‘Despite the tastings and events – we have about 14 a month – we are a wine shop at heart, so the online wine store was a natural extension. We did a soft launch in September 2023 – around the time that we won the Decanter Retailer Award – and then properly opened it up in the new year. We offer free local delivery, but most of our orders are outside Balham (London SW12). We’ve even had orders from Liverpool!

‘People will mix and match in store, but we’ve found our online customers choose six or 12 bottles of the same wine.

‘This was already a successful shop when we took over [in April 2022], with a loyal fan base. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves wanting to change so much but we learned to take our time and understand the business, the neighbourhood and the customers before embarking on the renovations, website and now the online shop.

‘We’ve found that the business has naturally evolved more to the bar side. Two years ago, we thought we were buying a wine shop, but in fact we bought a wine bar with a shop attached!

‘You have to follow local demographic and trends. Balham is getting younger – lots of renters, young professionals. We are focusing on that under 35-year-old crowd. So our list of 400 wines has expanded to include more organic wine, natural wine, more low-alcohol stuff, and wines from less-familiar regions.

‘Cristi Dactu, our general manager and wine buyer, is from Romania, so he has introduced lots of Eastern European wine which customers enjoy exploring. But also there’s a big South African community in Balham, so we stock a lot of South African wine.

‘We’re not 35 anymore ourselves, so we’re conscious of offering something for everyone, and we have loads of classics, too, especially from the Old World. People like to browse, and it helps keep their interest if there are new things on the shelves, as well as on our by the glass list, which we change monthly.

‘While you can find everything on our website, and get a few emails that way, most of our interaction with people is via Instagram. It shows how you need to constantly adapt: you can’t just run a good wine shop and be successful – people have to find you, and having a good social media presence is how they find you.

‘We get a real mix of customers, from date nights and people starting on their wine journey, to enthusiasts who want to chat about wine. People have asked if we would expand to spirits, but we only inherited a licence for grape-based products. And with a name like The Wine Tasting Shop, it doesn’t really make sense. Do what you’re good at and don’t complicate it, is the best path.

‘We are thinking about expanding to another premises, but we’ll take things one step at a time.’

Related articles

• A drink with… Amber Mihna & Phil Robertson
• A drink with… Abrie Beeslaar of Beeslaar Wines
• A drink with… Michele Faro

Best of Hungary, a fine food and wine importer, wholesaler and retailer in the UK, is a family business based in West Wales that works directly with artisan food producers and boutique wineries.

The award-winning retailer has the largest Hungarian wine portfolio in the UK, and is also a purveyor of fine foods including Hungarian truffles, caviar, honey, paprika and more. 

Run by mother and son team, owners Monika and Zoltan have put together a mixed-case selection of DWWA-awarded wines from their homeland, including 96-point sparkling wine, bold reds and outstanding sweet wines from Tokaj. 

Discover the ‘Best of Hungary’ with this exclusive wine offer:

Best of Hungary has selected an exclusive mixed case of DWWA 2022 and 2023 medal winners including sparkling, white, red and sweet wines from four historical wine regions.

Decanter readers can take 5% off site-wide on their first order with the code DECANTER5 at checkout.

The first 15 cases also come with Decanter’s December issue, including a special Tokaj supplement to learn more about the region while sipping on Aszú.

Shop now

or scroll down to see the DWWA award-winning wines on offer

Included in Best of Hungary’s DWWA mixed case

Use the code DECANTER5 at checkout to save 5% site-wide on your first order.

Bolyki, Egri Bikavér, Eger 2018

Bronze, 87 points | DWWA 2022

Nice blackcurrant and plum fruits with a slightly smoky edge. Simple and easy-drinking. Alcohol 13%

Gróf Degenfeld, Aszú 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj 2017

Platinum, 97 points | DWWA 2022

Pristine apricot and ginger jam, peaches and cream, honeysuckle, and orange blossom with a lovely light touch of warming spice. There’s a layer of new Hungarian oak adding toasted, woody notes, and the palate finishes with an assertive and imposing texture. Alc 11%

Kreinbacher, Prestige Brut, Wine of Hungary NV

Gold, 96 points | DWWA 2022

A complex and developed aroma, leading with rich toasty biscuits and nuts, then opening into fresh, ripe lemons. The palate shows vibrancy and offers flavours of fresh apple and quince. The palate is well-structured, with a juicy lemon acidity and a nice mousse. Alc 12%

St Andrea, Áldás Superior, Egri Bikavér, Eger 2021

Bronze, 88 points | DWWA 2023

Spicy nose with aromas of red fruits. Medium tannins, well integrated and fruit driven, vivid finish. Alc 15%

Tokajicum Winery, Aszú, Tokaj 2018

Bronze, 87 points | DWWA 2023

Classic earthy nose of mushrooms and quince jam. Concentrated and pithy on the palate. Tasty. Alc 10%

Zelna, Olaszrizling, Balatonfüred-Csopak, Balaton 2021

Platinum, 97 points | DWWA 2022

The wine opens with a lovely honeyed citrus character that melts into notes of golden apples. The palate shows lovely freshness, with a flinty, smoky note sitting over the complex tropical fruits and lemon cordial. Shows amazing value. Alc 14%

Shop now

Use the code DECANTER5 at checkout to save 5% site-wide, while supplies last.

First 15 cases come with Decanter’s December issue which includes a dedicated Tokaj supplement. 

About Best of Hungary

Website: www.bestofhungary.co.uk

Promotion period: Now until stock lasts

Promotion details: 5% off DWWA mixed case and full range of Hungarian fine food delicacies sitewide on first orders. First 15 cases come with Decanter’s December issue.

Online promo code: DECANTER5

Follow Best of Hungary

Twitter @BestOfHungaryUK

Facebook @bestofhungaryuk

Instagram @bestofhungaryuk

Our go-to guide for the finest wine shops, online retailers, wine specialists, subscriptions, cellar doors and wine services across the UK.

Wine is about people, and this year we wanted to bring increased recognition of this into these awards, hence introducing gongs for wine buyers and buying teams.

We’ve also added new categories for UK Cellar Doors and Winery Wine Clubs to recognise the exciting developments on those fronts.

Browse through these names, glass of wine in hand, and it’s hard not to feel a genuine sense of excitement, pride and awe at what these outstanding people are doing for wine in the UK. We should all raise a glass to them.

Scroll down to see the 2023 winners

Decanter Retailer Awards: The 2023 winners

Outstanding Wine Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society 

‘They’re the full package in terms of value, service and range,’ was one judge’s pithy summary of The Wine Society, worthy winner of the big gong. Delicious and diverse wines sourced by and outstanding buying team with a genuine commitment to value and service. Every wine lover should be a member.

Judges’ Choice of the Year

Winner: Tanners Wine Merchants 

Runner-up: Aspen & Meursault

As one judge put it, Tanners is ‘a great family business, a traditional merchant but with a modern twist – well worth discovering’. Aspen & Meursault represents an alternative approach: an innovative London hybrid wine bar and shop taking a refreshing and original approach to wine.

Supermarket of the Year

Winner: Marks & Spencer 

Runner-up: Waitrose & Partners Ltd

‘Great to see M&S back on form,’ said one judge, citing growing sales, an overhauled wine range featuring diversity as well as value, and much improved customer experience, including the introduction of Enomatic machines. Waitrose remains an excellent supermarket from which to buy wine.

National Wine Retailer of the Year

Winner: Majestic Wine 

Runner-up: Tanners Wine Merchants

It’s so encouraging to see Majestic getting back to where it belongs as a key player in nationwide UK retail. More shops, revamped wine ranges, charitable endeavours, excellent buyers, the focus on value and sustainability – ‘very impressive’. Tanners is an impressive operation with a ‘small merchant mentality’

Small Online Retailer of the Year

Winner: Perfect Cellar 

Runner-up: The Sourcing Table

In a strong field, Perfect Cellar was praised for its very ‘swish new site, direct sourcing, virtual sommelier, interesting app and growing range’. ‘They’re engaging well with a younger generation,’ said one judge. The Sourcing Table also drew much praise for its well-designed site and emphasis on education and events.

Midsize Online Retailer of the Year

Winner: House of Townend 

Runner-up: Swig Wines Ltd

Another competitive set saw House of Townend recognised for its ‘very active’ year, from launching a new website loyalty scheme and improvements on the considerable wine range via reducing bottle weights and investing in solar panels. Swig has an engaging site and an ‘excellent, eclectic’ list.

Large Online Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society 

Runner-up: Naked Wines

‘Gold-plated brilliance’ won it for The Wine Society. A user-friendly site packed with ways to engage and buy excellent wine across a huge range is allied to outstanding service and ‘incredible value’. Naked Wines also remains a popular option and has continued to innovate.

Hybrid Wine Retailer of the Year

Winner: Humble Grape

Runner up: Vagabond

Humble Grape is a dynamic, fast evolving business offering delicious, often adventurous wines in an enjoyable, accessible atmosphere. An almost entirely direct-sourced range continues to grow just like the business and the events.

Green Champion of the Year

Winner: Direct Wines

Runner-up: The Wine Society

This is always one of the closest-fought, most intriguing categories to judge. Strong opinions flew – Direct Wines (owner of UK retail arms Laithwaites Wine and Averys) won thanks to its ‘comprehensive’ action plan across many aspects of the business, from packaging to transport, training and biodiversity. The Wine Society has similarly impressed this year for its leadership and outstanding work on sustainability.

Newcomer of the Year

Winner: Amphora Cambridge Ltd

Runner-up: Jesmond Wine Company

Cambridge merchant Amphora opened in 2022 but has hit the ground running to such an extent that you hardly believe it’s so young. ‘Seriously impressive for such a new player on the scene,’ said one judge. ‘Great range, brave choices, lots of wines by the glass,’ added another. Jesmond is an excellent new wine shop in Newcastle.

Own Brand Wine Range of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society

Runner-up: Marks & Spencer

The Wine Society won among many strong entries for not only the impressive breadth and depth of its 83-strong The Society range but also its willingness to innovate, as seen in its revamped packaging including right-weighting of bottles and the introduction of ‘bag in box’ for key lines. M&S earned praise for its ambitious Collection line, encouraging customers to trade up.

Virtual Wine Experience of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society

Runner-up: The Online Tasting Company

While it’s been a joy to resume normal life and wine events in person, there remains a demand for virtual wine experiences. The Wine Society delivers an impressive range and quantity of virtual wine events that is ‘in a league of its own’, according to one judge. The Online Tasting Co also continues to do good work in this sphere.

Regional Categories

Best Regional Multi-Store – London

Winner: Jeroboams 

Runner-up: Lea & Sandeman

‘New stores, regular events, refitting old shops, new own-labels, great Italian list, a genuine focus on staff wellbeing, good internally and externally.’ ‘They continue to move forward – impressive.’ Such were the judges’ comments about Jeroboams, which continues its impressive march in London. Lea & Sandeman was deemed ‘a great asset’ for London, with a great range and excellent events.

Best Regional Multi-Store – North West England

Winner: D. Byrne & Co Fine Wines Ltd 

Judges noted the development in historic Clitheroe merchant D Byrne’s £10-£20 range, as well as how it is settling into its new-look existence post-pandemic. The historic shop (pictured, p84) is now paired with a converted warehouse, and there’s a redeveloped website coming soon.

Best Regional Multi-Store – Central England

Winner: Cambridge Wine Merchants 

Runner-up: The Wee Vinoteca

There was a lot of love from the judges for Cambridge Wine Merchants. Comments included: ‘they don’t sit on their laurels – always busy, lots of passion’; ‘innovative, constantly reinventing themselves, engaging with customers in different ways’; ‘something for everyone, suits all wallets’; and, simply, ‘terrific’. The Wee Vinoteca is growing fast.

Best Regional Multi-Store – South East England

Winner: The Vineking 

The Vineking was praised for a list that is, ‘appealing in its simplicity’, but that also has plenty of interest for the wine lover, from Greece to Roussillon. Mention was also made of plentiful events and a focus on value.

Best Regional Multi-Store – Scotland

Winner: Woodwinters Wine & Whiskies 

At the heart of WoodWinters’ offering lies a huge range, with great diversity across styles, regions and prices. Its Inverness store was relocated across the road last year to increase the range – and offer a better environment for customer.

Best Regional Wine Shop – Central England

Winner: Hattersley Wines 

One judge summed it up nicely: ‘If you want to get beyond Bakewell tarts in the Peak District, Hattersley is an impressive wine merchant, with an upgraded store and strong particularly on South Africa and Bordeaux.’

Best Regional Wine Shop – North West England

Winner: Carringtons Wines 

Manchester is lucky to have Carringtons, a treasure trove of largely direct-sourced wines, often sourced from smaller or organic producers and particularly strong on the Rhône.

Best Regional Wine Shop – North East England

Winner: Bon Coeur Fine Wines 

Runner-up: House of Townend

A hard-fought category saw Yorkshire merchant Bon Coeur win through for its emphasis on direct sourcing, an expanded range and plenty of activities and events to engage customers. ‘Something for everyone,’ commented one judge. Melton-based House of Townend also ‘does a great job’.

Best Regional Wine Shop – South East England

Winner: Brunswick Fine Wines & Spirits 

Brunswick’s new shop in the heart of Regency Brighton is impressive in its decor and wine range. This is definitely fine wine territory, but the operation isn’t aloof, hosting regular tastings and ‘meet the winemaker’ sessions, also supporting local charities.

