in real time, driven by a shared belief in its incredible potential.”
The Leadership Excellence Award honours a non-winery individual, business or organization whose work has meaningfully advanced the B.C. wine industry and B.C. VQA wine through media, research, policy, regulation, education or advocacy. Past recipients include respected winemakers Séverine Pinte (Le Vieux Pin & LaStella) and Michael Bartier (Bartier Bros. Vineyard & Winery). This year’s recipient was Rhys Pender, co-owner and winemaker of Little Farm Winery in the Similkameen Valley.
The Ultimate B.C. Wine Ambassador Award celebrates a frontline winery professional who brings passion, knowledge and authenticity to every guest interaction, creating memorable experiences while fostering a positive and engaged team environment. Past recipients include Bram Bolwijn and Robbie Hundertmark. This year’s recipient was Brynne Dickson of CedarCreek Estate Winery.
The Master Marketer Award recognizes an innovative individual or organization that has demonstrated creativity and impact in promoting B.C. wines. Open to wineries, regional wine associations, retailers, restaurants and tourism organizations, this award celebrates those who think beyond the expected to elevate B.C. wine. The 2026 recipient is Jenna White, creator of the brand That BC Wine Girl.
To learn more about the Canadian Wine Industry Awards, visit winegrowerscanada.ca/canadian-wine-industry-awards, and for more details about the WGBC Industry Recognition Awards, visit winebc.com/industry/industry-recognition-awards.
