Hester Creek winemaker Robert Summers, far left, and general manager Mark Sheridan, center, display the Lieutenant Governor’s Award, which was awarded to Summers by Lt. Governor of British Columbia Judith Guichon, far right, during a brief ceremony held at Hester Creek on July 26. Summers and his team were recognized for their2010 Reserve Cabernet Franc Block 3.
Erin Christie Photo
Anyone who has ever farmed or gardened will tell you it’s a gamble. After all, what greater risk is there than depending on Mother Nature for your livelihood?
Fortunately Hester Creek’s winemaker Robert Summers has nature and science on his side, and taking risks on both variables has paid off.
The Niagara, Ontario native and his team were recently awarded a Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in BC Wine for their 2010 Reserve Cabernet Franc Block 3.
Lieutenant Governor of BC Judith Guichon visited Oliver last Friday morning to present Summers with the award and tour Hester Creek Estate.
“Everything in our life brings us to a moment,” Summers told the crowd of dignitaries and aficionados gathered at the winery on July 26. “Thank you for sharing this moment with me. I feel very lucky.”
Executive director of Government House, James Hammond, said luck has little to do with Summers’ success.
“This is the second consecutive year that Hester Creek has received this award and that’s not by chance. They’re clearly doing something right here.”
For many of the guests on hand Friday morning, Summers’ triumph was more than a vigorous nod to his skills, it was also a celebration of British Columbia’s wines and growers.
“If you’ve never gardened or farmed, you don’t know where your food comes from. You don’t know about the hard work or the heartbreak, you just know what is in front of you,” noted House Foundation member Nairn Hollott.
“The Foundation now has the task of letting the consuming public know.”
Lieutenant Governor Guichon echoed Hollott.
“I come from an agricultural background so I feel it’s important to shine a light on our farmers and our growers because that’s what they do. They turn sunlight into a product. British Columbia owes our farmers and our winemakers a debt of gratitude for showing tremendous leadership in bringing our products to the forefront,” she said.
Erin Christie
Oliver Chronicle
