EauVivre Winery in Cawston celebrated a first for the Similkameen valley on Friday, July 27.
The Honourable Steven Point, Lieutenant Governor of B.C. made a personal appearance at the Cawston winery, along with a bus load of visiting consular dignitaries, to present winery proprietors Dale Wright and Jeraldine Estin with a 2012 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in British Columbia wines.
EauVivre won the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for their 2009 Pinot Noir - the first time ever for a Similkameen winery.
“We are thrilled and honoured to win this award,” said Wright, “it shows us we are on the right path.”
Estin referred to the “incredible support EauVivre had received to the wineries’ success.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to so many,” she said, including other wineries. Assistant winemaker Spencer Kelly was also acknowledged for his efforts in creating the winning vintage.
The award ceremonies took place in the winery courtyard, adjacent to the tasting room. Guests included local politicians MLA John Slater, Area Directors for “G” Angelique Wood and “B” Director George Bush, as well as Keremeos Mayor Manfred Bauer. Approximately 17 consular representatives from Europe, South America, Africa and Scandinavia filled the delegate’s bus which arrived shortly after the Lieutenant Governor. Guests viewed the proceedings under the shade of tents set up in the courtyard in order to shield them from a steamy and sultry Similkameen summer afternoon.
The official release of the award winning vintage also took place on July 27.