The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce announced today that Tony Stewart has been named the  2016 Business Leader of the Year by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.

The award is meant to recognize Stewart's outstanding contribution to the business community in the Central Okanagan.

Stewart grew up in the Okanagan fruit industry but has made a career in the Okanagan wine industry for the last 25 years.

He has been CEO of the Stewart Family's winery, Quails' Gate, since 2005 where he has focused his efforts on the development of the West Kelowna winery as one of Canada's top wine brands and a leader in the Okanagan culinary scene.

"Our goal at Quails' Gate is to be one of Canada's foremost estate wine properties. We are committed to ensuring excellence in the experience at the winery, our restaurant and through our wines," Stewart said.

"We feel very privileged to be considered one of the world's top 20 winery culinary destinations and truly appreciate our dedicated team members that make the experience at the winery so special.

"Our family is honoured to be leaders in the wine industry and are committed to helping establish the Okanagan Valley as North America's leading wine and culinary region"

Stewart is the current chairman of the Canadian Vintners Association, which represents the interests of wineries across the country; a director of the Beverage Alcohol Containers Management Council of BC; and a past chair of the BC Wine Institute. This year, Tony was honoured by the BC Wine Industry with the Award of Distinction for outstanding contributions to the industry.

Stewart has also been very active in the community serving a variety of organizations. He is currently serving as a director of Tourism Kelowna and the Kelowna International Airport advisory board.

He has also served as a past director and past president of the Central Okanagan Foundation as well as a director of the Canada West Foundation based in Calgary.

Stewart will formally receive his award at this year's ceremony at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort on Thursday, Oct.13. The awards mark the Kelowna Chamber's 29th annual Business Excellence Awards, one of many events they are hosting this Small Business Month.