Best Regional Wine Shop – South West England

Winner: Old Chapel Cellars 

Runner-up: EW Wines

Truro-based B Corp business Old Chapel Cellars impressed with its ‘unwavering’ focus on sustainability allied to an excellent range (perhaps something to do with its connection to former merchant Laymont & Shaw). Previous winner and fellow Cornwall merchant Ellis Wharton continues to invest and improve.

Best Regional Wine Shop – Wales

Winner: Noble Grape 

Runner-up: Fine Wines Direct UK

Though Noble Grape is essentially a one-man band, it’s also a ‘considerable force’ with an excellent range – owner Richard Ballantyne MW deserves credit for continuing to push the business forward, including ensuring 100% of wines are now online. Cardiff-based Fine Wines Direct has achieved a lot this year, including the introducion of Enomatic tasting machines.

Best Regional Wine Shop – Scotland

Winner: Cockburns of Leith

Runner-up: St Andrews Wine Shop

While the revived Cockburns of Leith only opened recently in Edinburgh, business is brisk – testament to a rejuvenated range and admirable focus on customer satisfaction. St Andrews Wine Co continues to make wine fun and engaging for its customers.

Best Regional Wine Shop – Northern Ireland

Winner: James Nicholson Wine 

Runner-up: KWM Wine & Spirits

Excellent service, wide range (mostly direct-sourced and continuing to diversify, for example into Syria) along with an efficient operation make Crossgar-based James Nicholson a ‘worthy winner’, to quote one judge. KWM is a personable smaller merchant based in Kilkeel, also County Down, with an impressive focus on value.

Best Regional Wine Shop – London

Winner: Highbury Vintners 

Runner-up: Noble Green Wines

According to one judge, ‘Highbury Vintners is exactly what you want from your neighbourhood wine merchant, offering a great range, with very proactive, educated staff… what every high street should have!’ Not only that, they’ve continued to innovate and find new ways to engage with their customer base. Noble Green is a great place to buy your wine.

Best London Neighbourhood Wine Shop

Winner: The Wine Tasting Shop 

Judges noted the enthusiasm and diverse range on offer at this Balham-based wine shop and bar. An ambitious sourcing program, engaging events and community support bodes well.

UK Winery Categories

UK Cellar Door of the Year

Winner: Gusbourne 

Runner-up: Ashling Park

Wine tourism is a big deal in GB wine right now and many wineries offer great visits. Gusbourne’s ‘The Nest’ opens seven days a week, offering tours, experiences, sales and on-premise drinking – and receives up to 15,000 visits a year. It’s an impressive offering, with new facilities on the way. Ashling Park also makes an excellent visit, with good food, accommodation and activities.

UK Winery Wine Club of the Year

Winner: Ridgeview 

Runner-up: Gusbourne

Ridgeview’s OurView wine club is simple, accessible and engaging, encouraging its members to experiment, visit and generally get involved in English wine. Gusbourne was commended for ‘raising the bar for English wine’.

Retail Wine Buyer Categories 

UK Wine Buyer of the Year

Winner: Sophie Lord (Virgin Wines) 

Runner up: Elizabeth Kelly MW (Majestic Wine) and James Goodhart (Bon Coeur Fine Wines)

One judge described Sophie Lord as ‘a great role model’ for those in the wine trade, having worked her way up from customer services to head of buying: a tireless wine professional who leads by example and is a real team player. Elizabeth Kelly MW is doing an outstanding job at Majestic, while James Goodhart has achieved great things at Bon Coeur.

UK Wine Buying Team of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society 

Runner-up: Majestic Wine

The Wine Society’s buying team is ‘something to behold’, in the words of one judge, a mix of youth and experience but with an unparalleled wealth of expertise, excellent personal relationships with producers and a laser focus on the product. Truly an example among wine retailers. Majestic’s team, meanwhile, ‘goes from strength to strength’.

Specialist Categories

Australia Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Vinorium 

‘You feel secure buying from them, they know what they’re doing – the range is fantastic and it was a pleasure using the website,’ said one judge of The Vinorium. ‘Great range and depth,’ said another.

Bordeaux Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Bordeaux Index

Runner-up: Justerini & Brooks

In the words of one judge, Bordeaux Index is a retailer ‘revitalised – now the full package’, offering not only a huge range of fine wine but also a wealth of information on Bordeaux and beyond. Justerini has done a good job not just offering top châteaux but also championing lesser names.

Burgundy Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Justerini & Brooks

Runner-up: House of Townend

Specialising in Burgundy can prove a double-edged sword, but Justerini & Brooks continues to demonstrate great intent, visiting regularly to maintain relationships with high-profile names and discover new up-and-coming estates. It remains a benchmark for Burgundy in the UK. House of Townend sources 90% of its Burgundy directly, to great effect.

Central & Eastern Europe Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Novel Wines

Runner-up: Amphora Cambridge Ltd

Novel Wines continues to impress, having expanded its range (again), redeveloped its website, grown the team, upped direct shipping and laid on an impressive number of events. Amphora has done impressive work in this category for such a new operation.

Champagne & Sparkling Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Whisky Exchange

Runner-up: Lea & Sandeman

In what’s always a highly competitive category, The Whisky Exchange won for its extensive range, impressive growth, ‘clear passion’ for fizz, and commitment to events including the annual Champagne Show. Lea & Sandeman has been doing ‘outstanding, brilliant, ongoing’ work on its Champagne offering, having revamped the range and focused on smaller growers.

England & Wales Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Corkk Ltd

Runner-up: Waitrose & Partners Ltd 

Corkk was praised for being ‘really dynamic, and doing a lot to promote English wines’, including hosting events and offering tastings via Enomatic machine, ‘which is important when wines can not only be new to people but also expensive and hit-and-miss’. Waitrose continues to do great work for English and Welsh wine.

Germany Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Howard Ripley Wines

Runner-up: Justerini & Brooks

Great to see three outstanding German retailers in this category. Hard to separate them, but Howard Ripley continues to innovate, grow and engage its customers, with a terrific range. Justerini also offers a brilliant German line-up from Riesling to Pinot Noir and beyond.

Italy Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Bat & Bottle Wine Merchants

Runner-up: Justerini & Brooks

‘With Bat and Bottle you just feel the love for what they do, the passion for the wines,’ enthused one judge. ‘It’s a very broad range from the head to heel of Italy,’ commented another, noting the extensive events, courses, updated website, vintage reports, and adding: ‘You wonder where the hell they get the time to do all that and offer such a personable service.’ Justerini continues to excel in Italy.

Loire Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Majestic Wine

Making admirable progress across a number of regions, Majestic offers surprising value and breadth of range across the Loire Valley, from Muscadet to Montlouis and more.

New Zealand Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Field and Fawcett 

York merchant Field & Fawcett offers an impressive breadth of styles and price points in the New Zealand category, perhaps a result of the ‘deep connection’ this merchant has with the country given owner and director Peter Fawcett has dual citizenship. It even sells a ‘Vandal’ Sauvignon Blanc co-fermented with New Zealand Bluff oysters…

Portugal Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Festa Wine

Runner-up: Vintage Wine and Port Ltd

Very exciting to see a new specialist Portuguese player on the scene like Festa, offering not just an adventurous, approachable range but also a successful consumer festival to boot, at a time when Portuguese wine seems to be, in the words of one judge, ‘having a moment’ in the UK. Vintage Wine & Port does a great job with a huge range.

Rhône Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Carringtons

Runner-up: Justerini & Brooks

Carringtons isn’t the biggest merchant but it does a cracking job on Rhône, with great expertise, 97% shipped direct, and the range bolstered by the owner’s personal cellar when needed. Justerini has a lipsmacking Rhône range and continues to do a good job.

South & Regional France Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Wickhams 

Wickhams has done excellent work this past year on Beaujolais and also beyond, with two-thirds direct sourcing and the category accounting for a fifth of sales.

South Africa Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Swig Wines Ltd

Runner-up: Museum Wines

Excitement comes as standard in the South Africa category, and Swig is doing a brilliant job of not just securing seriously exciting wines but also then promoting and selling them to receptive customers. Museum Wines remains a shining beacon for South African wines in the UK.

Spain Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Justerini & Brooks

Runner-up: Highbury Vintners

Justerini has revamped many of its supposedly lesser-speciality ranges lately, but few to such stellar effect as Spain – wine lovers should take note, especially given the diversity and value of the wines now on offer. Highbury offers an excellent and diverse Spanish range.

Sweet & Fortified Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Cambridge Wine Merchants

Runner-up: Vintage Wine & Port Ltd

Cambridge Wine offers a treasure trove of wines across the sweet as well as fortified ranges – the category accounting for nearly a fifth of sales and a traditional strong point for this retailer. Vintage Wine & Port is a true specialist and outstanding in its field.

USA Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Four Corners Wine Company Ltd

Runner-up: Justerini & Brooks 

Four Corners is a true specialist with a 500-strong California list and doing an excellent job for a smaller player. Justerini has revamped its US portfolio to brilliant effect.

Wine Support Services

En Primeur Campaign of the Year

Winner: Jeroboams (Bordeaux Campaign)

Runner-up: Justerini & Brooks (Burgundy Campaign)

Two strong entries in this category, and Jeroboams impressed with the range of its Bordeaux campaign, not just in terms of châteaux but also formats and second wines, plus an engaging approach to marketing including targeting a younger clientele. Justerini ran a strong Burgundy campaign featuring not just the grand names but also ‘unsung heroes’.

Subscription Wine Club of the Year

Winner: Ourglass & Partners Ltd

Runner-up: Bat & Bottle Wine Merchants

The self-stated aim of Ourglass is, ‘to turn wine drinkers into wine lovers’. Judges were impressed by the userfriendly and comprehensive nature of the subscription offering, complete with assigned wine professional, videos and various thematic levels. Bat and Bottle offers a highly personal, accessible and affordable service.

The 2023 judging panel

• Peter Richards MW is an awarded writer and broadcaster, including as co-host of the chart-topping Wine Blast podcast. He is the DWWA Regional Chair for Chile, and Chair of our Retailer Awards since 2013
• Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW is a widely published wine writer, consultant and WSET educator. She is a regular contributor to Decanter, and is the DWWA Regional Chair for Tuscany
• Laura Clay is a council member of the Association of Wine Educators, an experienced wine presenter and accredited Bordeaux and Rioja tutor, and was UK Champagne Ambassador in 2010
• Leona De Pasquale is a wine educator, writer and translator. Founder of London-based tea and wine training and events company Camellia & Vine, she also teaches at various wine schools including the WSET London
• Andy Howard MW is a Decanter contributing editor and a DWWA Regional Chair. A former wine buyer in major retail for more than 30 years, he now runs his own wine consultancy Vinetrades
• Simon Field MW was formerly a buyer for merchant Berry Bros & Rudd and now consults on areas that particularly interest him, including Champagne, Rhône, Spain, fortified and English wines
• Mags Janjo is director of his own company MJ Wine Cellars, importing niche, smallbatch wines, creating brands for UK retailers, and offering wine education and consultancy services

In support of the drinks community, for a fourth year proceeds from the 2023 awards will again be donated to nominated charities including charities The Drinks Trust, The Ben and The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation.

Related articles

See the Decanter Retailer Awards 2023 Shortlist

How to buy wine online

How to buy wine at a supermarket

How to buy wine at a specialist retailer

Decanter Retailer Awards: The 2022 winners

Award-winning retailer EW Wines was dubbed Best Regional Wine Shop of South West England at our Decanter Retailer Awards in 2022 and has been shortlisted for the title again in the 2023 awards, as well as Green Champion.

Its vast retail shop in Cornwall includes a fine range of wines and spirits to stock up on, with specialists on hand for recommendations and advice, plus Enomatic machines for free tasting while you shop. And for those who aren’t based in Cornwall, or can’t make the journey, its user-friendly website is just one click away with next day delivery to mainland UK locations.

Offering a range of six-bottle mixed cases, EW Wines has added an exclusive DWWA 2023 Winners Mixed Case to its selection, offering an exclusive price of £165 (valued at £175.25). From award-winning sparkling and white wines to red and fortified, this case offers something for everyone.

Scroll down to see the DWWA Mixed Winners Case offer or buy now

A fantastic case ideal for gifting to wine lovers, for dinner pairing variety, or simply to get to know what our DWWA judges look for when awarding quality, this six-bottle mix is a great opportunity to discover and save on winning wines from the DWWA.

What’s more, EW Wines is one of the very first wine merchants in the UK to receive B Corp Certification. It emphasises small independent growers and seeks out wines with organic, biodynamic or sustainable methods.

