Five wines received the 2020 Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines at a ceremony at Government House, Halifax on Thursday, November 19^th, 2020.

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

- Non-Vintage Crémant, Blomidon Estate Winery

- 2019 Riesling, Gaspereau Vineyards

- 2019 Tidal Bay, Gaspereau Vineyards

- 2014 Blanc de Blancs Brut, Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards

- Sparkling Rose, Lüvo Life Company

"Every year, the winemakers in this province create outstanding wines that successfully compete on a national and international level,” said His Honour The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia.  “Over time, the wineries in Nova Scotia have advanced significantly. They can all be very proud of their wines and how they contribute to the wine and tourism industries.”

Members of Taste of Nova Scotia and Wine Growers Nova Scotia were invited to submit up to three commercially available grape wines with 100 per cent Nova Scotia content.  This year, 37 wines from 13 wineries were submitted for adjudication.

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

During the ceremony, His Honour was pleased to present the Government House Gold Medal to Ms. Evelyn Friedrich in recognition of her exceptional support to the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines since its creation in 2014.