Five BC wines received a gold medal or better in the Decanter World Wine Awards in London, England. To put that into perspective, only 4.9 per cent of the 18,000-plus entries received gold or better. No wines from Oregon or Washington State rose to the rank of gold.

British Columbia ice wines have long done well on the world stage, as the Canadian climate is synonymous with this style. Indeed, it was an ice wine that scored the platinum medal at the Decanter competition. But the golds went to a Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and a rare Grüner Veltliner.

And these achievements are no fluke. At the Global Fine Wine Challenge in Sydney, Australia last year, a South Okanagan winery won the Syrah/Shiraz trophy, edging out acclaimed producers from Australia far better known for this variety. Canada also scored tops in the Cabernet Franc, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris and dessert wine categories.

This competition is particularly significant as it is “curated.” Producers are able to enter any wines they wish in most competitions, but in the Global Fine Wine Challenge, wines from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States have to be nominated by experts in their home regions and invited to compete.