Judging from our history
Established in 1967, our non-profit operation is one of the longest running wine judging and assessment organizations in North America. We currently have 33 certified Judges including 11 trained to a ‘Masters’ level. Our members are active in communities across Ontario including Toronto, Ottawa, London, Kitchener and Prince Edward County. We also have certified Judges in British Columbia and Nova Scotia.

How we judge
We organize and conduct wine competitions from start to finish in a professional, unbiased manner with the assistance of our trained, experienced support staff of Stewards, data entry personnel and administrators.

Our members provide unbiased wine assessments and winemaking critiques.

Who we’ve judged

• Amateur Winemakers of Ontario – annual judging event involving over 700 entries
• Amateur Winemakers of Canada
• Wine clubs across Ontario
• Country fairs
• Agriculture Canada
• Fruit Winery Association of Canada

Many commercial winemakers in Ontario have passed through Wine Judges of Canada competitions including:

Jim Warren (Stoney Ridge)
Ed Gurinskas (Lakeview Cellars)
Karl Kaiser (Inniskillen)
Ron Speranzini (Willow Heights)
Gunter Funk (13th Street Winery)
Herb Jacobson (13th Street Winery)
David Johnson (Featherstone)

Our Judges
Our members participate in commercial wine trade events and some have gone on to start their own wineries, become wine importers or work at other levels in the wine industry. Most members are experienced winemakers, many amassing considerable awards in Canada and internationally. Some are also wine writers for newspapers or periodicals.

Being called to the bench
Entry into Wine Judges of Canada requires the successful completion of a rigorous two-year training program that entails:

• Passing an entry-level taste test and general wine knowledge test.
• Completing a two-year training program with ongoing assessment of progress in mastering details of wine assessment, the commercial wine industry and technical winemaking knowledge.
• Applying these skills as an apprentice or trainee judge at competitions.
• Passing a final test of tasting skills and wine knowledge.

Honing our judgement
We also have an active program of ongoing training and development opportunities, examining benchmark wines from around the world and reviewing advances in winemaking techniques. This program includes an opportunity to conduct independent research and attain accreditation as a “Master Judge” by demonstrating an exceptional level of wine knowledge as well as advanced tasting and evaluation skills. Judges are monitored and evaluated at major competitions. Judges must demonstrate tasting competency to remain active in the organization.

Available for judging
Our Judges are available to lead tutored tasting events, give presentations or to review winemaking techniques with active winemakers. We are also available to participate in wine industry tasting panels or competitions, throughout Ontario or elsewhere in Canada or the U.S.

Let’s talk wine. Contact: