Four wines received the 2019 Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines at a ceremony at Government House, Halifax on Thursday, July 25^th, 2019.

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 11 experts chose the following wines, listed in alphabetical order, as the best among the wines submitted:

• Avondale Sky Winery – 2011 Blanc de Noir Extra Brut Reserve

• Blomidon Estate Winery – 2011 Brut Réserve

• Jost Vineyards – 2018 Tidal Bay

• Planters Ridge Winery – 2018 Tidal Bay

"I continue to be very impressed with the quality of the wines that are being produced in Nova Scotia and they are successfully competing on the national stage," said Lieutenant Governor The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc during the ceremony. "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.