Winemaker stripped of award over claims of sexual misconduct

Canadian winemaker Norman Hardie has been stripped of his Winemaker of the Year 2018 title  by the Ontario Wine Awards over claims of sexual misconduct.

Norman Hardie

In a statement released on Sunday, the award’s founder Tony Aspler said it was with “deep regret” that the management of the Ontario Wine Awards had decided to withdraw the accolade, with immediate effect.

The award for ‘Winemaker of the Year’ that was presented to Hardie at Niagara College on 7 June.

“The presentation of this honour was based on the annual polling of Ontario Wine Awards judges who voted overwhelmingly for him,” he said. “The ballot took place 45 days before the story of his improprieties broke in the Globe & Mail on June 19th.

“While we respect Norman Hardie’s abilities as a winemaker and acknowledge the international reputation he has achieved, we cannot condone or ignore his self-admitted behavior.”

Among the allegations levelled at Hardie are claims of sexual impropriety, unwanted advances and inappropriate remarks.

The winemaker apologised for his behaviour in a lengthy statement published on his website on Wednesday, in which he said “many” of the allegations were true and that he was “deeply ashamed”.

“To all those who felt marginalized, demeaned or objectified while working for or alongside me, I am truly very sorry,” he said.

“Behavior and language I viewed at the time as harmless or good-natured was anything but. This was particularly true given the position of power I was in. That position of power almost certainly explains why it took several years for anyone to confront me over my behavior.

“Some of the allegations made against me are not true, but many are. Several years ago, I was approached by trusted colleagues who expressed concern about our work environment becoming too familiar and, specifically, with my behaviour and language. I was also told that the socializing and overly-familiar bantering with colleagues needed to stop. I took this to heart and have since worked hard to change my behaviour. But I clearly have much more work to do.”

Norman Hardie began his career in wine as a sommelier, having completed his studies at the University of Dijon in Burgundy. In 1996 he switched to winemaking, working in regions including Burgundy, South Africa, Oregon and California.

The Norman Hardie winery was founded by Hardie in 2003, with the planting of 12,000 Pinot Noir vines, which were followed by an additional 3,000 Chardonnay vines and 2,000 Pinot Gris vines the next year, in Prince Edward County, Ontario.