Charles Baker Vinemount Ridge Riesling part of 2023 “Masters of Wine” exam
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NIAGARA, ON, July 17, 2023 /CNW/ – The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) recently revealed that the Charles Baker 2019 Riesling VQA Vinemount Ridge was included as one of 12 blind wines in the 2022-23 Stage One MW exam. The MW annual wine exam is arguably the most difficult and respected wine exam in the world. Inclusion of this wine is a recognition that highlights the exceptional quality and character of Ontario VQA Riesling, but also reinforces its status as a world-class example in the global wine industry.
“My pursuit of Riesling began as a sommelier and subsequently as a cellar hand in Jordan, Ontario. When I was part of the opening team at Stratus, I was already deeply committed to exploring the various sites of the Niagara Peninsula in pursuit of capturing its various personalities,” explained Charles Baker of Charles Baker Wines. “The Vinemount Ridge expression of this project has often been lauded as a stand-out Riesling, but to have it included as one of the first Ontario table wines at the Master of Wine exam is the ultimate honour. Expressions of Terroir include the people stewarding the land and as such, my endless thanks go to our growers, J-L Groux, Dean Stoyka and the entire team at Stratus for being part of this journey.”
The IMW is a membership organization renowned for its exceptional international reputation. For nearly 70 years, its members, known as Masters of Wine (MWs), have been at the forefront of leadership and expertise in the wine world. Their mission is to promote excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. Exam wines are selected by the Institute of Masters of Wine to showcase globally relevant wine styles and wine regions.
“It’s truly an exciting time for Ontario’s wine industry — global recognition for the quality of Ontario VQA wine is rising rapidly — and having an Ontario VQA Riesling from the Vinemount Ridge sub-appellation included in the 2023 Masters of Wine exam as a benchmark example of Canadian Riesling reinforces the relevance of Ontario VQA Riesling on the global stage,” said Magdalena Kaiser, Director of Public Relations for the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario. “Congratulations to Charles Baker and the team at Stratus, who continue to be an integral part of Ontario’s VQA wine story.”
“This is a clear signal that Charles Baker Wines, and Ontario and Canadian wines in general, have achieved recognition as a varietal point of reference for Riesling,” said Janet Dorozynski, Trade Commissioner, Canadian Wine, Beer and Spirits. “Charles Baker and Stratus work hard to make their wines available internationally, which brings global attention to the local industry and enables trade and consumers outside of Canada to taste the quality wines Canada makes.”
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About Charles Baker Wines:
Charles Baker Wines, a collaboration with Stratus Vineyards, seeks out to uncover the purist expressions of Riesling in the Niagara Escarpment. Stratus Vineyards in historic Niagara-on-the-Lake is a gravity-flow winery distinguished by its LEED-certified facility, its commitment to sustainability and wines of outstanding quality.
About the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario:
The Wine Marketing Association of Ontario is dedicated to promoting the VQA Wines of Ontario – both the vintners and the unique qualities of our authentic VQA wines that are made exclusively from 100% Ontario-grown grapes. Wine Country Ontario is dedicated to promoting Ontario’s wine-growing regions – from the wines and wineries themselves to the complete experience of each destination: local cuisine, year-round activities and warm hospitality. Wine Country Ontario is a brand trademark of the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario.
Media Contacts:
Magdalena Kaiser
Director of Public Relations – Marketing & Tourism
Wine Marketing Association of Ontario
T: 905.246.1922
E: [email protected]
Charles Baker
Proprietor
Charles Baker Wines
T: 905.401.1806
E: [email protected]
