George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
George Brown Polytechnic, in partnership with Niagara College, is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 Ontario Wine Awards (OWA), Ontario’s premier wine competition recognizing excellence in VQA winemaking across the province.
Founded in 1995, the Ontario Wine Awards celebrate the quality, craftsmanship, and innovation of Ontario Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wines, highlighting the outstanding talent of winemakers and producers across the province.
The 2026 awards mark another successful year of competition, with entries judged across multiple categories including sparkling wines, Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Meritage blends, and other varietals representing Ontario’s diverse wine regions.
Congratulations to all participating wineries and award recipients whose work continues to elevate Ontario’s reputation on the global wine stage.
This year’s Student Choice Award was presented to Magnotta Winery for its Chardonnay Limited Edition VQA (Niagara Peninsula VQA), Oaked Chardonnay: Over $20, selected by students from George Brown Polytechnic and Niagara College participating in the competition process.
“This year’s Ontario Wine Awards once again demonstrate the exceptional strength, creativity, and dedication of Ontario’s wine industry,” said Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown Polytechnic. “Through our partnership with Niagara College, we continue to expand experiential learning opportunities for students and support an industry that is vital to Ontario’s economy and identity.”
“Niagara College is proud to co-host the Ontario Wine Awards and celebrate the exceptional talent driving our province’s vibrant wine industry,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. “As home to Canada’s first and only commercial Teaching Winery, we understand the dedication and innovation required to produce world-class VQA wines and the benefits of connecting our students with industry. We look forward to building on this year’s success as we prepare to host next year’s Ontario Wine Awards in Niagara.”
“The Ontario Wine Awards continues to celebrate the very best of Ontario winemaking,” said Tony Aspler. “It is rewarding to see the continued evolution of quality and innovation across the province, and to recognize the producers who are shaping its future.”
The 2026 Ontario Wine Awards culminate in the presentation of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Ontario Wines, recognizing outstanding achievement among the province’s top VQA wines.
The awards also continue to provide valuable applied learning opportunities for students at both institutions, who gain hands-on experience in event operations, judging support, and industry engagement.
GBP will continue as the brand steward of the Ontario Wine Awards, with Niagara College serving as co-host in the rotational partnership model.
Wine results for the 2026 Ontario Wine Awards.
About George Brown Polytechnic
George Brown Polytechnic equips graduates with the career-ready skills and real-world experience to thrive in today’s dynamic job market. With three campuses in downtown Toronto, we blend academic excellence with hands-on learning. Our students sharpen their skills in simulated work environments like The Chefs’ House and WAVE Clinics, engage with 5,000+ industry partners through experiential learning and research, and access global opportunities across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. George Brown offers more than 200 career-focused programs, including degrees, diplomas and certificates, along with 175 continuing education certificates and designations. Each year, we welcome nearly 30,000 full-time students and receive more than 63,000 continuing education registrations. Learn more at georgebrown.ca.
For media inquiries: press@georgebrown.ca