We at the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance as honoured to have recently received the Donald Ziraldo Award from The Wine Tasting Challenge. 

The Wine Tasting Challenge is an annual event that highlights Canada’s brightest talent and brings together the world’s best to compete at the highest level of competition, while sharing in the spirit and fellowship of the vine.  As the competition grew in notoriety and breadth, Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute was appointed as the organizing, presenting and auditing body in 2005.

The Donald Ziraldo Award itself is one of many given out during the annual celebration. It’s awarded for innovation, development and inspiration in the promotion of the food and wine industry named after the Godfather of Ontario wine — Mr. Donald Ziraldo. 

“We’re humbled to be recognized amongst such innovative leaders in the food & wine industry! This award has celebrated so many powerhouses in our local wine industry, it’s an amazing honour” said Agatha Podgorski, Community Manager of the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance.

Past winners of the Donald Ziraldo include Bill and Marilyn Redelmeier of Southbrook Vineyards, Chef Jamie Kennedy and the Speck brothers of Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery.

 The Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance has been working towards strengthening the agriculture, viticulture and hospitality industries in Ontario through tourism development for almost 10 years. 

Along with our member destinations, we are actively contributing to our province�s edible history by creating fruitful relationships in communities across the province �from the farm up � to cultivate a better, more delicious Ontario.