B.C’s Tinhorn Creek Vineyards recently won seven medals at the 19th Annual Wine Press Northwest Platinum Competition at Richland, Wash.
Their 2016 Chardonnay won top honours with a Double Platinum award. Furthermore, the 2014 Oldfield Reserve Cabernet Franc won Platinum, as did the 2017 Pinot Gris.
The Tinhorn Creek 2015 Cabernet Franc won a Double Gold medal which shows that their Cabernet Franc can often be an outstanding wine year after year. Also winning Double Gold was the 2016 Oldfield Reserve Chardonnay.
And taking the gold are two other Tinhorn Creek wines: the 2015 Oldfield Reserve Cabernet Franc and the 2014 Oldfield Reserve Pinot Noir.
The Platinum Judging is hosted by Washington State’s Wine Press Northwest magazine, and is by invitation only. To be eligible, wines from B.C., Washington, Oregon, and Idaho have to have earlier won a gold medal or better award at an earlier competition.
Wine Press Northwest Editor Gregg McConnell says, “Earning a Platinum is an outstanding accomplishment, and Double Platinum is an exceptional honour.”
For Tinhorn Creek to receive seven awards is a quite an achievement, and winemaker Andrew Windsor is pleased.
“We make wines for our customers and not to attain high scores,” he says, “but it is always nice to receive recognition for our hard work. We track our success based on the acceptance of our wines.”
“The fact that we have been consistently selling out of our wines tells us we are on the right track.”
Established in 1993, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is located just south of Oliver in the famed Golden Mile Bench. As a leading winery destination evoking classic southern Okanagan terroir, Tinhorn Creek proudly offers a selection of estate-grown wines. Recently the original owners, Sandra and Kenn Oldfield sold Tinhorn Creek to Andrew Peller Limited who also purchased Black Hills and Gray Monk Cellars. Open seven days a week, Tinhorn Creek offers an unrivaled visitor experience, wines that are world class, and the award-winning Miradoro Restaurant.
Meanwhile Blue Grouse Estate Winery on Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley captured a Double Platinum award for the 2016 Quill Pinot Noir at the same Wine Press Northwest Competition. In addition, the winery ended 2018 with the Best Winery from Victoria’s Times Colonist readers.
"We are honoured to be given such recognition by our Vancouver Island customers," remarked winery owner Paul Brunner. “My thanks to our winery team who have worked so hard for this accolade. It's a hell of a great way to start the new year!"
Blue Grouse Estate Winery is a hidden Cowichan Valley gem in the heart of Vancouver Island. Family-owned and sustainably-farmed the winery and surrounding vineyards are a sought-after destination for tastings and special events such as Soup Saturdays, long table dinners, pruning workshops, and concerts. The tasting room is open 11 months a year but is closed in January.
Eric Hanson is a retired Richmondite and active wine journalist
