English wine awards launched

England’s first independent wine competition will launch next March to shine a light on the best still and sparkling wines being made in the country.

The Independent English Wine Awards (IEWA) is a consumer facing competition founded by Alex Taylor of Wine Taste Bristol. Taylor is keen to raise awareness of English wines among consumers and the quality that can now be found in the category.

“The quality is fantastic, but English wine is still mainly enjoyed by those ‘in the know’. Big wins against Champagne at blind tasting events and news of a £100 million a year industry are remarkable,” he said.

“In particular, Blighty’s bubbly profile is fizzing but for the regular consumer, the rest of the country’s wine is still a relative mystery.

“This competition is aimed at the consumer, to raise awareness, inform, engage, promote and help increase sales of English wine and assist the continued development of the industry.

“It is also an exercise in celebration: of excellence, achievement, growth and really great wines,” he added.

The judging panel will be made up of Masters of Wine, wine retailers and educators. Judging will take place next March and entries from winemakers are now open.

“IEWA medals will be an important consumer signpost and a really useful part of the English winemakers’ marketing toolkit,” Taylor said.