What’s inside EW Wines’ DWWA Winners Mixed Case:

Fincas De Azabache, Tempranillo Blanco Brut, Rioja, Spain 2019

Bronze, 88 points

100% Tempranillo Blanco

A rather savoury profile with umami on the attack and a taste of bruised apple pith and citrus. Moderate finish. Alc 12% 

De Wetshof Estate, Bon Vallon Chardonnay, Robertson, South Africa 2022

Silver, 90 points

100% Chardonnay

Attractive nose of elderflower, lime, red apple, pear and hints of smoke. Very refreshing, structured and precise. Dry finish. Alc 13.5% 

Estate Argyros, Assyrtiko, Santorini, Aegean Islands, Greece 2021

Silver, 93 points

100% Assyrtiko

Ripe apricot, white blossom and volcanic dust aromas. Fine palate with succulent fruit, layers of complexity and a long finish. Excellent! Alc 14.5% 

Bodegas La Horra, Corimbo I, Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2016

Silver, 92 points

100% Tempranillo

Complex smoky, herbal, hazelnut and dark fruit aromas unfurl onto a powerful palate. A joy to taste. Alc 14.5% 

El Garbi, Terra Alta, Spain 2021

Bronze, 87 points

95% Garnacha, 5% Garnacha Blanca

This is relatively simple with fresh, vibrant gooseberry, flint and plum aromas; easy to drink and enjoy. Alc 13.5% 

Lustau, Almacenista Cayetano Del Pino y Cía, Palo Cortado, Sherry, Spain NV

Gold, 95 points

100% Palomino

Suave and sophisticated with multi-faceted maple, roasted nuts, cinnamon spice and crushed oranges unfolding to the deeply creamy and intoxicating palate. Very long and intriguing. Alc 21% 

Shop now: EW Wines DWWA 2023 exclusive offer

See more DWWA promotions

Find EW Wines:

Unit 9C, Lodge Way

A30 Business Park

Indian Queens

TR9 6FZ

ewwines.co.uk

Follow EW Wines:

Twitter @EWWines | Instagram @ewwines | Facebook @ewwines

Related articles

• Decanter Retailer Awards 2023 Shortlist announced
• Award-winning wines to buy now at Jeroboams
• How to buy wine at a specialist retailer

Both in-store and online, Jeroboams offers a delightful and ever-improving wine experience, as well as personable service, fantastic list, great price range and excellent in-store promotions – including this newly curated Decanter Winners 2023 Mixed Case.

What’s more, while stocks last, the award-winning retailer is offering Decanter readers 10% off the case with the code DWWA10, which also qualifies for free UK delivery.

Opening its 10th location in London on King’s Road this year, Jeroboams is a wine retailer that continues to go from strength to strength, all while keeping its neighbourly charm as ‘London’s local wine merchant’.

No stranger to awards, winning Decanter Retailer Awards ‘Outstanding Retailer of the Year’ title in 2022, Jeroboams has been recognised as our Best London Multi-Store two years running, Best Italy Specialist and Best New Zealand Specialist.

Shop now

or scroll down to see the DWWA 2023 winners available at Jeroboams

Tasted and rated by some of the world’s leading wine experts, and stocked by one of London’s most reputable retailers, the below DWWA mixed case comes recommended by us, and them.

What’s inside Jeroboams DWWA 2023 mixed case:

Joseph Perrier, Cuvée Royale Rosé Brut, Champagne, France 2013

Bronze, 87 points

Raspberry brioche and dough. Charming and elegant. Bright acidity here facing a juicy fruity palate. Alc 12%

Vigna Traverso, Pinot Grigio, Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy 2021

Silver, 92 points

Engaging gunpowder and white pepper aromas with a pear and almond tart succulence on the palate; fresh, lifted and juicy. Alc 14.5%

Weingut Nastl, Langenlois Riesling, Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Austria, 2022

Silver, 91 points

Inviting aromatics of lifted floral notes, peach and tangerine zest, while the palate is braced with a crisp acidity and plush fruit. Alc 12.5%

Bodegas Epifanio Rivera, Erial Tradicion Familia, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2020

Silver, 91 points

100% Tempranillo

Vivid cherry, blueberry and sweet tobacco aromas. The palate is fresh and long with well-integrated oak and firm tannin. Alc 14.5%

Feudo Disisa, Gran Massenti, Monreale, Sicily, Italy 2019

Silver, 90 points

Savoury nose showing aromas of meat with intense cherry notes. Plenty of crunchy acidity, very lively on the palate. Alc 14%

Costers Del Priorat, Pissarres, Priorat, Spain 2021

Bronze, 87 points

65% Grenache, 35% Carignan

Lifted strawberry and fine earth aromas. The palate is well-structured, spicy and vibrant with red berries, iodine and a touch of campfire. Alc 14.5%

Shop now

Jeroboams stocks an extensive range of wines, priding themselves on an ability to find the most interesting wine, covering an extensive range, sourced at the most competitive price, to meet the ever-changing tastes and demands of the customer. This includes a wide range of wines awarded from Decanter World Wine Awards.

DWWA 2023 medal winners to seek out at Jeroboams

Sparkling

Moët & Chandon, Grand Vintage Extra Brut, Champagne, France 2015

Platinum, 97 points

Inviting on the nose, showing a symphony of nutty aromas, with mouthwatering notes of vanilla, toast, green apple and pear skin. Luscious in the mouth, with a beautifully creamy texture, supported by an energetic, shimmery acidity. Alc 12.5% 

Joseph Perrier, Cuvée Royale Brut, Champagne, France 2013

Gold, 95 points

Brimming with buttery apricot tart, rich roasted nuts and vanilla fig and enlivened by a searing lime citrus character and an energising red apple acidity. Alc 12% 

Della Vite, Extra Dry, Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore, Veneto, Italy NV

Silver, 90 points

Yeasty nose with aromas of yellow peach, apricots and notes of almonds and yogurt. Rich and concentrated, very foamy. Alc 11.5% 

Joseph Perrier , Cuvée Royale Rosé Brut, Champagne, France NV

Bronze, 87 points

Raspberry brioche and dough. Charming and elegant. Shrill acidity here facing a juicy fruity palate. Alc 12% 

Yotes Court Vineyard, Livelovelaugh Pinot Gris Brut, Kent, United Kingdom 2021

Bronze, 87 points

Clean with lifted grapefruit and green apple aromas. Citrus on the palate but not much autolysis. Alc 12% 

White

Vigna Traverso, Pinot Grigio, Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy 2021

Silver, 92 points

Engaging gunpowder and white pepper aromas with a pear and almond tart succulence on the palate; fresh, lifted and juicy. Alc 14.5% 

Weingut Nastl, Langenlois Riesling, Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Austria 2022

Silver, 91 points

Inviting aromatics of lifted floral notes, peach and tangerine zest, while the palate is braced with a crisp acidity and plush fruit. Alc 12.5% 

Feudo Disisa, Lu Bancu, Monreale, Sicily, Italy 2021

Bronze, 88 points

Ripe peaches, nectarines and tropical fruit aromas. Concentrated and harmonious on the palate. Long finish. Alc 13.5% 

Feudo Disisa, Grillo, Sicilia, Sicily, Italy 2022

Bronze, 87 points

Peachy aromas with notes of melon, aromatic herbs and citrus fruit. Crisp acidity, elegant finish. Alc 13% 

Red

Costers Del Priorat, Clos Cypres, Priorat, Spain 2019

Silver, 92 points

Beautiful purity of intense blackberry fruit on the nose. Full-bodied, rich and ripe. Cashmere fruit wraps around the ripe tannic structure. Super drinking! Alc 14.5% 

Bodegas Epifanio Rivera, Erial, Crianza, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2020

Silver, 91 points

Complex blackberry, cream, nutmeg and smoke nose. Beautiful purity of fruit on the palate with good integration of ripe acidity and firm tannins from the oak. Alc 14.5% 

Bodegas Epifanio Rivera, Erial Tradicion Familia, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2020

Silver, 91 points

Vivid cherry, blueberry and sweet tobacco aromas. The palate is fresh and long with well-integrated oak and firm tannin. Alc 14.5% 

Feudo Disisa, Gran Massenti, Monreale, Sicily, Italy 2019

Silver, 90 points

Savoury nose showing aromas of meat with intense cherry notes. Plenty of crunchy acidity, very lively on the palate. Alc 14% 

Costers Del Priorat, Pissarres, Priorat, Spain 2021

Bronze, 87 points

Lifted strawberry and fine earth aromas. The palate is well-structured, spicy and vibrant with red berries, iodine and a touch of campfire. Alc 14.5% 

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards, Dollarhide Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, United States 2018

Bronze, 89 points

Intense aromas of cherry liqueur and blueberry with notes of vanilla. Warm on the palate. Alc 14.5% 

About Jeroboams

Locations

Promotion period: While stock lasts

Promotion details: Save 10% plus enjoy free shipping on Jeroboams’ Decanter Winners 2023 Mixed Case with the code DWWA10 at checkout

Follow Jeroboams

Related articles

• Decanter Retailer Awards 2023 Shortlist announced
• Decanter Retailer Awards: The 2022 winners
• The Gold standard: representative Spanish reds from north to south

Unveiling the Decanter Retailer Awards 2023 Shortlist - your go-to guide for the finest wine shops, top online retailers, wine specialists, and exceptional wine services in the UK.

After the resounding success of the 2022 edition, where outstanding retailers were celebrated for their commitment to providing unparalleled wine choices and exceptional consumer experiences, the anticipation has been palpable for this year’s Decanter Retailer Awards (DRA) results.

The 2023 edition of Decanter Retailer Awards was led by a judging panel of seven independent experts who thoroughly reviewed and discussed entries.

The long and never easy, yet pleasant and exciting judging process ‘perfectly orchestrated by Peter Richards MW’– the DRA Chairman – as Master of Wine and fellow judge Simon Field mentioned.

Scroll down to see the 2023 Shortlist

Judging process highlights

Highlighting the strength, depth and breadth of the UK retail sector, wine educator, writer and MW student Leona De Pasquale noted that: ‘While unanimous decisions were often reached, some entries required extensive deliberations and votes were required due to exceedingly tight competition. This underscores the vibrant and remarkable wine scene that UK consumers are fortunate to enjoy.’

Impressed by the high quality of entrants she added: ‘While reviewing entry forms and achievements of retailers over the past year, I found myself pondering, “What more could this retailer possibly accomplish in one year? They have seemingly exhausted all avenues of excellence!”’

New categories

This year saw the opening of new categories which highlight the current wine industry and consumers trends including: Own Brand Wine Range, Best wine buyers and categories recognising excellence amongst UK wineries.

Excited and impressed by the quality of entries, long standing DRA judge Laura Clay commented: ‘It was thrilling to read the entrants for our new categories of UK Cellar Door and UK Winery Wine Club. I couldn’t help but feel proud as I reached for my diary to fill my weekends with visits.’

As part of evaluating the entries for Best Wine Buyer and Buying Team she added: ‘These people are often the unsung heroes and heroines of our wonderful business. It is they who ensure that we have the diversity, quality and value on our wine shelves and they work supremely hard in doing so.’

The judges also noted this year’s winners and runners-up in the new wine buyer categories are people that are ‘very good role models for people who want to work in the wine trade. A wonderful story and case study for people to see!’.

The 2023 Shortlist and charity support

After a thorough and long judging process of our reviewing, revisiting and evaluating entries, the wine retailers that have been shortlisted on this year’s DRA list have been announced and Simon Field MW summing it up: ‘I feel that the results reflect the depth in the UK retail sector and provide a good balance between younger outlets and the more traditional retailers.’

In support of the drinks industry, and for a fourth year running, revenue from the Decanter Retailer Awards 2023 will be donated to UK drinks industry charities. Learn more about last year’s donation here.

Below discover this year’s Shortlist, with outstanding retailers to support and celebrate across the nation…

Final results will be announced on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th September at 11am BST on @Decanter and @Decanterawards Instagram stories and Twitter, followed by full results on Decanter.com and in Decanter magazine’s October 2023 Issue, on sale 5th October.

Decanter Retailer Awards 2023 Shortlist

Best Newcomer Shortlist

Amphora Cambridge Ltd

Perfect Cellar

Brunswick Fine Wines & Spirits

Jesmond Wine Company

Redwood Wines

Green Champion of the Year Shortlist

Direct Wines

Ellis Wharton Wines Ltd

Old Chapel Cellars

The Online Tasting Club

The Wine Society

Virgin Wines

Virtual Wine Experience Shortlist 

Perfect Cellar

The Online Tasting Club

The Wine Society

Best Hybrid Wine Retailer Shortlist 

Humble Grape

The Sourcing Table

Ultracomida

Vagabond Wines

Aspen & Meursault

Best Small Online Retailer Shortlist

Vin Cognito

Perfect Cellar

Marlo Wine

The Sourcing Table

Wickhams

Best Midsize Online Retailer Shortlist

Cru World Wine

Wanderlust Wine

Swig Wines Ltd

House of Townend

Best Large Online Retailer Shortlist

Majestic Wine 

Naked Wines

Ocado

The Wine Society

Best National Wine Retailer Shortlist

Amathus Drinks

Majestic Wine

Tanners Wines

Best Supermarket Shortlist 

Aldi

Marks & Spencer

Waitrose & Partners Ltd

Regional Categories

Best Regional Wine Shop – London Shortlist 

Noble Green Wines

Highbury Vintners

Uncorked Ltd

Best Regional Wine Shop – North East England Shortlist 

Carruthers & Kent

Field and Fawcett

Bon Coeur Fine Wines Ltd

House of Townend

Jesmond Wine Company

Best Regional Wine Shop – South West England Shortlist 

Constantine Stores Ltd

Cave

Ellis Wharton Wines Ltd

Old Chapel Cellars

Best Regional Wine Shop – Scotland Shortlist 

Abbey Fine Wines

Cockburns of Leith

St Andrews Wine Company

Best Regional Wine Shop – Wales Shortlist 

Fine Wines Direct UK

ND John Wine Merchants Ltd

Noble Grape

Best Regional Wine Shop – Northern Ireland 

James Nicholson Wine Ltd

KWM Wine & Spirits

Best Regional Multi Store – London Shortlist 

Jeroboams

Lea & Sandeman

The Good Wine Shop

The Sourcing Table

Best Regional Multi Store – Central England Shortlist 

Cambridge Wine Merchants

The Wee Vinoteca

Specialist Categories

Best Specialist Retailer Bordeaux Shortlist 

Bordeaux Index

Cru Wine Limited

Justerini & Brooks

Majestic Wine

Best Specialist Retailer Burgundy Shortlist 

House of Townend

Justerini & Brooks

Best Specialist Retailer Central & Eastern Europe Shortlist 

Amathus Drinks

Amphora Cambridge Ltd

Novel Wines Ltd

Best Specialist Retailer Champagne & Sparkling Shortlist 

Cambridge Wine Merchants

Jeroboams

Justerini & Brooks

Lea & Sandeman

Majestic Wine

Marks & Spencer

Sip Champagnes Ltd

The Whisky Exchange

Waitrose & Partners Ltd

Best Specialist Retailer England & Wales Shortlist 

Corkk Ltd

Grape Britannia

Waitrose & Partners Ltd

Wickhams

Best Specialist Retailer Germany Shortlist 

Howard Ripley Wines

Justerini & Brooks

The Wine Barn

Best Specialist Retailer Italy Shortlist 

Bat and Bottle Wine Merchants

Jeroboams

Justerini & Brooks

Lea & Sandeman

Majestic Wine

Swig Wines Ltd

Best Specialist Retailer Portugal Shortlist 

Festa Wine

Vintage Wine and Port Ltd

Best Specialist Retailer Rhône Shortlist 

Carringtons Wines

Justerini & Brooks

Best Specialist Retailer South Africa Shortlist 

Justerini & Brooks

Majestic Wine

Museum Wines

SugarBird Wines

Swig Wines Ltd

Uncorked Ltd

Best Specialist Retailer Spain Shortlist 

Highbury Vintners

Justerini & Brooks

Majestic Wine

Ultracomida

Best Specialist Retailer Sweet & Fortified Shortlist 

Cambridge Wine Merchants

Vintage Wine and Port Ltd

Waitrose & Partners Ltd

Best Specialist Retailer USA Shortlist 

Ally Wines

Four Corners Wine Company Ltd

Justerini & Brooks

Majestic Wine

Roberson Wine

Wine Support Services

Best En Primeur Campaign Shortlist 

Jeroboams (Bordeaux Campaign)

