Ontario Wine Judges at Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

The Royal announces winners of 2016 Royal Wine Competition

TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair proudly shone a spotlight on the dynamic wine industry in Ontario and the impressive VQA vintages that are produced in the province in its 7^th annual Royal Wine Competition.

Now entering its 94th year, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair aimed to uncork its biggest wine competition yet. Judging took place on Saturday, September 24^th.

The event, run in co-operation with the Independent Wine Educators Guild (IWEG), serves up an opportunity for wineries to earn recognition for their wines from a judging panel of some of the province's most respected experts. "This year's competition produced tight races in several categories, including Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. This is good to see as it signals that many wineries are competing at the same level of high quality, in those grape varieties that do best in our climate," says John Switzer, Director IWEG and Chief Judge of The Royal competition.  

Wineries were able to enter a range of classes for white, rosé, red and dessert wines. There was a Best in Show winner selected for each category and an overall Best in Show prize.

The best in show winners for The 2016 Royal Agricultural Wine Competition are as follows:

• Overall Best in Show and Best in Show Red: 2013 Cabernet Franc, Estate Grown Small Lot Cab Franc 101, Southbrook Vineyards
• Best in Show White: 2014 Riesling, Fielding Estate Winery
• Best in Show Rosé: 2015 Rosé, Gamay 70%, Fielding Estate Winery
• Best in Show Sparkling: 2013 Sparkling Riesling (Iridesence), Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery
• Best in Show Dessert: 2012 Riesling Icewine, Palatine Hills Estate Winery

A selection of winning wines will be served at dining venues at The Royal and featured at various events during the Fair's 10 day run from November 4-13.

"It was great to see so many top quality Ontario wines entered in our Wine Competition," said Charlie Johnstone, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal. "We're thrilled that The Royal Wine Competition is growing. Ontario wines have a well-deserved reputation for quality – and The Royal is all about celebrating excellence in food and agriculture."

About The Royal:

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world's largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. This year, The 94^th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 4-13, 2016 at Exhibition Place, Toronto, Ontario. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results and to purchase tickets, please visit www.royalfair.org.

SOURCE Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Image with caption: "2016 Royal Wine Competition - Best In Show Winners (CNW Group/Royal Agricultural Winter Fair)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160929_C1757_PHOTO_EN_784999.jpg

Image with caption: "2016 Royal Wine Competition - Best In Show Winners (CNW Group/Royal Agricultural Winter Fair)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160929_C1757_PHOTO_EN_785001.jpg

Ginger Shewell, Media Profile, [email protected]/416-342-1802