The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth to Celebrate the Best Wines on Earth!

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is set to celebrate the best wines on earth with a new annual wine competition. The competition – named the Stampede Cellar Showdown - will be an international competition that will showcase the best-of-the best in Canadian and international wine while highlighting our community’s connection to agri-food and beverage production.

President & Chair of the Calgary Stampede Board of Directors, Will Osler, announced the new event to a diverse room of industry experts, restauranteurs, and agri-food & beverage producers this afternoon.

“Agriculture has always been at the heart of the Calgary Stampede,” said Osler. “Wine plays a significant role within Canada’s agri-food & beverage industry and we are thrilled to be celebrating the best-of-the-best in Canadian and international wine at the Stampede Cellar Showdown.”

This high-profile competition aligns with the Stampede’s Agri-food and Beverage vision to create inspiring experiences that connect the industry to Calgarians and southern Albertans by facilitating signature programs and building understanding between regional food and beverage producers and consumers.

“As reported by the Government of Canada, grape wine is Canada’s highest value-added agricultural product, contributing over $11.5 billion dollars annually to the Canadian economy. That’s huge, and it’s a great fit for the Calgary Stampede as a part of our world-class offering,” said Calgary Stampede Chief Executive Officer, Joel Cowley, adding, “And, quite frankly, next to a Prime, dry-aged New York strip steak, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon happens to be my favourite agricultural product!”

The Calgary Stampede Cellar Showdown is open to wines from Canadian and International producers. The competition will take place for the first time in early 2024, with wine entries taken through the fall of 2023. The winning wines will then be showcased at The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth as one of the greatest wines on earth.

Stampede guests will get to enjoy swirling, sniffing, and sipping these award winners as part of their festival experience. For winning wineries and distributors, recognition will also include the opportunity to feature their award-winning wines at retail outlets and restaurants with the Calgary Stampede Cellar Champion labelling.

The Canadian Wine industry will be showcased in the competition with its own class of recognition and prizing.

Learn more about the Calgary Stampede Cellar Showdown here.

About the Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.

For more information, please contact:
Shannon Greer
Manager, Communications & Media Relations
Calgary Stampede
T 403.585.0467
E sgreer@calgarystampede.com