Justerini & Brooks (Bordeaux Campaign)

Justerini & Brooks (Burgundy Campaign)

Best Subscription Wine Club Shortlist 

Bat and Bottle Wine Merchants

Highbury Vintners

Majestic Wine

Naked Wines

Ourglass & Partners Ltd

The Sourcing Table

The Vineking

New Categories

Best UK Winery Wine Club Shortlist 

Gusbourne

Ridgeview Wine Estate

Best UK Cellar Door Shortlist 

Ashling Park Estate

Gusbourne

Ridgeview Wine Estate

Tinwood Estate

White Castle Vineyard

Wiston Estate

Best Own Brand Wine Range Shortlist 

Aldi

Averys

Lidl GB

Marks & Spencer

The Wine Society

Best Wine Buyer Shortlist 

Cong Cong Bo (Amphora Cambridge Ltd)

James Goodhart (Bon Coeur Fine Wines Ltd)

Andrew Chudley (Davy’s Wine Merchants)

Elizabeth Kelly (Majestic Wine)

Dror Nativ (Marks & Spencer)

Peter Crawford (Sip Champagnes Ltd)

Nelson Pari (Swig Wines Ltd)

Sophie Lord (Virgin Wines)

Best Wine Buying Team Shortlist 

House of Townend

Majestic Wine

Marks & Spencer

Museum Wines

Naked Wines

The Wine Society

Vagabond Wines

Virgin Wines

Judges’ Choice & Outstanding Wine Retailer of the Year

Judges’ Choice is awarded at the judges’ discretion to highlight a retailer who is doing something different, innovative and creative. There is no shortlist for this category, but every entrant is considered. This category includes one runner-up and one winner.

Outstanding Wine Retailer of the Year is awarded to one retailer only and is selected from all entrants in all categories. This award is given to the retailer who, in the eyes of our panel of judges, has delivered the best wine retail experience for UK consumers between 1 June 2022 and 31 May 2023. There is no shortlist for this category.

Decanter Retailer Awards homepage

See the DRA 2022 results 

UK focused, Decanter Retailer Awards recognises excellence across a range of categories to help you find the best places to buy and enjoy wine across the nation.

This year the awards’ categories are expanding to including the best UK wineries to buy wines at, with a visit to the cellar door or through outstanding wine club offerings. It’s also included new categories to highlight the best Own Brand wine ranges and to recognise outstanding wine buyers behind your favourite wine shops.

With 2023 entries now open until 26th June, we hear from some of the Decanter Retailer Awards judges about what they are looking for with these new categories to determine the best of the best with a Decanter Retailer Awards win.

Enter Decanter Retailer Awards 2023 here

Decanter Retailer Awards: The key to success

UK Wineries: Best UK Cellar Door & Best UK Winery Wine Club

Nowadays many wineries are not just places for wine production. They have evolved with cellar doors, tasting rooms, wine clubs, vineyard tours, restaurants and more to become places where the magic of wine can be experienced.

As UK wineries with cellar doors continue to grow with hospitality at the forefront, DRA is looking to recognise and celebrate the best cellar doors and winery wine clubs across the nation.

Chairman of Decanter Retailer Awards, broadcaster, writer and Master of Wine, Peter Richards MW shares insightful comments on what he thinks constitutes an outstanding cellar door and winery wine club: 

‘We judges are very much looking forward to tackling the new UK winery categories for both cellar door and wine club. The UK wine scene has undergone a thrilling evolution over the last two decades and is now making significant volumes of sparkling and still wine across the nation.

Cellar door operations and wine clubs have duly emerged and made immediate impact – direct to consumer sales are by far the biggest sales channels for UK wineries, with cellar door sales alone up over 200% in the last few years, accounting for one in every three bottles sold.

For the Best UK Cellar Door award it’s really about why a winery is worth the visit. It could be access to great deals or limited edition wines, the opportunity to meet the people behind the wines, vineyard tours and winery experiences, the chance to enjoy the wine in situ, perhaps have something to eat at the same time. Importantly, this isn’t just a ‘biggest = best’ award where throwing money at a cellar door will guarantee a win. It’s more about why we judges would recommend the visit, what makes that experience special or magical.

For the Best UK Winery Wine Club award we’re looking for compelling reasons for people to sign up and join in. Access to wines that offer great value and quality is vital – but there’s more to it than that. Details count, as does the personal touch. Engagement is crucial – good wine clubs go beyond the simple ‘sign up for X discount’ model and instead invite and involve their members to be part of the winery’s world, including regular events, among other initiatives.’

Wine Buyers: Best Wine Buyer and Best Wine Buying Team

Behind every great wine merchant there are unsung heroes – wine buyers – that bring to light gems for consumers to try.

With their vast knowledge, understanding of the wine industry and the most current trends, plus leaders of future trends, buyers are the decision makers of what we find in our local, regional or national shops, with the best deserving of recognition in helping us discover the best, most interesting, competitively priced wines.

Laura Clay, wine educator with more than 30 years of experience in the industry, gives us her thoughts on this new category: 

‘The UK wine buyers are arguably the greatest in the world. They seek out the best from well-known regions as well as introducing us to new and thrilling wine delights, driving a hard bargain to be able to sell at the right price.

It goes without saying that a good wine buyer needs to know the market they are operating in and have a head for numbers. It isn’t enough to have a passion and knowledge of the subject of wine but it is of equal importance to the business acumen and, for me, this is where our wine buyers are ahead of the game.

I can’t wait to read the entrants to this exciting new category.’

Retailers: Own Brand Wine Range

Retailers are expanding their offerings by seeking out wines to bottle and sell under their own labels. A specialism in wine retail, these ‘own brand’ labels can compete on quality and price with some of the best being recognised annually with top scores at Decanter World Wine Awards. 

Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW, wine lecturer, author and consultant comments on what the judging panel will be looking for when assessing entries for this category: 

‘Own brand’ in the UK is such a vibrant category. As someone who moved to this country over 20 years ago, I was amazed at the ‘own brand’ range of wines which don’t exist in many countries. I am the first one to recommend to anyone that ‘own brand’ is excellent value for money and consumers should not be embarrassed to offer anyone an ‘own brand’ wine (something which I heard over and over again).

For the retailers – I am looking for clever marketing. What is great about this own brand? Is the region clear? Is the winemaking partner clear and what is the story? Often so many consumers do not realise that ‘own brand’ wine is made by top producers so I am looking for companies that ‘sing it loud from the rooftops.’

Enter DRA 2023 now

Related articles

• Decanter Retailer Awards 2023 open for entries
• Decanter Retailer Awards: The 2022 winners

From neighbourhood shops to national retailers – and expanding to include UK cellar doors – the Decanter Retailer Awards recognises excellence across a range of categories and specialities in wine retail, in-store and online.

Specifically focused on the UK market, the awards champion the nation’s best wine retailers and offer wine drinkers an indispensable guide to the outstanding retail experiences across the nation.

The 2023 edition will see categories evolve to fit the current wine industry and consumer trends, with this year seeing more additions than ever to celebrate the best of UK wine retail in all its guises.

This year categories have expanded to include UK wineries with cellar doors and wine clubs as well as wine buyers and buying teams of retail outlets to celebrate their success and contributions to UK retail.

Annual awards from national and regional titles, to awards by specialism will progress alongside recent additions including Green Champion and Best Hybrid Wine Retailer. See all categories available to enter →

Entries & judging

Peter Richards MW will return as Chairman, with judges Laura Clay, Andy Howard MW, Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW and Mags Janjo joining the panel, with the awards’ three-stage judging process commencing on 10th July.

Entries for the Decanter Retailer Awards 2023 are open until Monday 26 June 2023, with results announced across Decanter’s digital and print platforms from 26th September.

Why enter? Find out more in our entry pack

Enter Decanter Retailer Awards 2023 here

Key dates for 2023

26 June 2023

Entry and entry form deadline

12 September 2023

Shortlist published on Decanter.com

22-27 September 2023

Results announced on Decanter.com

6 October 2023

Results published in Decanter magazine’s November issue

Charity support

For three years running, all proceeds from the Decanter Retailer Awards plus additional donations by Decanter have been donated to drinks industry charities.

For a fourth year proceeds from the 2023 awards will again go to nominated charities including The Drinks Trust, The Ben and The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation. Learn more about last year’s donations →

In response to last year’s entries, long-time judge Laura Clay commented, ‘I truly believe there isn’t anywhere in the world which can compete with the quality and diversity of the UK’s wine retailers. Wine lovers here are very blessed.’

See all past winners of Decanter Retailer Awards from 2008 onwards here.

Enter now

Related articles

• Decanter Retailer Awards: The 2022 winners
• Decanter Retailer Awards 2022 raises £20k for charity

Results from the Decanter Retailer Awards provide Decanter readers with an invaluable guide to the best places to buy and enjoy wine across the UK, but that’s not all.

The competition also provides support to UK-based charities, with all proceeds from entries donated for a third year in succession.

From 2020 to 2022, including annual donations made by Decanter, Decanter Retailer Awards has raised a total of £81,000 for drinks industry charities The Drinks Trust and The Ben, as well as a new charity for 2022: The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation.

A non-profit organisation made up of wine producers, scientists, educators, agricultural advisors and environmental organisations, The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation was established in 2021.

UK based with a global vision, the organisation’s mission is ‘to support a transition away from a chemical based monocultural agriculture that is degenerative to soil and local ecosystems, towards a regenerative agriculture as it relates to the management of vineyards, and for greater biodiversity in viticulture to become the new conventional’.

Charity recipients

This year’s Decanter Retailer Awards raised £20,000 for charity with £10k contributed to The Drinks Trust, £5k to The Ben and £5k to The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation.

CEO of The Drinks Trust, Ross Carter said, ‘Decanter remains one of The Drinks Trust’s leading donors, having supported the charity in 2022 through the Retailer Awards, with our Energy Poverty Campaign and at the inaugural Golden Pineapple Awards.

‘The donations Decanter has made to The Drinks Trust will have allowed the charity to help over 120 individuals with financial and wellbeing support, and the impact this has had for these people is immeasurable. Thank you to the Decanter team for its continued support.’

Chris Gardener, CEO of Scottish drinks industry charity The Ben, added: ‘Can I, on behalf of our president Warren Paul, our board of directors and ambassadors, thank everyone at Decanter for its continued support. It is heart warming to know that the BEN is still in your thoughts.

‘Coming through Covid and now with the challenge of the cost of living crisis, your generosity is greatly appreciated. These funds will assist us in helping the needy in the drinks and hospitality industry in Scotland. Congratulations to everyone who won an award. Well done.’

The 2022 results

‘It’s an extremely challenging time for retailers right now’, said Decanter Retailer Awards chairman Peter Richards MW, ‘So it was heartening to witness and reward the exceptional work being done by wine retailers all round the country as part of this year’s Retailer Awards.’

To highlight the best wine retailers in any given area across the nation, 2022 was the awards’ first year to introduce regional sub-categories for the Wine Shop and Multi-Store categories.

From South West East England to Scotland, readers can find the best retailers nearest them, and as Richards stated, the additions ‘allow more local wine talent to shine – and boy it did. There are some well known names in there but also ones that won’t be so familiar. All are well worth checking out’. 

‘The same goes for the specialist categories’ he added. ‘The sheer brilliance of those wine shops exploring one particular field in great depth is a joy to behold. Whether you’re partial to Australian, Austrian, fizz, fortified, organic or biodynamic – there are excellent options for you here.’

