Highly acclaimed Okanagan Valley winery Nk'Mip Cellars named #1 Winery in British Columbia

North America's first aboriginal winery declared #1 on the west coast at the Wine Access Canadian Wine Awards

OKANAGAN VALLEY, BC, Nov. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Nk'Mip Cellars made a spectacular finish at the 2012 Wine Access Canadian Wine Awards bringing in no less than 14 medals, garnering them the extremely prestigious title of the #1 Winery in British Columbia and the #2 Winery in all of Canada. Four of their top tier wines were bestowed with gold medals for their achievement in excellence, with ten others taking home silver and bronze.

Nk'Mip Senior Winemaker Randy Picton is one of the most esteemed in the region, and is renowned for his commitment to making every vintage spectacular. "Our goal is to create wines that showcase our remarkable terroir. We have a strong team in both the vineyards and the cellar that are all committed to the success of Nk'Mip and it is gratifying to be recognized for this effort," said Picton. "We strive for balance not only in our wines but also throughout our portfolio - being awarded a medal for every wine entered into this competition is rewarding and lets us know we are on the right track."

Sam Baptiste's careful attention to premium viticulture practices at Inkameep Vineyards, established in 1968, contributes heavily to the Nk'Mip Cellars brand success by ensuring each vine is scrutinized and that only the best grapes make it into the winery during crush.

The Osoyoos Indian Band has been led since 1985 by Chief Clarence Louie. A strong supporter of native and economic independence, he takes great pride in developing members of The Band.  Nk'Mip Assistant Winemaker Justin Hall is an example of a Band member who, through Louie's influence, has advanced into a meaningful role within the community. Under the tutelage of Randy Picton at Nk'Mip Cellars, Justin's work is a testament to the importance of preserving the brand's heritage and legacy.

AWARD HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Gold
Nk'Mip Cellars 2009 Mer'r'iym Meritage
Nk'Mip Cellars 2009 Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon
Nk'Mip Cellars 2009 Qwam Qwmt Merlot
Nk'Mip Cellars 2010 Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir

Silver
Nk'Mip Cellars 2008 Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon
Nk'Mip Cellars 2008 Qwam Qwmt Syrah
Nk'Mip Cellars 2009 Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir
Nk'Mip Cellars 2009 Qwam Qwmt Syrah
Nk'Mip Cellars 2010 Riesling
Nk'Mip Cellars 2011 Qwam Qwmt Riesling Icewine

Bronze
Nk'Mip Cellars 2008 Qwam Qwmt Meritage
Nk'Mip Cellars 2008 Qwam Qwmt Merlot
Nk'Mip Cellars 2009 Qwam Qwmt Meritage
Nk'Mip Cellars 2010 Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay

About Nk'Mip Cellars
NK'Mip Cellars (pronounced "in-ka-meep") is North America's first aboriginal owned and operated winery. Overlooking the shores of Osoyoos Lake, the winery sits on natural desert land surrounded by the stunning contrast of vineyards. Using grapes grown onsite and from the Osoyoos Indian Band's own Inkameep Vineyard, winemaker Randy Picton produces quality wines in three tiers: NK'Mip Cellars, a reserve tier named Qwam Qwmt (pronounced kw-em kw-empt) meaning achieving excellence as well, the winery produces a top tier Meritage named in honor of the perfect union of varietals - Mer'r'iym. Wines in all tiers receiving constant acclaim include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Merlot, Syrah, Meritage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling Icewine. The winery is open year-round with seasonal patio foodservice. Special events and traditional native celebrations are held throughout the season.
For more information, visit: www.nkmipcellars.com

About the Wine Access Canadian Wine Awards
The Wine Access Canadian Wine Awards are held annually, and have grown dramatically in size, success, and national reputation since they began in 2001. Each year, Canada's leading wine experts evaluate over 1000 wines from across the country, and present awards in nearly two dozen categories. Full results are published in the December/January Wine Access issue and online at www.wineaccess.ca and the Canadian Wine Annual.

SOURCE: NK'Mip Cellars

For more information or to set up an interview please contact:
Narrative PR
Nicole Schaeffer
416.922.2211 x 3287
[email protected]