NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. — Director of winemaking and viticulture at Southbrook Vineyards, Ann Sperling, has been named Winemaker of the Year 2021 by Cambridge Food & Wine Society and is the recipient of the RIEDEL Award.
Raised on a family vineyard in Kelowna, B.C., Sperling has more than three decades of experience in winegrowing, winemaking and consulting for start-up wineries. Sperling’s internationally recognized wines include Southbrook Vineyard’s Poetica and Estate series, those at Sperling Vineyards in the Okanagan region in B.C. and her Versado wines in Mendoza, Argentina.
“It’s an honour to receive this important award,” says Sperling. “In our relentless pursuit of great winemaking, we’ve learned the high value and relevance of organic and biodynamic viticulture, and this has instilled in us a deep respect for the soil, water and ecosystems upon which great wine, and our planet, relies. I’m delighted to be recognized for these efforts.”
“Ann’s passion, knowledge and skill set are evident across every aspect of her work, and more importantly, in every glass of her wine. We’re so proud to have her lead our team at Southbrook,” says Bill Redelmeier, founder and proprietor of Southbrook Vineyards. “This award acknowledges her many unparalleled achievements in winemaking.”
