Grapes for Humanity Award 

Larry Paterson – The Little Fat Wino

This award is presented to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the Ontario Wine industry over the years, in appreciation of their commitment and passion for the VQA wines of Ontario.

The Grapes for Humanity Award is not an award that is given every year. There has only been one other recipient. It is given to an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the Ontario wine industry over the years. Larry Paterson could be called the "Johnny Appleseed" of Ontario wines. He is not a professional winemaker, nor does he work for a winery. He is an amateur wine grower and vintner who has actively encouraged the propagation of vineyards beyond the boundaries of the VQA. As a staff member of the LCBO he championed the cause of Ontario wines before it became popular and politically expedient to do so. Through his website and his personal contacts he has encouraged amateur growers to plant vines in northern areas where the accepted wisdom was that wine grapes would not flourish. His protégés have gone on to become professional winemakers and more will in future.
He calls himself The Little Fat Wino.