Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits, the company which produces, distributes and markets Dan Aykroyd Wines, 20 Bees Winery, EastDell Estates, Lakeview Cellars, De Sousa Wines and Birchwood Estate Wines has won several high-profile awards at the 2009 Japan Wine Challenge and the 2009 International Wine & Spirits Competition, announced Murray Marshall, President & CEO of Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits.

With over 1,400 wines from 29 countries submitted at the 2009 Japan Wine Challenge, Diamond Estates' Lakeview Cellars wines took home several prestigious awards and medals including:

Best Canadian Wine & Gold Medal - Lakeview Cellars Riesling Icewine 2007 VQA

Silver Medal - Lakeview Cellars Gewurztraminer Icewine 2006 VQA

Silver Medal - Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Franc Icewine 2007 VQA

Additionally, Lakeview Cellars received one of only 59 gold medals awarded at this year's Japan Wine Challenge.

"The Japan Wine Challenge is Asia's most prestigious wine competition. We are very proud to see that Lakeview Cellars was recognized as the best that Canada has to offer," said Marshall.

Several of Diamond Estates' produced wines were also highly awarded at the 2009 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) held in London, England. This competition is considered to be the most prestigious global competition and represents the best in the world of wine and spirits. The following are a list of awards won by Diamond Estates:

Birchwood Estate Wines Gewurztraminer Riesling Icewine 2006 VQA - Silver "Best in Class"

Dan Aykroyd Discovery Series Vidal Icewine 2007 VQA - Silver

Lakeview Cellars Vidal Icewine 2007 VQA - Bronze

Dan Aykroyd Discovery Series Cabernet France Icewine 2007 VQA - Bronze

Dan Aykroyd Signature Reserve Chardonnay 2006 VQA - Bronze

"These awards are a great testament to the quality of Canadian VQA wines and their ability to compete on an international level," said Marshall. "Our winemaking team which includes Tom Green, Jason Roller and Scott McGregor continue to elevate the profile of our wines on a global stage due to their incredible dedication to the art of winemaking."

Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits produces, distributes and markets its wines nationally from its own Niagara wineries and vineyards including Dan Aykroyd Wines, 20 Bees Winery, EastDell Estates, Lakeview Cellars, De Sousa Wines and Birchwood Estate Wines. They are an award-winning wine and spirits distribution and marketing agency for various international brands across Canada. Since inception, the company has grown to become one of Canada's top agencies representing some of the most compelling beverage alcohol brands in today's marketplace.