Barbara Philip is the first Western Canadian and only Canadian woman to achieve the Master of Wine designation. Christine McAvoy photo

It’s the moment those in the know wait for each year at the Vancouver International Wine Festival: the announcement of the Spirited Industry Professional Award, honouring an individual who has made a significant contribution to the sales, service or promotion of wine in British Columbia.

All that is certainly true of this year’s winner: Barbara Philip, the first Western Canadian and only Canadian woman to achieve the Master of Wine designation. For nearly a decade, Philip has not only managed the European portfolio at BC Liquor Stores, she has also been an international presenter, educator, journalist and judge for competitions including Decanter World Wines Awards, the largest wine competition in the world. She is also the former vice-president of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers B.C. Chapter.

Who’s next? We’ll find out in February at the 2019 Vancouver International Wine Festival, when California will be the theme region. vanwinefest.ca

Vitis Magazine

Vitis is is an indispensable seasonal guide for vintners, sommeliers and weekend imbibers alike that is dedicated to British Columbia’s rapidly evolving wine culture.