Four wines received the 2018 Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines at a ceremony at Government House, Halifax on Thursday, July 19^th, 2018.

The award, established by former Lieutenant Governor Brigadier-General The Honourable J.J. Grant in 2014, recognizes the exceptional quality of locally sourced and produced wines, and honours the dedication and craft of those in Nova Scotia's wine industry.

Through blind tastings an independent panel of 12 experts chose the following wines, listed in alphabetical order, as the best among the wines submitted:

•  Avondale Sky Winery – Martock, 2014
•  Blomidon Estate Winery – Blanc de Blancs, 2010
•  Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards – Ancienne Chardonnay, 2015
•  Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards – Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut Late Disgorged, 2013

"Once again, the wineries in Nova Scotia have demonstrated that this province can produce high-caliber wines that can match other wines from around Canada and they do us proud," said Lieutenant Governor The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc during the ceremony. "Over the years, I have been impressed with how the industry has advanced in our province and I offer my sincere thanks to the wineries who submitted their wines for judging and I extend my congratulations to the winners."

Taste of Nova Scotia and Winery Association of Nova Scotia members were invited to submit up to three commercially available grape wines with 100 per cent Nova Scotia content.

The award ceremony included the presentation of a certificate and gold medal to each winning winery.