Summerhill Pyramid Winery of Kelowna, British Columbia, has achieved a pinnacle as pronounced as the tip of its renowned pyramid. On November 26, 2009, Summerhill was named 'Canadian Wine Producer of the Year' for 2009 at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London, England for its portfolio of organic wines. This prestigious competition recognizes the best wines, spirits, and liqueurs from around the world, and is organized and judged by some of the most influential men and women in the industry. It is also one of the biggest competitions in the wine industry; this year the IWSC received more than 7000 entries from over 80 countries. Overall, Summerhill submitted five wines into the IWSC, receiving medals for each of them, including two "Best in Class" awards.

Stephen Cipes, the visionary proprietor of Summerhill, credits his passionate, exceptional staff, the ideal, pristine grape growing conditions of the Okanagan Valley, the four storey pyramid wine cellar which he says is "second only to the Great Pyramid of Egypt in its precision, orientation and materials", and the certified organic practices loyally followed by the winery.

Summerhill is the largest certified organic winery in Canada, and this award recognizes the superior quality of the organic wine they are producing. States Summerhill's Chief Operating Officer, Ezra Cipes, "More and more wine consumers are recognizing the benefits of organics in our bodies and for the planet. Organic wine is the fastest growing segment of the wine industry worldwide, and this triumphant win declares that Summerhill wines are both organic AND of gold medal quality - a rare and wonderful combination."

The award was graciously accepted on behalf of Summerhill by Anthony von Mandl, proprietor of Mission Hill Winery, another prominent Okanagan Winery.  Mr. von Mandl phoned Kelowna from his hotel room in London to inform Stephen of the win, and congratulate him and winemaker Eric von Krosigk on their stunning achievement. "This title represents an acknowledgement of the quality of wine produced in the whole of the Okanagan Valley," Stephen notes. "This fledgling B.C. industry exists in one of the finest wine making regions in the world and every courageous vintner here must stand proud in the impact we are all making in representing Canada to the world."

About Summerhill Pyramid Winery:

Known for it's iconic "sacred geometry pyramid" where the wine is stored, Summerhill is Canada's largest organic winery and most visited winery, offering a variety of all natural, medal-winning wines from sparkling to Icewine.  Summerhill offers famously entertaining and informative tours and tastings year round, and is home of the Sunset Organic Bistro, led by Executive Chef Jesse Croy, which serves cuisine made from regional organic ingredients including vegetables from an onsite garden. Summerhill is also committed to making a difference in the community, and encouraging a greater environmental responsibility beyond its own vineyards through eco-tours, raising awareness of the benefits of organic farming and sustainable agriculture, and by partnering with internationally renowned artist Robert Bateman to launch the new series of 'Get to Know' wines. With every bottle of the nature art labeled organic wine sold, a donation is made supporting Mr. Bateman's brilliant and crucial 'Get to Know Your Wild Neighbors' organization that gets youth in touch with nature as a necessary way of preserving our planet's health and well being.

To learn more visit Summerhill's website: www.summerhill.bc.ca

To schedule an interview contact: maryanne@summerhill.bc.ca

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