Building on its successful relaunch in 2026, the Wine Program Excellence Awards (WPEA) returns in 2027 to celebrate outstanding restaurant wine programs that reflect the innovation, diversity, and excellence of British Columbia and Alberta’s vibrant wine and dining community.<\/p>\n
The WPEA categories have been reimagined to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and culture of the restaurant community, to recognize industry leaders, and to inspire continuing excellence.<\/p>\n
Presented Onstage at the VIWF\u2019s Annual Awards Lunch<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Announced at the Awards Lunch<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n These awards fall into three main groups:<\/p>\n Recognizing Wine List Scope<\/strong><\/p>\n Recognizing Wine Program Focus<\/strong><\/p>\n Recognizing Wine Lists & Programs with Other Noteworthy Qualities<\/strong><\/p>\n Applicants are automatically considered for all applicable award categories. Individual award categories are determined at the discretion of the Key Judges.<\/p>\n Click here <\/a>to see a list of the 2026 winners.<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”2803″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”2806″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]\n Restaurants must be open to the general public, and be geographically accessible, to be eligible for an award.<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n All applicants will be judged by top Canadian wine professionals, and will receive feedback on their wine programs.<\/p>\n $168* worth of VIWF tickets \/ $217* if you apply by August 31<\/strong><\/p>\n All applicants receive one ticket to each of the following Trade Days events on Friday, March 13:<\/p>\n Applicants who enter by 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 31 will receive one additional Friday Trade Tasting ticket ($49 value), as well as the option to purchase one additional Awards Lunch ticket for $89 in December (regular price $119).<\/strong><\/p>\n In December, you\u2019ll receive a pre-buy ticket form enabling you to purchase additional Trade tickets. If you purchase any additional Awards Lunch tickets during this period, you\u2019ll receive a complimentary Trade Tasting with Buyers Hour for each Awards Lunch ticket<\/p>\n Winners Also Receive<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
How to Apply<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Applications for the 2027 awards will open on Wednesday, August 5.<\/h4>\n
\n
Benefits to Applying<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n