Jackson-Triggs named best Canadian producer at IWSC in London

NOTE: Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate was named Best Canadian Producer at the International Wine & Spirits Competition held on Nov. 17 in London, England. What follows is the press release issued by Jackson-Triggs.

TORONTO — Canada’s Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate captured the ‘Best Canadian Producer’ award at the annual International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), held last night in London, England. The IWSC is considered to be one of the most revered and influential wine competitions of its kind. Jackson Triggs’ Okanagan Estate Winemakers Brooke Blair and Derek Kontkanen were on hand to accept the award, presented by Prince Michael zu Salm-Salm, President, IWSC.

“Being awarded ‘Best Canadian Producer’ at the IWSC is an honour and a testament to the great teamwork at Jackson Triggs. It’s the ultimate recognition and win,” says Derek Kontkanen.

“This IWSC award is something winemakers strive for — it’s the pinnacle. Being in London to accept the award on behalf of our team added a whole new dimension to winning, making it even more memorable,” adds Brooke Blair.

Jackson Triggs has had the unprecedented honour of winning the ‘Best Canadian Producer’ title seven times at IWSC, and twenty one times in global wine competitions — a feat no other Canadian winery can claim.

IWSC entrants are judged and evaluated in a rigorous two-stage judging process that includes professional blind tasting, and detailed technical analysis. This year, the IWSC received entries from over 80 countries worldwide.

Jackson Triggs Estate Wines won 29 IWSC awards across both appellations. Brooke Blair was awarded the ‘World’s Best’ Trophy for her Jackson Triggs Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Merlot 2007. Derek Kontkanen, Okanagan Estate White Winemaker earned the ‘World’s Best’ Product Trophy for Best Dessert Wine for his Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Riesling Icewine 2007.

Each year the who’s who of the wine and spirit trade the world over gather at the IWSC Banquet and Presentations event to honour their peers. The evening begins with the opportunity to taste the gold, gold best in class and trophy winning products and then moves on to The Banquet where over 500 esteemed guests enjoyed a five-course dinner accompanied by award-winning wines and spirits. The national trophies along with all international trophies were awarded during the banquet.