Three Nova Scotia wines have been selected to receive the inaugural Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines.  

The award, established by Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant, recognizes the exceptional quality of locally sourced and produced wines and honours the dedication and passion of those involved with Nova Scotia's wine industry. 

Through a blind tasting, an independent panel of experts chose the following wines, in no particular order, as the best among all Nova Scotia wines submitted for consideration:

-- Blomidon Estate Winery: Cuvée L'Acadie, 2010
-- Avondale Sky Winery: Martock, 2012
-- Domaine de Grand Pré: Riesling, 2013

"Nova Scotia's wine industry has reached a tipping point in terms of quality, creativity and unparalleled commitment to the local community," said Lt.-Gov. Grant. "I am delighted to recognize such innovation in our province, and I offer my sincere congratulations to all the recipients of this new and exciting award."

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

"The Winery Association of Nova Scotia is very pleased to be partnering with the Lieutenant Governor to launch these prestigious awards and to promote excellence in wines here in Nova Scotia," said Stewart Creaser, chair of the Winery Association of Nova Scotia.

The awards will be presented at ceremony hosted by the lieutenant governor at Government House on Wednesday, July 23.

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FOR BROADCAST USE:

     Three Nova Scotia wines have been selected to receive the

inaugural Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Nova

Scotia Wines.  

     Through a blind tasting, an independent panel of experts

chose the following wines, in no particular order, as the best

among all Nova Scotia wines submitted for consideration:

-- Blomidon Estate Winery: Cuvée L'Acadie, 2010
-- Avondale Sky Winery: Martock, 2012
-- Domaine de Grand Pré: Riesling, 2013
 
     The awards will be presented at a ceremony hosted by the lieutenant governor at Government House on (Wednesday) July 23rd.

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Media Contact: Meghan Doherty
               Office of the Lieutenant Governor
               902-424-0763
               Cell: 902-478-9209
               E-mail: dohertmf@gov.ns.ca

               Stewart Creaser
               Winery Association of Nova Scotia
               Cell: 902-497-5954
               E-mail: stewart@avondalewine.ca
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NOTE TO EDITORS: A photo of the winning wines is available on the Communications Nova Scotia website at http://novascotia.ca/news/photos/2014/07/03/DSC_0493.jpg . The photo credit is Paula Raymond, Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
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