From the best wine shops, online retail, wine specialists and wine support services across the UK, both the Retailer Awards shortlist and final results are well worth a look.

A sincere thank you to all the retailers who entered the 2022 Decanter Retailer Awards, helping to raise these commendable funds for charity. We celebrate you, and urge our readers to check out the results and support our nations wine retailers.

Related articles

Decanter Recommends: Producers seeking distribution in the UK market

£36k donated to charity from the Decanter Retailer Awards

Decanter Retailer Awards: The 2022 winners

An indispensable guide to the best wine shops, online retail, wine specialists and wine support services in the UK, Decanter Retailer Awards 2022 results are out now, with an exceptional list of winners to discover and support across the nation.

Challenges are simply part of the landscape for retailers these days, but there are those who are rising to these challenges in style.

The UK wine retail scene has undergone huge changes in the last five years, and our evolving categories aim to reflect this: online is ever-more important, virtual events are here to stay, sustainability is a vital issue.

This year’s judging has thrown up intriguing and exciting winners, all of whom are well worth your time and attention. They do us wine lovers proud.

Scroll down to see the 2022 winners

See the Decanter Retailer Awards 2022 Shortlist

Decanter Retailer Awards: The 2022 winners

Outstanding Retailer of the Year

Winner: Jeroboams

The big win went to a retailer which, in the judges’ words, has ‘really upped its game in the last few years’. Both in-store and online, Jeroboams offers a delightful and ever-improving wine experience, as well as personable service and an excellent range.

Judges’ Choice

Winner: London Sake

Runner-up: Sip Champagnes

London Sake does an outstanding job across education, online operations and retail, inspiring people to experiment and navigate what they term ‘the often mysterious world of sake’. Sip Champagnes is a dynamic new presence on the UK wine scene and well worth looking into.

Supermarket of the Year

Winner: Booths

Runner-up: Waitrose & Partners

It’s been a strong year for Booths, both in terms of sales and profitability but also progress, having opened a wine bar in Lytham, Lancashire, and introduced new fine wine concepts in Ilkley, Ripon and Windermere. The (growing) list is excellent, and the focus on sustainability and the local communities is laudable. Waitrose remains an excellent supermarket for wine.

National Wine Retailer of the Year

Winner: Majestic Wine

Continuing its laudable renaissance, Majestic’s range is once again a joy to peruse, from classics to new-wave bottles. The retailer is supporting diversity initiatives and charity, running tastings, helping recycle corks, and it recently launched a new Wine Club focusing on themed cases four times a year for subscribing members.

Small Online Retailer of the Year

Winner: Independent Wine

Runner-up: The Sourcing Table

Independent is a true e-commerce specialist whose sales are growing strongly off the back of a well-sourced range and diligent online work. The Sourcing Table also impressed in this category, with excellent online content.

Midsize Online Retailer of the Year

Winner: Wanderlust Wine

Runner-up: Honest Grapes

Wanderlust goes from strength to strength, growing emphatically with a firmly online-focused model, having increased turnover tenfold since pre-2020 (it triumphed in the Small Online Retailer category in both the 2021 and 2020 Retailer Awards). Honest Grapes has also grown impressively and is worth discovering.

Large Online Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society

Runner-up: Naked Wines UK

These days, online is hot competition. The Wine Society won for a third year in succession, for its outstanding range, commitment to education and user-friendly format. Naked Wines earned plaudits for its ‘seamless’ online experience.

Newcomer of the Year

Winner: The Sourcing Table

Runner-up: Sip Champagnes

Last year’s runner-up The Sourcing Table was born out of the pandemic in 2020, an offshoot of importers Indigo Wine. Its innovative model, dynamic online presence and ‘great’ list sealed the win for a venture ‘going places’. Sip Champagnes brilliantly exploits its niche and is another one to watch.

Green Champion Award

Winner: Naked Wines UK

Runner-up: The Vinorium

Naked was praised by the judges for its efforts on both the micro (LED lighting in its Norwich HQ, recycling waste) and the macro scale (bulk shipping, recycled boxes, lightweighting six million bottles in 2022 and saving more than 450 tonnes of glass). The Vinorium was certified carbon neutral for the second year running.

Hybrid Wine Retailer of the Year

Winner: Humble Grape

Runner-up: Vinoteca

This new category highlights retailers that sell wine both on-premise and off-premise. ‘This is what they do – a true hybrid – and they do it so well,’ said one judge of Humble Grape, which earned praise for its excellent, eclectic list and commitment to growth. Vinoteca is well established, but remains a trailblazer in this field.

Virtual Wine Experience of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society

Runner-up: Honest Grapes

Virtual events are here to stay, as evidenced by this hard-fought category. The Wine Society took this award for the second year running, for its sheer range, number and success of virtual events across many platforms, with 12,000 members generating 52,000 registrations (and more subsequent views). Honest Grapes’ events were also deemed ‘impressive’.

Regional Categories

Best Regional Wine Shop – Central England

Winner: Mr & Mrs Fine Wine – The Wine Bank

Runner-up: Hattersley Wines

With its 700-strong list, Enomatic dispensers for sampling, and regular tastings, The Wine Bank in Southwell, East Midlands, is certainly worth a visit. Bakewell, Derbyshire-based Hattersley has pivoted well from on- to off-trade via a ‘honk for plonk’ drive-through, to a shop and website with an impressive range.

Best Regional Wine Shop – North East England

Winner: House of Townend

Runner-up: Carruthers & Kent

House of Townend near Hull impressed with its wide range (1,836 wines), new Enomatic dispenser systems and commitment to developing the retail side of the business; ‘Progressing and progressive,’ said one judge. Of the ebullient Carruthers & Kent in Gosforth, one judge said: ‘Love their vibe’.

Best Regional Wine Shop – North West England

Winner: The Whalley Wine Shop

A serial winner in these awards, The Whalley Wine Shop goes from strength to strength. The team continues to grow, as do sales. The 1,218-strong list, plus a new website and wine bar, makes this Ribble Valley hotspot a highly recommended wine destination for all wine lovers.

Best Regional Wine Shop – South West England

Winner: EW Wines

Runner-up: Grape and Grain Wine Merchants

EW Wines has done a good job of shifting from on-trade sales, with a new site off the A30 in Cornwall featuring Enomatic machines and a fine range. Grape & Grain is a personable, well-stocked shop in Crediton, Devon, complete with shop dog and ‘naughty room’ for fine Barolos, Burgundies and other fine wines.

Best Regional Wine Shop – Northern Ireland

Winner: James Nicholson Wine

A celebrated name beyond Northern Ireland that’s definitely a long way from resting on its laurels. James Nicholson Wine in County Down has grown its 1,995-strong list (95% sourced direct) and has refreshed its website. The ethos of ‘continual improvement’ is noticeable.

Best Regional Wine Shop – Scotland

Winner: St Andrews Wine Company

St Andrews punches above its weight in terms of online communication and tastings. ‘We’ve focused on the fun aspect of wine,’ the merchant says, attracting a younger crowd to its ‘Tardis-like’ shop to sample an eclectic, intriguing range.

Best Regional Wine Shop – Wales

Winner: Noble Grape

‘Particularly impressive and comprehensive in the £10-£20 range, which can be tough to achieve,’ was one judge’s observation of Noble Grape, run by the experienced Richard Ballantyne MW, who offers a personal and engaging service.

Best Regional Wine Shop – London

Winner: Philglas & Swiggot (Battersea)

Runner-up: Highbury Vintners

Philglas & Swiggot is a retailer revitalised and, south of the river, its Battersea operation in particular has evolved and improved. Last year’s winner in this category, Highbury Vintners, remains an outstanding wine shop in north London, with an extensive range, excellent events and an accent on sustainability.

Best Regional Multi-Store – Central England

Winner: Cambridge Wine Merchants

Runner-up: Tanners Wine Merchants

The category with the highest aggregate marks was a close-run thing, but Cambridge won for its ‘dynamic’ performance, including record turnover, personal service and excellent events. Shropshire-based Tanners Wines continues its impressive trajectory, having bolstered the team with younger talent and focused on sustainability.

Best Regional Multi-Store – South East England

Winner: The Vineking

Surrey-based The Vineking’s motto is: ‘Explore great wine without the nonsense’. The range, shops and team do a fine job delivering on this aim, with 700-plus wines and an engaging agenda of events.

Best Regional Multi-Store – Scotland

Winner: Woodwinters Wines and Whiskies

Repeating its category-topping performance of last year, WoodWinters is improving and enhancing its shops in Bridge of Allan and Inverness, where the ranges are both extensive and appealing (fed by the 2,100-strong list within the wider business). Events and tastings are another strength.

Best Regional Multi-Store – London

Winner: Jeroboams

Runner-up: The Good Wine Shop

‘Fantastic list, great price range, personable service, excellent in-store promotions.’ So said one judge of Jeroboams, which won through in a competitive field that saw The Good Wine Shop also commended for its ‘pleasant shopping experience’ and fine range.

Specialist Categories

Australia Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Vinorium

Securing this category for an incredible fifth year in a row, north Kent-based The Vinorium ‘lives and breathes’ Australian wine. It is a true specialist, offering more than 370 wines, with a range that’s as exciting as it is diverse. Customer engagement is excellent, sustainability is prioritised, and the company recently invested £100,000 into its new e-commerce platform.

Austria Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society

Members of The Wine Society ‘have a thirst’ for Austrian wines, as witnessed by sales exceeding £2m for the second year in a row, including more than £400,000 for en primeur, a rare venture for a UK retailer. ‘Great producers, outstanding own-labels,’ said one judge, as The Wine Society took the award for the third year in succession.

Bordeaux Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Goedhuis & Co Fine Wine Merchant

Runner-up: Bordeaux Index

‘Bordeaux isn’t just one thing, and Goedhuis covers it all brilliantly,’ was how one judge summed up. £10m sales, 1,800 wines, 42 vintages, 21 appellations – and excellent communication and engagement to back it up, including The Wine Dinner (featuring all five first growth estates) raising £300,000 for charity. Bordeaux Index also offers a huge range and is notably proactive en primeur.

Burgundy Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Goedhuis & Co Fine Wine Merchants

Runner-up: House of Townend

Goedhuis describes its team as ‘Burgundy fanatics’ – and it shows, for a second consecutive year. Be it in the careful sourcing of new domaines, relentless engagement with customers, or simply pure passion for the product, Goedhuis goes above and beyond. House of Townend offers an excellent Burgundy range featuring many mature vintages.

Central & Eastern Europe Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Novel Wines

Runner-up: Best of Hungary

‘Brilliant to buy from’, ‘Supports the local community’, ‘Very successful’, were the judges’ comments on Novel Wines, the dynamic Bath merchant with an outstanding and growing range, which secured it the top position once again this year. Best of Hungary ‘does a great job drawing people into a category that’s more diverse than you think’.

Champagne & Sparkling Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Sip Champagnes

Runner-up: Cambridge Wine Merchants

A very tight call between two outstanding operators. Newcomer Sip Champagnes has a laser-like focus on cutting-edge wines from the region and, in the words of one judge, ‘is changing the game for Champagne’. Cambridge, meanwhile, offers an outstanding and diverse range of Champagne and sparkling wine.

England & Wales Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Grape Britannia

Runner-up: The English Vine

Cambridge-based Grape Britannia is an excellent evangelist for the English & Welsh wine cause, stocking 228 wines across a range of prices. Triumphing again this year, it has refreshed and updated its range, bolstered its online presence and resumed events (even featuring ‘wine and crisp matching’). The English Vine also does a laudable job.

Germany Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: The WineBarn

Runner-up: Justerini & Brooks

The WineBarn is a bona fide German specialist whose small scale fails to impede its vociferous championing of the cause, reflected in its promotion from runner-up in the 2021 Retailer Awards. Enthusiasm, knowledge and experience are what you get with The WineBarn – that, and a fabulous range of 283 German wines across a range of prices. Justerini earned praise for its ‘great list’.

Italy Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Jeroboams

Runner-up: Bat and Bottle Wine Merchants

A highly competitive field saw Jeroboams emerge victorious this year, by dint of its excellent (and ever-improving) Italian range, passionate communication and engaging events including a Festa Piemontese tasting. Bat and Bottle offers an outstanding Italian list and highly personal service.

New Zealand Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Jeroboams

The judges were impressed by Jeroboams’ commitment to ‘doing something different’ with its New Zealand list, looking beyond the Marlborough Sauvignon trope to less-established pét-nat and Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc wines. Producers include the likes of Craggy Range, Hunter’s, Kelly Washington and Kumeu River.

Organic & Biodynamic Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Good Wine Shop

A genuine commitment to stocking small family producers who make organic or biodynamic wine shines through from southwest London-based The Good Wine Shop, which also does a good job of flagging these wines up in store. The ‘Quirky Sommelier’ mixed case also works well.

Portugal Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society

Runner-up: Majestic Wine

‘Exciting’ was the word one judge used about The Wine Society’s Portuguese range – which secured it this category for a second consecutive year – citing indigenous varieties and fine own-label wines. No wonder then that its Portuguese wine sales have topped £4.2m. Majestic’s Portuguese range is also fast improving.

Rhône Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Carringtons

Manchester-based Carringtons took the Rhône category again – it is an excellent destination if Rhône wines are your thing, having worked hard to develop the regional range over three decades.

South & Regional France Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society

‘Terrific trio of buyers, terrific range,’ commented one judge of The Wine Society, repeating its last two years’ triumph in this category. It is a real forte: 247 wines comprising 17% of the range (but about half in the £8-£15 sweet spot), majoring on value, diversity and deliciousness. Madiran en primeur, anyone?

