George Brown Polytechnic (GBP) marked the return of the Lieutenant Governor's Awards as part of the 2026 Ontario Wine Awards an important celebration of the finest Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wines produced across the province.
Held June 17 at the Chef School's William Peyton Hubbard Atrium, the event brought together industry leaders, students, and government representatives to recognize excellence in Ontario winemaking.
A premier celebration of Ontario wine
Founded by Tony Aspler, the Ontario Wine Awards remain the province's most prestigious wine competition. This year, 350 wines were evaluated by expert judges through a rigorous blind-tasting process. The results were 77 Gold, 188 Silver, and 46 Bronze medals, underscoring the strength of an industry that contributes billions to Ontario's economy and has achieved global recognition, with Ontario wines now enjoyed worldwide.
Celebrating winemakers and industry
The ceremony featured remarks from George Brown President Dr. Gervan Fearon, the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Niagara College President Sean Kennedy, and the Honourable Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming, along with guests
The Hon. Edith Dumont presented the top honours, recognizing wines made from Ontario-grown grapes and celebrating the innovation and dedication of winemakers across the province.
Lieutenant Governor's Awards for Excellence in Ontario Wines:
- Thirty Bench - Wild Cask Cabernet Franc (Beamsville Bench VQA)
- Thirty Bench - Small Lot Riesling Triangle Vineyard' (Beamsville Bench VQA)
- King and Victoria Winery - Cabernet (Creek Shores VQA)
- Niagara College Teaching Winery - 2019 Dean's List Blanc de Noirs (Four Mile Creek VQA)
- Ravine Vineyard - Riesling Icewine (Four Mile Creek VQA)
- Magnotta Winery - Chardonnay Limited Edition VQA (Niagara Peninsula VQA)
- Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery - The School House Cabernet-Merlot (Niagara Peninsula VQA)
- Magnotta Winery - Kittling Ridge Vidal Icewine VQA (Niagara Peninsula VQA)
- Fielding Estate Winery - Cabernet-Syrah (Niagara Peninsula VQA)
- Strewn - Premium Cabernet Sauvignon (Niagara Peninsula VQA)
- Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Ltd - Sauvignon Blanc (Niagara Peninsula VQA)
- The Grange of Prince Edward - Estate Series Chardonnay (Prince Edward County VQA)
- The Grange of Prince Edward - Estate Series Riesling (Prince Edward County VQA)
Explore the full list of results
Partnership as growth
The 2026 awards mark the first year of a new partnership between George Brown Polytechnic and Niagara College. Through a rotating hosting model, George Brown hosted the awards this year, with Niagara College set to host the next batch of entries in 2027, strengthening ties among the two institutions, education, and Ontario's thriving wine industry.
Delivering real impact for students
Experiential learning remains central to the Ontario Wine Awards. Students gain hands-on experience supporting tastings and event operations, engaging with industry professionals, and participating in the Student Choice Awards.
"Together, we are creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage directly with industry leaders while helping to strengthen a sector that contributes so much to Ontario's economy and communities," said Dr. Fearon.
Since 2016, George Brown's Chef School has played a key role in the awards, helping integrate academic learning with real-world industry practice. In 2026, the event also raised $10,000 in bursaries to support student success.
A celebration of industry and community
The Ontario Wine Awards continue to highlight a sector that has reached world-class status while fostering the next generation of talent. With strong support from provincial leaders and partners, the event remains both a benchmark for excellence and a platform for student opportunity.
Congratulations to all award-winning wineries, participating students, and industry contributors who helped make the 2026 Ontario Wine Awards a continued success.
Learn more about the Ontario Wine Awards and discover this year's award-winning wines.
