Introducing Refreshed Wine Program Excellence Awards

The Vancouver International Wine Festival is pleased to announce that the Wine Program Excellence Awards (WPEA) returns in 2026 with a new vision, new awards, and new ways to recognize excellence in the restaurant community

For many years, the WPEAs have been the gold standard for restaurant wine programs in British Columbia and Alberta, but now the VIWF is taking the awards to the next level. A host of new WPEA categories are designed to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and culture of local wine programs. Awards such as Best By-The-Glass List, Best BC Wine Program, and Best Micro Wine List are intended to recognize industry leaders and inspire continuing excellence.

Jenna Briscoe, Karen Madsen, Chris Turyk, and Jason Yamasaki are the creative minds behind the new awards. Their collective goal was to acknowledge the skills and commitment behind holistic wine programs, and the visionaries who make them happen.

The 2026 awards fall into two overarching groups:

Presented Onstage at the VIWF’s Annual Awards Lunch

• Best Wine Program in an Upscale Restaurant – an ideal union of fine wine & fine dining
• Best Wine Program in a Casual Restaurant – exciting wines in a relaxed atmosphere
• Best By-The-Glass List – variety and value that make great menu pairings
• Best Food & Wine Pairing Experience – designing & serving exceptional wine & food matches
• Wine Room of the Year – wine, food, setting, and service create the complete package
• Wine Community Champion (chosen by entrants) – an individual, venue, or program that uplifts the wine community through mentorship, diversity, and generosity of spirit

Announced at the Awards Lunch

These awards fall into three groups:

Recognizing Wine List Scope

• Best Micro Wine List – under 50 labels: rotating wines, chalkboard specials, and more
• Best Small Wine List – 50-100 wines that succinctly complement the venue’s vision
• Best Medium Wine List – 100-300 wines that show balance, breadth, and intention
• Best Grand Wine List – 300+ wines that complement the ultimate dining experience

Recognizing Wine Program Focus

• Best BC Wine Program – homegrown winners from both icons & emerging talent
• Best Italian Wine Program – geographic and stylistic diversity from Italy
• Best French Wine Program – classic and contemporary French wines
• Best Other Regional Wine Program – great regional wine cultures beyond the usual canon

Recognizing Wine Lists & Programs with Other Noteworthy Qualities

• Best Designed Wine List – a distinctive piece of wine culture that’s perfectly curated
• Best Wine Program for Discovery – uncommon varietals & regions that inspire exploration
• Best Wine Program in a Wine Bar, Lounge, or Alternative Venue – flexible and creative programs outside traditional dining venues
• Best Value Wine Program – outstanding quality at multiple price points

Restauranteurs/wine directors will have the opportunity to select which awards they wish to be judged on.

WPEA applications open on August 6, 2025. All applications will be judged by top Canadian wine professionals, making the 2026 WPEAs a trusted gauge of excellence in our local wine and culinary scene

STAY IN TOUCH
For more information about the Vancouver International Wine Festival go to VanWineFest.ca and read our Quick Facts.

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ABOUT VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL
Canada’s premier wine show marks its 47^th edition of pairing wine, food and the performing arts from March 7-14, 2026. Participating wineries will be announced in October 2025. The Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction, presented by National Bank Private Banking 1859, is the main fundraising event of the festival and will kick off the festival on Saturday, March 7 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Trade Days takes place Wednesday, March 11-Friday, March 13. The festival is consistently ranked the #1 Food, Wine & Hospitality Event in Canada by New York’s BizBash and was named one of the world’s top 10 wine trade shows by Wine International Association. The festival is produced by the Vancouver International Wine Festival Society, which has three mandates: provide an informative, educational and entertaining wine experience for public and trade; be a premier marketing opportunity for the wine industry and festival partners; and raise funds for the Bard on the Beach Theatre Society. Since inception in 1979, the festival has raised more than $10.3 million for the performing arts. Major sponsors are Delta Air Lines and The Vancouver Sun; major industry partners are the BC Liquor Distribution Branch, BCLIQUOR, and the Import Vintners & Spirits Association. The Vancouver International Wine Festival gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

ABOUT BARD ON THE BEACH
Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare festivals, presented on the waterfront at Sen?á?w/Vanier Park. The festival offers Shakespeare plays, related dramas, and popular special events in two performance tents every June through September. Over 2 million patrons have experienced Bard since its inception, growing to annual attendance close to 100,000. The 2025 festival runs until September 20, 2025, and scheduled plays include Much Ado About Nothing, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again], and The Dark Lady. Bard also offers a range of education programs for learners from eight to 80. Full details and education program information are at bardonthebeach.org.