2026 Wine Program Excellence Awards

How to Apply

• Pay the non-refundable late entry fee of $245 (GST included) here. One application per venue, please. Note: application fee prior to Sept 27 was $195.
• By September 26, email your current Wine List and Dinner Menu in PDF format to the WPEA Awards Administrator. We no longer require your wine philosophy.

Application deadline: October 8, 2025 (Off sale now)

In 2026, the Wine Program Excellence Awards (WPEA) returns with a new vision, new awards, and new ways to recognize excellence in the restaurant community.

For many years, the WPEA have been the gold standard for restaurant wine programs in British Columbia and Alberta, but now the program has been updated to reflect the vibrancy of our local wine and food scene. 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. Six of the awards will be presented onstage at the festival’s annual Awards Lunch, while the remaining awards will be announced at the event.

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 main 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.

Benefits:

All applicants will be judged by top Canadian wine professionals, and will receive feedback on their wine programs and will receive one ticket to each of the following events Friday, March 13 Trade Days events ($168 value based on 2025 ticket prices)

• Celebrating Excellence: 22nd Annual Awards Lunch - 1 ticket per application
• Trade Tasting with Buyers Hour (1:30 p.m.) - 1 ticket per application

Offer expired now: 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 $80 in December (regular price $119).

In December, you’ll 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’ll receive a complimentary Trade Tasting with Buyers Hour for each Awards Lunch ticket.

Winners Also Receive

• Verbal and onscreen recognition in front of 300 of your peers at the 22nd Annual Awards Lunch.
• An award plaque suitable for display in your restaurant.
• A digital decal for use on your website.
• Online listing and hotlink at VanWineFest.ca, promoted throughout the year.
• Acknowledgement in WPEA media release, festival ads, e-newsletters, and social media campaign.
• Editorial recognition in Vancouver Magazine: print, digital, and CityGuide

Restaurants must be open to the general public, and be geographically accessible, to be eligible for an award.