Wednesday, March 13, 2024
We are pleased to announce that our head winemaker, Gina Haverstock has been named the 2024 recipient of the Wine Growers of Canada (WGC) Karl Kaiser Canadian Winemaker Award. She is the first winemaker outside of British Columbia and Ontario to win and the first female winner. This prestigious accolade is a testament to Gina's remarkable contributions to the Canadian wine industry and her exceptional skills in winemaking.
The WGC Karl Kaiser Canadian Winemaker Award is presented annually by Wine Growers Canada to an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership in winemaking, serves as a mentor to peers, and dedicates significant time and energy toward advancing winemaking excellence. The award is named in memory of Karl Kaiser, a visionary and one of the pioneers of the modern Canadian wine industry, he was the co-founder and former winemaker at Inniskillin Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
This recognition places Haverstock among the ranks of Canada's most respected winemakers. "To be associated with such accomplished individuals and to receive an award in memory of Karl Kaiser himself is truly humbling," said Gina Haverstock. "This award is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the collaborative spirit and hard work of our entire team," she emphasized.
Highlighting the significance of this achievement, Gina noted, "This is the first time the award has been given to a winemaker outside of British Columbia and Ontario, shining a spotlight on the burgeoning Nova Scotia wine industry." She expressed her pride in being part of a community that is collectively building a legacy in Nova Scotia, a region she describes as her dream workplace for winemaking.
"We are incredibly proud of Gina and her accomplishments. Her passion, dedication, and innovative spirit embody the essence of excellence we strive for at our wineries," said owner, Carl Sparkes “Her work contributes to the ongoing success and reputation of the Canadian wine industry as a whole”.
The award was formally presented to Gina Haverstock during the joint WGC-WGBC Awards Ceremony on March 12th, held in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. The event, attended by esteemed wineries from across Canada, is a highlight for the industry, celebrating excellence and innovation in Canadian winemaking.
