We are beyond thrilled to announce that Potter Settlement Artisan Winery in Tweed, Ontario has been crowned 2025 “Winery of the Year” by the New York International Wine Competition—one of the most respected competitions in the global wine industry.
Our red wines—Marquette and Sauvage—earned a string of gold medals, with Sauvage scoring an astonishing 95 points, the highest of all 1,400 red wine entries submitted from 24 countries.
This recognition is not only humbling—it’s deeply personal.
🌿 “Sauvage”: A Wine with a Story
“Sauvage is my revenge wine.” — Sandor Johnson, Owner & Winemaker
Crafted using the finest Merlot from British Columbia, Shiraz from Pelee Island, and Cabernet Franc and Marquette grown right here on our farm in Tweed, Sauvage is a bold, unapologetic blend—truly the best of Canada in a bottle.
The name “Sauvage” holds special meaning. In 2007, our founder Sandor Johnson was laughed at in the Alain Ducasse restaurant in Monte Carlo, Monaco when he asked if they served Canadian wine. A sommelier told him Canadian wine was only “fit for the savages.”
That moment became a turning point.
Sandor committed to crafting a wine that would defy expectation and prove that Canadian viticulture can not only compete—but dominate—on the world stage.
And today, Sauvage is the top-scoring red wine in one of the most competitive wine contests on the planet.
🏆 Why This Competition Matters
The New York International Wine Competition is unlike any other:
Wines are judged blind by real trade buyers, ensuring fairness and transparency.
Each wine is evaluated within its category and price point—giving every bottle a level playing field.
Winners gain exposure to global buyers, sommeliers, and media, validating their quality and craftsmanship.
More details:
💬 A Win for Tweed. A Win for Canadian Wine.
“This is a big, prestigious win for my small family farm in Tweed,” Sandor shared. “I’m actually thinking of sending Sauvage back to that restaurant C.O.D. How savage is that?”
The entire Potter Settlement team is honoured to bring international acclaim to our corner of Ontario.
We invite you to visit the winery, experience our award-winning wines for yourself, and raise a glass to the joy of bold dreams, resilience—and a little bit of revenge.
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