Nova Scotia Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage, centre, presented three Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines to Rachel and Mike Lightfoot, of Lightfoot & Wolfville, during a ceremony July 21 in Halifax. Photo by Michael Creagen /Office of the Lieutenant GovernorArticle contentWineries in Kings and Hants counties swept this year’s Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentLt.-Gov. Mike Savage presented the awards July 21 during a ceremony at Government House in Halifax.Article contentArticle contentLightfoot & Wolfville won three of the awards while Benjamin Bridge and Avondale Sky Winery each won one.Article content“Receiving a lieutenant-governor’s award is among the highest honours available to Nova Scotia wineries,” Melissa Herbin, executive director of Wine Growers Nova Scotia, said in a news release.Article contentArticle content“These awards celebrate excellence while highlighting the remarkable growth and evolution of our industry. Nova Scotia wines continue to gain recognition at home and abroad, and this year’s recipients demonstrate the exceptional quality that defines our region.”Article contentLightfoot & Wolfville was recognized for its 2021 Brut, 2017 Blanc de Blancs, and 2022 Brut Rosé. Benjamin Bridge, located in the Gaspereau Valley, earned its award for its 2018 Brut Reserve while Newport Landing-based Avondale Sky Winery’s 2024 Select Small Lot Muscat earned the honour.Article content Avondale Sky Winery received a Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines for its 2024 Select Small Lot Muscat. The awards were presented at Government House in Halifax on July 21. From left are vice-president and general manager Sean Coutinho, co-owner and vineyard manager Louis Coutinho, winemaker Ben Swetnam, and president and operations manager Karl Coutinho. Photo by Michael Creagen /Office of the Lieutenant GovernorArticle content“Nova Scotia winemakers continue to earn acclaim for producing wines of exceptional character and quality,” Savage said. “These award-winning wines reflect not only the unique terroir of our province, but also the passion, skill, and dedication of the people behind them. I am delighted to recognize this year’s recipients and their contributions to one of Nova Scotia’s most vibrant agricultural industries.”Article content Benjamin Bridge’s Devon McConnell-Gordon, left, and Jean-Benoit Deslauriers received the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines July 21 in Halifax for its 2018 Brut Reserve. Photo by Michael Creagen /Office of the Lieutenant GovernorArticle contentJ.J. Grant established the awards in 2014 when he was the lieutenant-governor. The award program is administered by Wine Growers Nova Scotia and Taste of Nova Scotia in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant-Governor.Article contentThis year, 36 wines from 12 wineries were evaluated through a blind tasting conducted by an independent panel of judges.Article contentWines must be produced using 100 per cent Nova Scotia-grown grapes to be eligible and wineries may submit up to three commercially available wines for consideration.Article content
Lightfoot & Wolfville, Benjamin Bridge, and Avondale Sky Winery recognized with provincial awards
