Ottawa businesswoman, Debbie Trenholm, has been a long-time champion of the Canadian wine community. For over 16 years, she and her team of sommeliers at Savvy Company have worked to connect Canadian winemakers and Canadian wine consumers through social events and home deliveries.
In recognition of her unparalleled leadership, commitment and passion in supporting Canadian wines and winemakers, Debbie is this year’s recipient of the Wine Industry Champion Award presented by Wine Growers Canada, the national wine industry body that represents Canadian vintners.
“Debbie and her Savvy Team have been the ultimate ambassador for Canadian wines for almost two decades. From her popular wine club to hosting consumer events, she has introduced Canadian wines to Canadian consumers, and supported the rise and popularity of our growing wine sector,” says Dan Paszkowski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wine Growers Canada. “Debbie was not only nominated once for this award, she was nominated multiple times, which speaks volumes about her unstoppable efforts for the people who make Canadian wines and the people who enjoy them.”
Connecting Canadian wineries with Canadians
Everything Debbie & the Savvy Team creates brings Canadian wineries closer to consumers via direct sales opportunities. During the pandemic, Debbie and her team have been curating & delivering record numbers of ‘Savvy Care Packages’ of Canadian wine complemented with “Meet the Makers” virtual tastings & private events.
“The Karlo Estates team has been working with Debbie & her team at Savvy Company for several years now,” says Sherry Karlo, Vintner of Karlo Estates in Prince Edward County. “Debbie shines the spotlight on The County & its great wines, as well as wineries from other regions across Ontario. She’s been a great support to many of us struggling to stay connected to wine lovers during the pandemic. Debbie truly loves to support local and I can’t think of a better champion of Canada’s wine industry.”
Across the country, wineries in British Columbia are also applauding Savvy Company
“We were elated to learn that Debbie Trenholm is the recipient of the 2021 Wine Industry Champion Award,” says Kimberly Hundertmark, Hospitality Manager at TIME Family of Wines in Penticton, B.C. “I have witnessed the evolution of this business model for over ten years and recognize the hard work and passion that have contributed to its growth. Debbie’s tireless efforts to promote Canadian wines have contributed to the success of our industry. Savvy Company, under Debbie’s leadership, has introduced wines from across Canada to a new broad audience of wine enthusiasts and we thank her for that. Congratulations, Debbie!”
Savvy Company’s Founder is Thrilled, Honoured & Delighted
Debbie is thrilled to receive the award, and is optimistic about what it will mean for Savvy Company’s continued efforts to champion the Canadian wine industry.
“This award has my name on it, yet I share it with the incredible group of sommeliers & professional marketers that I work with”, says Debbie. “It is an incredible privilege to have our work recognized by the wineries we proudly partner with, and we hope that this recognition will help us continue to grow so that we can promote even more outstanding Canadian wines to wine lovers.”
Located in Ottawa, Savvy Company offers of-the-month subscription clubs and also organizes Taste & Buy events to showcase the wines, craft ciders, coffees & artisan cheeses that are made across Canada.
Savvy Company also markets, manages & hosts the Kingston Canadian Wine Festival, and the Ontario Rosé Wine Festival – all in an effort to connect wine-loving consumers with the dynamic people who create the products and give them a deeper appreciation of Canada’s wine industry. Across the country, wineries from British Columbia to Nova Scotia are also applauding the news.
Kudos for Savvy Company
“Congratulations Debbie! This award is so well deserved. Thank you for all of your support of our industry.” – Christa-Lee McWatters, General Manager of Five Vines Cellars, Okanagan, British Columbia
“Congratulations Debbie! Well deserved” – Leslie D’Angela, CEO of Noble Estates Winery, Okanagan, British Columbia
“Congratulations Debbie and team!!! Well deserved!!!” – Lorraine Mastersmith, Owner of KIN Vineyards, Carp, Ontario
“Hip Hip Horray!!! Gold Star Girlfriend! So proud – great job.” – Sue-Ann Staff, Owner & Winemaker of Sue-Ann Staff Estates Winery, Niagara, Ontario
“Debbie has been a great support to many of us struggling to stay connected to wine lovers during the pandemic. Debbie truly loves to support local and I can’t think of a better champion of Canada’s wine industry.” – Sherry Karlo, Vintner of Karlo Estates Winery, Prince Edward County, Ontario
“We were elated to learn that Debbie Trenholm is the recipient of the 2021 WineIndustry Champion Award.” – Kimberly Hundertmark, Hospitality Manager at TIME Family of Wines in Penticton, British Columbia
“Wine Growers Canada is proud to honour Debbie for her exceptional and ongoing promotion of wines from all regions of the country. Through hard work and leadership, Debbie’s dedication to Canadian wines of origin has supported the education of thousands of Canadians to become passionate advocates for the Canadian wine industry” – Dan Paszkowski, President & Chief Executive Officer of Wine Growers Canada
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