Results from the 2025 Nationals – Gamay

Announcing the Results from the 2025 National Wine Awards of Canada

The 2025 Nationals took place in Penticton from June 21st to 25th. Today, we are pleased to announce the winners in the Gamay, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay categories. Category results will be rolling out throughout the rest of July, concluding with the Winery of the Year announcement on August 1st. We hope that you will stay tuned to follow the results!

Gamay

Category Overview by Judge Janet Dorozynski, Ph.D, DipWSET

Go straight to the winners.

This year marks my twentieth year judging at the National Wine Awards of Canada and each year I look forward to judging this variety. Gamay never ceases to amaze me, nor does it fail to deliver excitement, and 2025 was no exception. This year’s lineup showed both consistency and evolution, with standout performances from stalwart producers like Malivoire, 13th Street and Tawse from Niagara and JoieFarm from the Okanagan. There were also impressive showings from newcomers Apara, Red Barn and 180 Estate Winery.

Gamay may not be the most widely planted red in Canada, but its history is deep and rich. It was among the earliest vinifera planted in Ontario and Inniskillin Winery’s first varietal wine release and sale to the LCBO after being granted a commercial winery licence in 1974.

Today, Canada holds the largest gamay acreage outside of Beaujolais and Switzerland. Its early ripening, cold-hardiness, and adaptability make it increasingly significant in the face of climate volatility.

What draws me to gamay is its duality: the purity and energy of fresh red berry fruit along with the potential for layered, complex expression when treated seriously. From easy-drinking, chillable reds to serious, single vineyard wines made from old vines, gamay is incredibly versatile and so food friendly to boot. It is also more forgiving than pinot noir, making it a smart bet for both winemakers and consumers who are seeking out lighter value reds with character.

The momentum for gamay is undeniable. I coined the hashtag #gogamaygo back in 2012, and I’m more convinced than ever that Canada’s gamay story is just getting started.

And the winners are…