On July 14th, the BC Lieutenant Governor's office announced its annual Awards of Excellence for BC Wines. Here's the list below. We were lucky to pick up some of the award winners (in italics below) at our recent Okanagan trip. The LG's office provides this background on past award winners.
Blasted Church Vineyards
2006 Syrah
Calona Vineyards
2007 Artist Series Chardonnay
(Unoaked)
Golden Mile Cellars
2006 Black Arts Syrah
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate
2005 Proprietors' Grand Reserve Shiraz
Red Rooster Winery
2006 Malbec
Sandhill Wines
2006 Cabernet Franc
Stoneboat Vineyards
2006 Pinot Noir
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery
2004 Steller's Jay Brut
Wild Goose Vineyards
2007 Autumn Gold
2007 Pinot Gris
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Mike Klassen is a Vancouver city councillor, communications professional, and long-time advocate for British Columbia’s wine industry. He co‑founded BC Wine Lover in 2007 with his wife Stacey, sharing stories from their travels through the province’s wine regions and spotlighting the people and places that make B.C. wine distinctive.
In 2015, Mike led the BC Wine Appellation Task Group, guiding a province‑wide consultation that produced recommendations—later endorsed by industry plebiscite—that strengthened B.C.’s appellation standards and helped establish today’s sub‑GIs.
His writing has appeared in the Vancouver Sun, Huffington Post, and Daily Hive, blending history, policy insight, and personal experience. Alongside his work on Vancouver City Council, Mike continues to explore vineyards across the province, champion local producers, and celebrate the evolving culture of B.C. wine.