Growwine Members Biographies
Southwestern Ontario
JOHN TUMMON
Created a wholesale distribution business servicing a dealer network of over 600 retail stores throughout North America
Accelerated annual sales from $4 million to $10 million in one year
Established Canada's first fitness equipment, specialty retail store
Developed Far-East sourcing and manufacturing capabilities
Began making wine in university in 1972
In 1988 he completed the week long German Wine Academy Course in Germany
Won the Wine Taster of the Year Award at the AWO in Peterborough in 1998 and was the first person to get perfect on the exam.
Took the Ontario Wine Judges Commission (now called the Wine Judges of Canada) Course in 1999 and became a judge in 2000
A prolific winemaker, winning numerous provincial, Canadian and International awards.
2002 was a record breaking year at all levels and his achievements were featured in several local newspaper articles
At the local level he won 13 gold, 24 silver and 17 bronze.
At Amateur Winemakers of Ontario competition he won 17 medals including 5 gold, 6 silver and 6 bronze scoring a record breaking 1052 points, 620 points higher than second place. At this provincial competition, John won the title of Winemaker of the Year as well as Champion Cider Maker.
At AWC, the Canadian competition, John won 1 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze winning the title of Champion Wine Maker and Champion Cider Maker.
He is the only winemaker to win the title of Winemaker of the Year as well as Champion Cider Maker for three years in a row at the provincial level.
In 2003 John Tummon, along with 3 other Masters Level Judges, taught the New Judges' Training Course for the Wine Judges of Canada
The course was taught over a period of 2 years with 13 trainees qualifying to enrol
He has extensive wine judging experience at both the provincial and national level
Member of several wine clubs
International Cellar Society
KW Winemakers Guild
Amateur Winemakers of Ontario
He has an extensive wine cellar with several thousand bottles of commercial and homemade wines
He has travelled extensively , visiting many of the world's winemaking areas such as Germany, France, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Czechoslovakia, Mexico, Napa, Sonoma, Vancouver Island, Okanagan,, Pelee Island, Prince Edward County, and Niagara.
Teaches seminars at various wine club events
Teaches seminars at various winemakers trade shows and conventions
Consulted for the St Jacobs Winery and Cidery
John Tummon
www.littlefatwino.com