Wine writer and newly-appointed Decanter World Wine Awards chair Tony Aspler has received Canada's highest civil honour, the Order of Canada.
Aspler, who will be formally invested with the title this year, has been a wine writer for over 30 years, specialising in the wines of Canada.
He received the honour for 'contributions as a leading authority on Canadian wines who has been key to the development of the Canadian wine industry'.
He is one of 40 new members of the order.
'I tried to impress upon my parents that what I really wanted to do for a living was drink wine and write about it,' said Aspler. 'I wish they had lived to see this day. They wanted me to be a lawyer.'
The Order of Canada is considered the centrepiece of the Canadian honours system, recognising Canadian citizens who have shown 'outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation'. There are three ranks of the order, which range from the lowest (member), to officer, and companion.
Aspler was recently named Canadian regional chair for the 2008 Decanter World Wine Awards. He is the first person to fill the post, recently-created following increased entries and quality from the country over the last few years of the competition.
The 2008 Decanter World Wine Awards is now open for entries online.
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Way overdue in so many ways. Tony has been writing about Canadian wines for many years, long before most people even began to catch on...
Larry Paterson
I am thrilled that Tony Apsler has won this prestigious award, The Order of Canada. It is well deserved. As a wine producer in South Africa, I met Tony in the early days of South African wine development. I thank him for tirelessly visiting south Africa and writing about our wines. He was particularly good at promoting our indigenous grape, “Pinotage”.
Norma Ratcliffe, Warwick wine Estate, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Mr. Aspler has been the best kind of advocate for the emerging Canadian wine industry. He is a supporter but never a cheerleader, honest in his assessments, positive when accolades are earned, measured when pointing out room for improvement, and frank when criticism is warranted. That his prose and personality are delightful is a bonus. Bravo!
Paul DeCampo, Toronto, Canada
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Oliver Styles
Way overdue in so many ways. Tony has been writing about Canadian wines for many years, long before most people even began to catch on...
