From Vine to Victory: Stampede Cellar Showdown Puts Agriculture in the Glass

Now entering its third year, the Stampede Cellar Showdown International Wine Competition highlights how wine belongs within the agricultural traditions of the Calgary Stampede.

At first glance, wine may seem far removed from rodeo arenas and livestock barns. But grapes are an agricultural crop, shaped by soil, climate and farming decisions, much like barley, canola or cattle.

That connection was clear to Elsa Macdonald, who has served as Wine Superintendent of the Stampede Cellar Showdown since its inception and brings experience from other world-renowned wine competitions, including being one of only 422 Masters of Wine around the world.

“The Stampede’s long history of running agriculture competitions and Western events means that the organization has a deep understanding of how to judge things, how to gain consensus amongst judges and how to make sure the event is run in a fair and efficient manner,” she explains. “In a wine context, the Stampede ensures wines are served at the right temperature and in the right glassware to show well. The judges need experience with tasting over 60 wines in a single day, with the job of focusing on quality in the glass.”

Nearly 500 wines from more than 13 countries are entered in this year’s Showdown, with Canadian bottles competing head-to-head against international wines. Judges evaluate entries blind, grouped by style and price.

Wines are assessed using criteria Macdonald summarizes as “BLICTOAD”: balance, length, intensity, complexity, typicity, oak, age-worthiness and development. The framework allows different wine styles and origins to be judged consistently and mirrors the rigour of the Stampede’s long-standing agricultural competitions.

Last year’s Grand Champion underscored the strength of Canadian wineries on the global stage. CedarCreek Estate Winery of British Columbia earned top honours for its 2021 Estate Chardonnay.

“To be named Grand Champion at the 2025 Stampede Cellar Showdown is an incredible honour for our entire team,” says Andrés Gálvez Pizarro, Winemaker at CedarCreek Estate Winery. “This recognition reflects years of intentional vineyard stewardship and a deep commitment to crafting wines that express a sense of place.”

The 2021 growing season was warm, prompting an earlier harvest to preserve freshness and natural vibrancy. Fruit from distinct vineyard sites across the Okanagan Valley was whole-bunch pressed and fermented with native yeasts in oak barrels. The result is a layered, structured Chardonnay with notes of orchard fruit, citrus blossom and subtle oak spice.

“Canadian wines are being compared to wines from the entire globe, not just other Canadian wines,” Macdonald says. “You have to have gumption to put yourself in that position. The fact they came out overall, not just as a Canadian winner, that’s a huge win for all of Canada’s producers.”

Champion-winning wines will be featured at Stampede Cellar Uncorked on Saturday, April 11, and return during the 2026 Calgary Stampede, July 3-12, pouring in venues across Stampede Park, including the Stampede Cellar Champion Wine Experience.

For guests, the experience is simple. A glass in hand, a clearer link to the farms and vineyards behind it. Community spirit, poured and shared.