Raising a glass to industry success

TWO local businesses are toasting their success after scooping honours in two prestigious alcohol competitions.

Bearley Vineyard won a gold medal for its sparkling wine at the annual English and Welsh Wine Competition, while the Shakespeare Distillery on the Alscot Estate scooped a silver award at the 2016 International Wine and Spirit Competition.

Bearley Vineyard, which also picked up a silver award for its Pinot Noir Précoce red wine, was presented with its gongs at a ceremony at Vintners Hall in London.

The English and Welsh Wine Competition is run by the UK Vineyards’ Association and is an umbrella organisation for the 400 or so commercial vineyards in the UK.

Richard Le Page who has run the vineyard with his wife Jo since 2006, said: “We’ve entered the competition a few times before and got close to gold so it’s really nice to get this accolade, we know our wines are very good.

“We think it might make a difference to the business, we’ve already had people coming in and buying our wine after hearing of the award and we’re going to put it on the bottles.

“English sparkling wine really is very good, we’re beating the French in international competitions now. Most of the English vineyards are in the south east, they’re a lot bigger than we are.”

It’s not just Stratford’s wines that are catching people’s attention, The Shakespeare Distillery’s Stratford Gin was lauded at the recent International Wine and Spirit Competition.

Using botanicals that were common in Shakespeare’s day, Stratford Gin has been a big hit since the distillery opened in December.

Simon Picken, master distiller and director at the Shakespeare Distillery, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Stratford Gin has been recognised by such a prestigious competition in our first year.

“Gaining an award from the IWSC will really help potential customers feel confident about buying Stratford Gin, knowing it has passed a rigorous test of quality and taste. Stratford Gin is available in many local wine and spirits outlets, bars, restaurants and hotels, with a fast growing range of stockists.

“We hope this win will help secure further distribution partners in the months to come.”

Founded in 1969, the International Wine and Spirit Competition is considered to be the most prestigious of its type in the world.