South Africa Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Museum Wines

Runner-up: Majestic Wine

Dorset-based Museum Wines continues to develop and improve its already impressive South African list and specialism, which safely secured it this category in the 2021 and 2020 Retailer Awards. This year the merchant has added three new farms and a fun new blind online tasting format. Majestic is developing an excellent list with great value and diversity.

South America Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Taste Argentina

Argentina has taken huge strides lately, something that’s not always reflected on the high street but certainly is at online specialist Taste Argentina, which wins this category for a third time in a row this year. Turnover is up, customer retention is high, events are impressive and the 214-strong list goes from strength to strength.

Spain Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Highbury Vintners

Runner-up: Ultracomida

Another fiercely fought category. Last year’s runner-up, Highbury has improved an already impressive list, leading one judge to comment on a ‘lovely range across the piece from Vega Sicilia to Lanzarote’. Aberystwyth-based Ultracomida also earned praise for an excellent range and brave pivot from tapas bar.

Sweet & Fortified Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Vintage Wine & Port Limited

Runner-up: Cambridge Wine Merchants

Two outstanding specialists here, in a reversal of last year’s category positions. Vintage won for its epic 1,500-strong list, with the sweet wine range in particular having been bolstered this year (from 18 to 145 wines), as well as its efforts to win over a younger audience through YouTube and social media. Cambridge has a joyous range in this category.

USA Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Roberson Wine

Runner-up: Wanderlust Wine

Roberson has ‘bust out dancing’ from the pandemic, its USA range outstanding in California but also beyond, and its achingly cool events featuring Californian tacos, live graffiti and ‘the sweet beat of retro vinyl’. Wanderlust continues to grow and impress with its USA range.

Wine Support Services

En Primeur Campaign of the Year

Winner: Goedhuis & Co Fine Wine Merchants (Burgundy Campaign)

Runner-up: Goedhuis & Co Fine Wine Merchants (Bordeaux Campaign)

A double win for Goedhuis, impressively for a third year in succession. The merchant earned praise for overcoming Covid-related obstacles not only to deliver impressive numbers and excellent ranges but also to engage with its customers admirably. Good service and effective communication is the key to successful en primeur: Goedhuis nailed it.

Subscription Wine Club of the Year

Winner: The Little Fine Wine Company

Runner-up: Bat and Bottle Wine Merchants

A category that continues to grow and become ever-more competitive, yet producing a repeat of the result in the 2021 Retailer Awards. Little Fine Wine champions its niche with aplomb, featuring an excellent range of half-bottles and a highly personal service. Bat and Bottle’s subscription offers an engaging adventure into Italian wine.

The 2022 judging panel

• Peter Richards MW is a regular contributor to Decanter, the DWWA Regional Chair for Chile, and Chair of our Retailer Awards since 2013
• Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW is a wine writer, consultant, educator and WSET lecturer, and was a DWWA 2022 Acting Regional Chair for Tuscany
• Laura Clay is a member of the Association of Wine Educators, an accredited Bordeaux and Rioja tutor, and was UK Champagne Ambassador in 2010
• Leona De Pasquale is a wine educator, writer and translator, and founder of London-based tea and wine training and events company Camellia & Vine
• Simon Field MW was a buyer for merchant Berry Bros & Rudd and now works as a consultant. He is the DWWA Regional Chair for Champagne and the UK
• Vidya Narasimhan is an independent wine consultant and writer with previous international experience in banking and management consulting

In support of the UK drinks community, for a third year all proceeds from the 2022 awards will be donated to UK drinks industry charities, including The Drinks Trust and The Ben.

Decanter Retailer Awards: The 2021 winners

Decanter Retailer Awards homepage

An indispensable guide to the best wine shops, online retail, wine specialists and wine support services in the UK, the Decanter Retailer Awards 2022 Shortlist has been revealed.

A highly competitive year, with entries epitomising the exceptional choice consumers have when it comes to buying wine in the UK, the 2022 edition of the Decanter Retailer Awards saw the judging panel grow with six independent experts reviewing entries.

The judging process is never easy, and in many cases, commented chairman Peter Richards MW, ‘the challenge was narrowing down the shortlist to acceptable numbers; so strong were the entries.

‘And it wasn’t just people doing the same things better,’ he continued. ‘There was such variety on show, real imagination and ambition from the retailers across a number of activities and platforms.’

Scroll down to see the 2022 Shortlist

This year saw four new judges join the panel, offering fresh insights on the nation’s vibrant wine retail scene, including Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW, Simon Field MW, Leona de Pasquale and Vidya Narasimhan.

Impressed by the high quality of all the entrants, wine educator, writer and first-time Retailer Awards judge Leona de Pasquale commented, ‘it was a privilege to read through the fantastic “behind the scene” stories and watch the videos provided. I was amazed by all the effort many retailers, across the UK, put into engaging with their internal and external customers. They found innovative ways, such as one-stop shopping, original educational content, embracing new technology, and always striving to find the best value products for their customers despite the impact of Brexit and post-pandemic economic challenges.’

Simon Field MW was equally impressed, noting the diversity of the entry pool, with stalwarts sitting comfortably alongside lesser known names. He added, ‘It’s a testament to the burgeoning reputation of the Decanter Retail Awards that it was able to inspire such diverse entries and a reflection of the quality of the categorisation itself in that it afforded all names, large or small, the potential to shine.’

Captivated by some of the Shortlist candidates, Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW applauded the ‘ingenuity of some of the en primeur campaigns’ and the specialist retailers’ sector, noting, ‘It is quite a feat to be able to source the breadth of wines from some of the more unique countries as well as find a client base for these wines.’

New for 2022, the award’s wine shop and multi-store categories were judged and awarded by region to best reflect talent across the nation. Encouraged by the regional entries, wine consultant Vidya Narasimhan commented, ‘It’s been heart-warming to read about retailers in regions outside London who have collaborated with local businesses to engage with the local community and to revive the local economy.’

And with years of experience judging the Decanter Retailer Awards, Laura Clay sums it up: ‘I truly believe there isn’t anywhere in the world which can compete with the quality and diversity of the UK’s wine retailers. Wine lovers here are very blessed.’

In support of the drinks industry, and for a third year running, all revenue from the Decanter Retailer Awards 2022 will be donated to UK drinks industry charities. Learn more about last year’s donation here.

Below discover this year’s Shortlist, with outstanding retailers to support and celebrate across the nation…

Final results will be announced on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th September at 11am BST on @Decanter and @Decanterawards Instagram stories and Twitter, followed by full results on Decanter.com and in Decanter magazine’s November 2022 Issue, on sale 5th October. Scroll down to see which categories will be announced on the 27th and 28th.

Decanter Retailer Awards 2022 Shortlist

Best Newcomer Shortlist

Aspen & Meursault

London Sake

Online Wine Tasting Club

Sip Champagnes

The Sourcing Table

Green Champion of the Year Shortlist

Naked Wines UK

The Vinorium

Virtual Wine Experience Shortlist

Honest Grapes

Online Wine Tasting Club

The Wine Society

Waitrose & Partners

Best Hybrid Wine Retailer Shortlist

Drop Wine

Humble Grape

Philglas & Swiggot

Sugar Bird Wines

The Wine Rooms Cambridge

Vinoteca

Best Small Online Retailer Shortlist

Independent Wine

London Sake

The Sourcing Table

Wickhams

Best Midsize Online Retailer Shortlist

Wanderlust Wine

Honest Grapes

House of Townend

Jeroboams

Lea & Sandeman

Best Large Online Retailer Shortlist

Bordeaux Index

Naked Wines UK

The Wine Society

Best Supermarket Shortlist

Booths

Marks & Spencer

Waitrose & Partners

Regional Categories

Best Regional Wine Shop – London Shortlist

Highbury Vintners

Philglas & Swiggot (Battersea Branch)

Davy’s Wine Shop (Greenwich Branch)

Noble Green Wines

Best Regional Wine Shop – South West England Shortlist

EW Wines

Grape and Grain Wine Merchants

Best Regional Wine Shop – Central England Shortlist

Hattersley Wines Ltd

Mr & Mrs Fine Wine – The Wine Bank

Best Regional Wine Shop – North East England Shortlist

Carruthers & Kent

House of Townend

Best Regional Multi-Store – London Shortlist

Humble Grape

Jeroboams

Lea & Sandeman

Made in Little France

Philglas & Swiggot

The Good Wine Shop

Best Regional Multi-Store – Central England Shortlist

Cambridge Wine Merchants

Tanners Wine Merchants

Specialist Categories

Best Specialist Retailer Bordeaux Shortlist

Bordeaux Index

Goedhuis & Co Fine Wine Merchants

House of Townend

Best Specialist Retailer Burgundy Shortlist

Goedhuis & Co Fine Wine Merchants

House of Townend

Best Specialist Retailer Central & Eastern Europe Shortlist

Best of Hungary

Novel Wines

Best Specialist Retailer Champagne & Sparkling Shortlist

Bordeaux Index

Cambridge Wine Merchants

Lea & Sandeman

Majestic Wine

Sip Champagnes

Waitrose & Partners

Best Specialist Retailer England & Wales Shortlist

Grape Britannia

The English Vine

Waitrose & Partners

Wickhams

Best Specialist Retailer Germany Shortlist

Justerini & Brooks

The Good Wine Shop

The WineBarn

Best Specialist Retailer Italy Shortlist

Bat and Bottle Wine Merchants

Goedhuis & Co Fine Wine Merchants

Independent Wine

Justerini & Brooks

Jeroboams

The Wine Society

Best Specialist Retailer Portugal Shortlist

Majestic Wine

The Wine Society

Best Specialist Retailer South & Regional France Shortlist

Made in Little France

The Wine Society

Wickhams

Best Specialist Retailer South Africa Shortlist

Majestic Wine

Museum Wines

Best Specialist Retailer Spain Shortlist

Flavours of Spain (L’Oculto)

Highbury Vintners

The Sourcing Table

The Tapas Room

Ultracomida

Best Specialist Retailer Sweet & Fortified Shortlist

Cambridge Wine Merchants

Vintage Wine and Port Ltd

Best Specialist Retailer USA Shortlist

ALLY Wines

Pacific Wines

Roberson Wine

Wanderlust Wine

Wine Support Services

Best En Primeur Campaign Shortlist

Goedhuis & Co Fine Wine Merchants (Bordeaux Campaign)

Justerini & Brooks (Bordeaux Campaign)

Davy’s Wine Merchants (Burgundy Campaign)

Goedhuis & Co Fine Wine Merchants (Burgundy Campaign)

Justerini & Brooks (Burgundy Campaign)

Best Subscription Wine Club

Bat and Bottle Wine Merchants

Highbury Vintners

London Sake

Majestic Wine

Mummy Wine Club

Naked Wines UK

Philglas & Swiggot

Sip Champagnes

The Little Fine Wine Company

The Sourcing Table

Vinoteca

Judges’ Choice & Outstanding Wine Retailer of the Year

Judges’ Choice is awarded at the judges’ discretion to highlight a retailer who is doing something different, innovative and creative. There is no shortlist for this category, but every entrant is considered. This category includes one runner-up and one winner.

Outstanding Wine Retailer of the Year is awarded to one retailer only and is selected from all entrants in all categories. This award is given to the retailer who, in the eyes of our panel of judges, has delivered the best wine retail experience for UK consumers between 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2022. There is no shortlist for this category.

Decanter Retailer Awards 2022 results announced: See the winners

Decanter Retailer Awards homepage

Independent Wine is proud to offer the UK’s most impressive collection of Decanter World Wine Award-winning Italian wines, and for one month only is offering Decanter readers an additional gift when shopping with them – a complimentary bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, produced by Gagliole winery in Chianti Classico, Tuscany (RRP £16.95). Learn more →

Awarded Small Online Retailer of the Year, runner-up at the 2021 Decanter Retailer Awards, Independent Wine works directly with small, family-owned wineries in Italy, with a primary focus on sourcing award-winning Italian wines.

Offer details

Purchase any six bottles of DWWA medal-winning wines from Independent Wine’s large collection and enter the code OLIVEOIL at checkout to receive your complimentary, UK-exclusive olive oil.

Scroll down to see a selection of award-winning Italian wines on offer

More about Independent Wine

Since launching in 2020, Independent Wine have built a specialised portfolio featuring the UK’s record number of Decanter medal-winning wines from all over Italy.

As one might expect, they boast a selection of premium bottles from Italy’s most famous denominations, such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Amarone della Valpolicella and Brunello di Montalcino, but they also offer a wide range of premium wines from lesser-known regions such as Lombardy’s Franciacorta, Alto Adige’s Lagrein, and Sardinia’s Cannonau and Vermentino.

Independent Wine is an online-only merchant, running its operations from its warehouse in Dean Village, in the historic centre of Edinburgh. All wines are available with free next day delivery throughout the Mainland UK.

Elvira and Oleg, Independent Wine’s founders, travel personally to each winery they work with and never leave any stone unturned. With a decade of experience in engineering and manufacturing, Oleg inspects each winery with the most critical eye and only selects the best. He says “we see quality wine when a rigorous technological process is applied to transform a gift of nature.”

Shop now: Independent Wine’s DWWA 2022 exclusive offer

Decanter readers: Use the code OLIVEOIL for your free bottle

Award-winning Italian wines in this offer include

Montecappone, Ergo, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore, Le Marche 2018

Silver, 93 points

£22.45

Lots of weight and concentration. Broad chewy twist of apple skin aromas. Fresh flinty smoky palate. Very elegant wine.

