Still wines dominate at the industry's annual national wine awards

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 27 June, 2016

Despite the marginally lower number of entrants at The English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition compared to last year, the number of gold medals was nearly 60% up and the highest over the last five years of the competition.till wines dominate at the industry's annual national wine awards

Despite a lower production in 2015, the competition has seen a progressive growth in entrants over the years, this year attracting 305 wines from 94 producers from across England and Wales.

Overall, still wines dominated with 216 still white, rosé and red wines entered, gaining just over 70% of all the medals.

Eighty-seven sparkling wines were entered, representing just under 30% of the medals.

Organised and run by the United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA) and for a second year sponsored by Waitrose, the competition is an opportunity for producers of all sizes and from across England and Wales to compete against each other.

The wines were judged over two days for the first time in Wales, at Llanerch Vineyard near Cardiff by a team of five Masters of Wine.

Organisers say that the number of gold medals reflects the diversity of size and style now produced in England as well as a wide geographic spread.

Successes this year included a still white from one of England's most northerly vineyards, Leventhorpe Vineyard, and a sparkling wine from a one-acre vineyard in Hampshire - East Meon Vineyard.

Once again, wines produced from the UK's top three most widely planted grape varieties - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Bacchus - dominated the trophies awarded, with Bacchus a clear winner.

David Bird MW, chair of the judging panel, said: "The high level of medals achieved is a measure of the high standard that winemaking in the UK has reached. The joy of the competition this year is that we were struggling not to award golds everywhere."

Barry Lewis, CEO of UKVA added: "This year's high number of entrants into the competition reflects a growing confidence within the industry.

The results come at a time of economic and political uncertainty for Britain, but English Wine Producers, the official website for the English and Welsh wine industry are remaining upbeat.

In a statement released to the industry, they said: "We face a new chapter in our nation's history and undoubtedly with that will come changes and opportunities.

"The UK wine industry remains excited and optimistic about its future and will support and work alongside the trade bodies and government to ensure we retain a strong voice as we move forward and continue to grow strongly."

The results of the competition in full will shortly be available on www.englishwineproducers.com and www.ukva.org.uk.

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