Francone, Valsellera Rosè Brut, Vino Spumante di Qualità NV

Bronze, 87 points

£27.45

Intriguing aromas of sour cherries and violets on the nose, crisp and slightly creamy palate.

Fratelli Pardi, Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2016

Silver, 93 points

£26.95

Intense nose of red fruits, floral and spicy aromas. Distinctive and typical of the variety. Long, clean and elegant finish.

Demarie, Barolo Riserva, Piedmont 2010

Silver, 92 points

£64.95

Firm cherry fruit flavours with lots of oak, balsamic richness, and some Turkish Delight sweetness.

La Castellina, Cosimo Bojola, Chianti Classico, Tuscany 2018

Silver, 90 points

£22.45

Quite tight and restrained. A mineral, iodine character runs across sour fruit flavours giving the palate a streamlined elegance.

Francone, Barolo, Piedmont 2018

Silver, 92 points

£36.45

A great polished texture on the palate supports the baked cake flavours and liquorice notes.

Search all DWWA 2022 award-winning wines included in this offer

See more DWWA promotions

Exclusive offer for Decanter readers

Website: www.independent.wine

Promotion period: 18 July – 21 August 2022

Promotion details: Receive a free bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil when you purchase any six DWWA 2022 award-winning wines

Online promo code: OLIVEOIL

Follow Independent Wine

Twitter @Wineindependent

Instagram @Independent.Wine

Facebook @Independent.Wine.Shop

Vidya Narasimhan joins the Decanter Retailer Awards 2022 judging panel alongside new judge Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW and returning industry experts Peter Richards MW (Chairman), Andy Howard MW and Laura Clay.

An independent wine consultant, Vidya has recently transitioned to the wine industry after years in management consulting and banking across three continents. She now advises restaurants and private equity firms on investments in food and wine, is a wine writer and a Be Inclusive Hospitality Ambassador, among other wine related activities.

With entries now open for the 2022 Decanter Retailer Awards, we get to know more about the awards’ newest judge, including her thoughts on what makes a wine retailer stand out, tips for wine buying in the UK and what she looks forward to most about judging…

Q&A with Vidya Narasimhan, Decanter Retailer Awards 2022 judge

Tell us about yourself briefly. How did you get into the wine industry?

I grew up in India without much access to wine. I got into the wine world via food and travel as I sought to ‘eat and drink local’ on my global travels, first as an international student in Germany, then in the US during my management consulting and banking career. 

Once I moved to the UK I wanted to educate myself about wine, and am very much enjoying learning about it. About three years ago I quit my banking job to pursue my passion of food and wine and now am very pleased to be able to combine my corporate background with my passion. 

As a new judge on the 2022 panel, what’s your impression of the Decanter Retailer Awards?

Decanter Retailer Awards is the Oscars / Grammys of the wine retail world – very prestigious and a recognition of superlative quality!

What do you think is unique about the UK wine retail industry?

One of the things that struck me as unique about the UK wine retail industry when I relocated from the US almost a decade ago is the wide range of affordable and really good quality wine from all over the world. This is indeed something very special even today, and while prices may rise (increasing fuel prices, supply chain constraints etc.) I am hoping that the range and value on offer stay the same or improve further as UK wine consumers are extremely discerning, not just price conscious. 

What do you think makes a wine retailer stand out?

A couple of things help differentiate a wine retailer including the range of wines offered – not just on the price dimension, but hidden gems that are comparable in quality and price to widely recognised labels, regions, and/or grape varieties.

Engagement with consumers in-store and digitally also makes a wine retailer stand out, as many purchase wine online since the pandemic. Offering adequate information on a wine so consumers feel confident and encouraged enough to try something new, while not overwhelming them with detail, is key.

What tips do you have for someone buying wine in the UK? 

I have a few as there is considerable innovation happening across the board which will continue to pave the way forward…

• Try a new grape or a new region every now and then
• Attend a tasting at your corner wine shop or at your nearest independent retailer to know more about the wines you are trying – you will soon start making better choices with more information
• Try wines in alternative formats to reduce your carbon footprint: bag-in-box, cans, paper bottles, lighter bottles etc. 
• Try no- and low-alcohol wines if you are conscious about the impact of wine consumption on your health

What do you look forward to most as a new judge on the 2022 panel?

I am very excited to see how retailers are using technology and innovative techniques to engage with and educate the consumer now that the world has gone back to almost pre-pandemic levels of activity. I am also curious to see which retailers are taking the lead in this besides the range of wines on offer!

Enter the Decanter Retailer Awards 2022

You may also like

Decanter Retailer Awards 2021 winners

Meet the judges: Q&A with Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW

Master of Wine Michelle Cherutti-Kowal joins the growing Decanter Retailer Awards 2022 judging panel alongside returning industry experts Peter Richards MW (Chairman), Andy Howard MW, Laura Clay, and new judges Regine Lee MW and Vidya Narasimhan.

Michelle is a highly respected wine lecturer, having taught wine industry professionals since 2004 at WSET in London. She has authored articles on wines, wine regions and wine-related events in trade publications and WSET journals.

Utilising her specialist knowledge, Michelle consults restaurants and wineries as well as acts as an ambassador for trade bodies.

With entries now open for the 2022 Decanter Retailer Awards, we get to know more about the awards’ newest judge, including her thoughts on wine retail in the UK, wine buying tips and what she looks forward to most about judging…

Q&A with Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW, Decanter Retailer Awards 2022 judge

Tell us about yourself briefly. How did you get into the wine industry?

Wine has always been in my life; a glass of wine was part of our lunch/dinner routine – my father was from Italy and it was normal for adults to have a glass of wine with a meal. Both he and my grandfather always had a small glass of red wine with food. The wine was never complex but a constant presence.

When I moved to the UK over 20 years ago, I decided to turn my passion for wine into my career; I am a wine educator, judge, consultant and wine writer. I do a bit of everything.

As a new judge on the 2022 panel, what’s your impression of the Decanter Retailer Awards?

Its a “nod of approval” from the wine industry. It’s also a guide to consumers about where to buy wine or a specific type of wine.

What do you think is unique about the UK wine retail industry?

The fact you can buy wine anywhere; at a supermarket, corner shop, independent retailer and online. We have an amazing array of choices in the UK. Own labels – I am always impressed at the quality and value of own label wines.

What do you think makes a wine retailer stand out?

Naturally, wine selection but other than that, guidance and advise. Consumers find buying wine intimidating, so guidance is critical for sales. Consumers who have some wine knowledge tend to spend a bit more per bottle and that is good for the whole industry. Advice can be as simple as a well written shelf-talker, or a gold medal from a wine competition!

Wine retailers have had to quickly adjust due to Covid. Is there anything you’ve noticed retailers doing that has impressed you? 

I love the half bottle craze, especially fine wine in half bottles. Good retailers have done so many amazing things during Covid, from sending out samples, to bringing together producers and consumers via Zoom. The innovation has been fantastic.

What tips do you have for someone buying wine in the UK? 

Discover what you like and try and explore and find alternatives!! Instead of Sauvignon Blanc try a Rueda or Albarino from Spain! Your local wine merchant can give you advice!

What do you look forward to most as a new judge on the 2022 panel?

The entries of course! I look forward to seeing the innovation and selection.

Enter the Decanter Retailer Awards 2022

You may also like

Decanter Retailer Awards 2021 winners

Decanter Retailer Awards 2021 Shortlist

Meet the 2023 judging panel

The Decanter Retailer Awards judging panel consists of five independent wine experts who have been chosen based on their extensive knowledge in the retail environment.

Peter Richards MW, Chairman

Wine Writer & TV Presenter

As a broadcaster, writer and Master of Wine, Peter Richards is a familiar face to many, known for his unique blend of enthusiasm and erudition. His credits include more than a decade on BBC1 plus Sky One, ESPN, Financial Times, The Guardian, ITV1, Radio 4, BBC2 and The Sunday Times.

Peter is a regular Decanter contributor as well as Chairman of the Retailer Awards, and Regional Chair for Chile at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Andy Howard MW

Wine Consultant and ex-buyer for Berry Bros. & Rudd

Andy Howard MW became a Master of Wine in 2011 and runs his own consultancy business, Vinetrades Ltd, which focuses on education, judging, investment and sourcing.

Howard previously worked for Marks & Spencer as a buyer for over 30 years and was responsible for Burgundy, Bordeaux, Loire, Champagne, Italy, North and South America, South Africa, England, Port and Sherry.

Laura Clay

Wine Educator and Chairman of the Association of Wine Educators

Laura Clay is an experienced wine presenter having 30 years in the business, with particular interests in Bordeaux, Rioja, South Africa and Champagne but whose expertise covers wine regions from all around the world.

She is an International Accredited Bordeaux and Rioja Tutor and was UK Champagne Ambassador in 2010. Laura is Chairman of the Association of Wine Educators. She is a past Chairman of the Midlands Wine & Spirit Trade Association, currently a committee member, and is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. She is also part of the team who make up Love Wine, a bi-annual wine festival which had its inaugural event in November 2015 in Birmingham.

Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW

Master of Wine, Wine Lecturer, Author and Consultant

Michelle is a dual Italian/Canadian citizen who left corporate life in Toronto to pursue her passion for wine. Today she is a highly-respected wine lecturer, teaching both wine industry professionals and consumers at WSET London, the Institute Masters of Wine and other wine schools around the world.

She has authored articles on wines, wine regions and wine-related events in trade publications and WSET journals. Michelle is a frequent guest wine expert at major wine shows and wine competitions, and consults to restaurants and wineries. She is an ambassador for trade bodies, utilising her specialist knowledge in Italy, France and the New World.

Mags Janjo

Wine Educator and owner of MJ Wine Cellars

Mags boasts 13 years of industry experience, having occupied a range of different roles across Wine Retail, Sales and Brand Creation.

Mags has spent his entire working life in the wine industry, starting off at Waitrose before a couple of years selling wine to both the on- and off-trade, including a stint at Majestic Wine’s commercial arm. He was most recently a Senior Account Manager at Roberson where he worked with major UK supermarkets. He now has his own company MJ Wine Cellars offering wine education and consultancy services.

Leona De Pasquale

Wine Educator, Wine Writer, Master of Wine Student

Leona started her career in wine over 20 years ago in Taiwan helping the French government promote wine and cheese on the island. After relocating to the UK, she worked for various wine importers in London serving both the on and off-trade customers and gained a wide range of industry experience before dedicating most of her time to writing and teaching about wine. She trains hospitality staff and now teaches for various wine schools including the WSET London.

Leona is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers and has authored articles for various publications.Her translation work includes The World Atlas of Wine, American Wine, Natural Wine, Amber Revolution, and the WSET study materials. In addition to her love for wine, Leona is also a certified Tea Sommelier. Her training courses in wine and tea have been endorsed by the Institute of Hospitality in 2022.

Simon Field MW

Wine consultant, Wine Writer and ex-buyer for Berry Bros. & Rudd

This is the second year of Simon judging at the Decanter Retailer Awards. He joined Berry Brothers & Rudd in 1998 and was with them for 20 years, having spent several misguided but lucrative years working as a chartered accountant in the City. During his time at BBR Simon was buying the Spanish and fortified ranges, and was also responsible for purchasing wines from Champagne, Languedoc-Roussillon, the Rhône Valley and the Loire Valley.

He gained his Master of Wine qualification in October 2002 and in 2015 was admitted into the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino.

Enter now

<

Aiming to champion the very best retailers out there, there's perhaps no better time than the holidays to shine a light on this year's Decanter Retailer Awards winners for a top selection of wines and outstanding service.

If you’re in the UK this holiday season, look no further than the winners of the Decanter Retailer Awards as your guide to the best wine shops, online retail, wine support services and wine lists across the nation.

Whether looking for the perfect gift for a wine lover or advice on which wines to pair with your Christmas dinner, these expert retailers have you covered, and with 18 award-winning Specialist Retailers alongside the best local, national and online retailers, we recommend you check out the shortlist and results, and seek out the retailers that appeal most.

Scroll down to see our holiday wine recommendations, available now from a selection of this year’s award-winning retailers

But if short on time, we’ve highlighted some of this year’s winning Specialist Retailers below with a selection of holiday wine recommendations available to buy now – all tasted and rated by our expert judges at the 2021 Decanter World Wine Awards.

From food-friendly whites and reds to evening digestifs, plus top-scoring sparkling wines from France, Spain and the UK to ring in the New Year, these award-winning wines and retailers are worth discovering…

Award-winning wines for the holiday season from the UK’s best retailers

*Prices correct at the time of publishing, but subject to change.

Lay & WheelerChampagne & Sparkling Specialist Retailer of the Year

Charles Heidsieck, Blanc des Millénaires Brut, Champagne 2006

Silver, 94 points

£121.63 ex VAT

White toast and sourdough opens the show; flowers behind. This hums along with quite a spritzy motor. Long and luxuriant.

Perrier-Jouët, Belle Epoque Brut, Champagne 2004

Silver, 90 points

£176.23 ex VAT

Evolved fig, quince and plum nose; attractive flowers on the mid-palate, along with lemons, lime juice and a flinty elegant backdrop.

Grape BritanniaEngland & Wales Specialist Retailer of the Year

Gusbourne, Blanc de Blancs Brut, Kent 2016

Platinum, 97 points

£59.00

Taut and elegant with a fine mousse. Hawthorn and elderflower give way to crisp green apple and quince characters. The palate explodes with buttered brown toast and thickly spread lemon curd. Super crisp and long.

Chapel Down, Rosé Brut, Kent NV

Platinum, 97 points

£29.99

Wonderful power here. Aromatically concentrated with bright, fresh strawberry and raspberry characters. Lively and zesty on the palate with vivacious raspberry flavours, creamy mousse, and toasty complexity. Long, finessed finish.

Decanter World Wine Awards 2021 Winners Case

Six top medal-winning wines from the UK

Current Offer while stocks last – £173.21, usually £192.46

Includes Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2016 (Platinum), Chapel Down Rosé Brut NV (Platinum), Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Bacchus 2019 (Gold), Ashling Park Cuvée Brut NV(Silver), Albourne Estate Bacchus 2019 (Silver), Harrow & Hope Brut Rosé 2018 (Silver)

The Tapas RoomSpain Specialist Retailer of the Year

Sumarroca, Gran Reserva Brut Nature, Cava 2017

Silver, 90 points

£22.00

Buttered toast, hazelnut, brioche and caramelised lemon peel nose. A developed style with excellent integration and depth and layers of flavour continuing through the long finish.

Lustau, Del Puerto, Fino, Sherry NV

Silver, 90 points

As part of Spanish Hamper – £60.00

Yeasty, savoury smoky notes, with almond skin, zingy vibrant freshness; very classic and pure with lots of intensity. Saline finish.

Majestic WineNew Zealand Specialist Retailer of the Year

Yealands, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2020

Silver, 90 points

£10.99

Punchy herbaceous, lime nose, some tropical hints. Flavours follow through attractively, focused notes of gooseberry and elderflower under bright tropical character.

The Vinorium Australia Specialist Retailer of the Year

Domaine Naturaliste, Artus Chardonnay, Margaret River, Western Australia 2019

Silver, 91 points

£31.50

Ripe, balanced wine with yellow apples, pears and spicy oak character. Good weight and intensity, with a hint of vanilla showing at the finish.

Goedhuis & CoBurgundy Specialist Retailer of the Year

Henri & Gilles Remoriquet, Au Dessus des Malconsorts, Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru, Burgundy 2018

Silver, 90 points

£97.68

Black cherry and plum aromas. Smooth and delicate texture with polished, silky tannins and earthy, smoky notes. Lovely long length.

Taste ArgentinaArgentina Specialist Retailer of the Year

Viña Cobos, Bramare Malbec, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2019

Gold, 96 points

Current Offer while stocks last – £28.99, usually £29.99

On the nose, showing complexity and elegance with vanilla and lovely juicy dark fruits. Well-judged oak use on the palate with ripe resolved tannins.

Cambridge Wine MerchantsSweet & Fortified Specialist Retailer of the Year

González Byass, Del Duque VORS Aged 30 Years, Amontillado, Sherry NV 37.5cl

Gold, 96 points

£24.99

Complex array of aromas, from toasted nuts, honeycomb and burnt orange through to leather and wood polish. This follows through on the palate and through to the spectacularly fresh and zesty finish, too.

Bodegas Hidalgo, Wellington 20 Years, Palo Cortado, Sherry NV 50cl

Gold, 95 points

£27.99

Sweet vanilla and toasted nut bouquet. Spicy and round on the palate, very well balanced with great freshness and a slight tannic grip. Hints of 90% dark chocolate and cocoa round off the finish. Long treacly finish.

The Wine SocietySouth & Regional France Specialist & Portugal Specialist Retailer of the Year

Domaine de La Rectorie, Cuvée Léon Parcé, Banyuls, Languedoc-Roussillon 2018

Platinum, 97 points

£22.00

Opulent and inviting with layered aromatics of plush blackberry, rich plum and creamy damson, then to a palate textured with blueberry, violet, damson, chocolate, cinnamon, clove and a hint of spiced liquorice.

The Society’s Exhibition, Crusted, Port NV

Silver, 91 points

£16.50

A bright, ripe-fruited nose with cassis and black cherry. Quite linear and focused but with a silky smooth texture.

Where to buy wine in the UK: See all Decanter Retailer Awards 2021 winning retailers

You may also like:

Decanter World Wine Awards 2021 Winners Case

Which Bordeaux vintages to drink this Christmas

Marks & Spencer wines: top buys for autumn and winter

For a second year, Decanter donated all proceeds from the Decanter Retailer Awards to UK drinks industry charities, The Drinks Trust and The Ben.

A record year for entries, plus an additional donation made by Decanter, helped raise £36,000 for these charities with £30k going to The Drinks Trust and £6k to The Ben, the Scottish drinks industry charity.

Ross Carter, CEO of The Drinks Trust, commented, ‘Our sincere thanks to Decanter for once again donating money raised from the Decanter Retailer Awards to The Drinks Trust. These funds will ensure that colleagues facing hardship will receive access to financial support, our 24/7 well-being helpline, our wellness services or our newly launched educational programme, Develop. Your support has been vital in allowing us to navigate these challenging times for our industry.’

Chris Gardener, Chief Executive of The Ben, added, ‘Thanks so much for supporting us again this year, as you will know the furlough stopped and with the U.C. amount dropping £20 per week soon, we are still having to help very needy people within our trade and this fantastic amount will go towards this very worthwhile cause. I can’t tell you how much this will make a difference.’

Results to celebrate

‘It’s clear that Covid-19 has changed wine retailing forever’ said Decanter Retailer Awards Chairman Peter Richards MW, and after more than a year of challenges and adaptations, plus importing issues due to Brexit, entrants of the Decanter Retailer Awards have much to celebrate.

Not only did the 2021 competition see more entries than ever before, but more entries from retailers across the UK, including Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and 23 counties in England – all showing they had ‘risen to what was a game-changing challenge and overcome it in style,’ Richards added.

With a fantastic set of results from both the shortlist and final results, Decanter and the Decanter Retailer Awards judges were not only blown away by the hard work, perseverance and passion put in by entrants to ensure the UK remains one of the best and most diverse places in the world to buy and enjoy wine, but also their support in entering the competition during still difficult times.

Decanter is not only proud to endorse this year’s fantastic shortlisted and award-winning retailers, but urges readers to check out the results and seek out the retailers that appeal most.

Recommended retailers in the UK

The 2021 Shortlist

Decanter Retailer Awards 2021 Winners

As returning judge Andy Howard MW rightly concludes, ‘I continue to be amazed at the quality and diversity that we have in the UK retail trade. Wine is now more accessible than ever before and we have much better range than any other country. Now is definitely the time to explore new places, new grape varieties and styles.’

A heartfelt thank you to all the retailers who entered the Decanter Retailer Awards 2021, helping raise this incredible donation for UK drinks industry charities, The Drinks Trust and The Ben.

About the Decanter Retailer Awards

The Decanter Retailer Awards champions the very best of wine retail in the UK, rewarding retailers for their innovation, drive and creativity while offering wine drinkers an indispensable guide to the best wine shops, online retail, wine support services and wine lists on the high street.

Judging for the awards is conducted in three rounds by five independent wine experts that have been chosen based on their extensive knowledge in the retail environment.

You may also like

Decanter Retailer Awards 2020 donates £25k to UK drinks industry charities

Decanter Retailer Awards 2020 Results

Spain Specialist Retailer of the Year at the Decanter Retailer Awards 2021, The Tapas Room has a constantly rotating, decidedly eclectic all-Spanish list – perfect for wine lovers looking to experiment and discover new wines. 

From their evolving range of Spanish wines, the award-winning retailer has selected six Decanter World Wine Awards 2021 medal-winning wines to showcase this October, selling them by the glass, bottle or to take away at its Tooting Broadway location in South London.

The special DWWA-focused wine menu highlights the incredible range of wine styles available from Spain, including sparkling, white, red and fortified wine options. With a wine shop, tapas bar and delicatessen all under one roof, October is the perfect month to visit this newly-awarded Spanish specialist.

Scroll down to see the award-winning wines on offer

More about The Tapas Room

With an ethos to encourage a culture of learning more about Spanish wines and to discover quality for less, The Tapas Room has a comprehensive range of specialist Spanish and Basque wines, Sherry, Cava and Vermouth.

The award-winning retailer has five venues across South London, including Tooting, Brixton, Battersea, Peckham and Deptford, all complete with a wine shop, wine bar and specialist cheeses, charcuterie and more to pair with its range of Spanish wines. Sample menus can be found on The Tapas Room website here. 

Make a booking at The Tapas Room

Enjoy these DWWA 2021 award-winning wines by the glass, bottle or to take away at The Tapas Room, Tooting Broadway Market

Lustau Península Palo Cortado, Sherry, Spain NV

Bronze, 88 points

Dry, nutty style, with iodine, toast and peanut brittle characters. Light body, long finish and some elegance make for an appealing wine.

Sumarroca, Ecologic Reserva Brut, Cava, Spain 2018

Silver, 91 points

Very elegant ripe yellow fruit on the nose leading to a complex palate with some nutty hints and a long finish. Well executed.

Hiruzta, Txakolina, Txacolí de Getaria, Spain 2020

Platinum, 97 points

Bright lemon peel and grapefruit aromas with some underlying tropical fruits. Light prickle on the palate with mid-palate weight and texture; deftly poised with palate-whetting acidity. Long, zesty, elegant, crunchy and fine-boned, this has delightful charm. Shellfish anyone?

Luis Cañas, Crianza, Rioja, Spain 2017

Bronze, 87 points

Blackberry and sweet spice nose, red cherry, herbal and spicy flavours. Quite weighty with ripe tannin and a decent finish.

Descendientes de J. Palacios, Pétalos, Bierzo, Spain 2019

Silver, 93 points

Dark fruit nose, woody tannins, dried leaf and cassis flavours. Oak is well integrated; long, chiseled finish. Will age well. Very classy.

Cillar de Silos, Crianza, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2018

Bronze, 86 points

Quite refined nose earthy and red fruit bouquet. Medium weight and concentration on the palate. Simple and straightforward.

About The Tapas Room

Website:

www.thetapasroom.co.uk

Promotion period: 5 – 30 October 2021

Promotion details: Listed wines will be available by glass, bottle and to take away for the duration of the promotion, at Tooting Broadway venue only

Location: Tooting Broadway Market, Unit 3, Tooting High St., SW17 0RJ London

See all venues

Follow The Tapas Room:

Twitter @thetapasroom

Instagram @thetapasroom

Facebook @thetapasroom

Discover more places to buy and enjoy wine across the UK: Decanter Retailer Awards 2021 announced

See more DWWA promotions

It’s clear that Covid-19 has changed wine retailing forever.

All those companies named here have risen to what was a game-changing challenge and overcome it in style.

Categories such as Online, Newcomer, Subscription and Virtual Wine Experience were all fiercely competitive this year – and indicative of a healthy, vibrant, innovative wine retail sector that’s looking to the future. Wine is one of life’s great joys and these retailers excel in the business of pleasure.

Now more than ever this is something that deserves recognising – and celebrating.

Scroll down to see the Decanter Retailer Awards 2021 winners

See the Decanter Retailer Awards 2021 Shortlist

The judging panel

• Peter Richards MW is an awarded wine writer and broadcaster, Chairman of our Retailer Awards since 2013, and the DWWA Regional Chair for Chile
• Laura Clay is a member of the Association of Wine Educators, an accredited Bordeaux and Rioja tutor, and was UK Champagne Ambassador in 2010
• Andy Howard MW is a contributing editor to Decanter, a wine trade consultant, and was formerly a retail wine buyer for more than 30 years
• Mags Janjo is sales director for his own MJ Wine Cellars import company*, which also offers wine education and consultancy services
• Peter Ranscombe is a regular Decanter contributor, a widely published journalist, author, wine columnist and drinks blogger for Scottish Field magazine
  *To avoid any potential conflicts of interest, Janjo did not judge in the Subscription Wine Club and Online Retailer categories

In support of the UK drinks community, all proceeds from the 2021 awards and an additional donation made by Decanter will be donated to The Drinks Trust and The Ben, raising a total of £36k for these charities.

Decanter Retailer Awards 2021 winners

Outstanding Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society

A close call. ‘This was the year several retailers stepped up to be in contention for this top award,’ commented Andy Howard MW. But the sheer number and breadth of awards won by The Wine Society in this year’s competition told its own story. ‘Who doesn’t love them?!’ summarised Laura Clay, while judges noted their superb buying team, a range that displays not only wonderful diversity but also outstanding value, plus a fierce commitment to ongoing innovation and customer service. Celebrating the joy of wine is something The Wine Society does with aplomb. 

Judges’ Choice

Winner: The Online Wine Tasting Club

Runner-up: Mummy Wine Club

Covid-19 has forced retailers to innovate. Tring-based The Online Wine Tasting Club has embraced the brief with more energy, imagination and relish than most, developing a machine to send out mini-bag tasting packs and launching quirky online events and a subscription club. Mummy Wine Club is, to quote one judge: ‘A brilliant concept – totally different, small-scale but with high-quality wines, enthusing people about wine with personality and style.’

Supermarket of the Year

Winner: Waitrose & Partners

Runner-up: Marks & Spencer

Waitrose ultimately won through for the breadth, depth and ongoing development of its range (which tops 1,600 bins over the year), its commitment to engaging its customers via online events and its support for producers including those in South Africa hard-hit by lockdowns. The judges noted recent improvements at M&S, from championing vegan wines to more Enomatic dispenser machines and its ongoing sustainability drive.

National Wine Retailer of the Year

Winner: Majestic Wine

Runner-up: Tanners Wines

Majestic, in the words of one judge, ‘is back on form as the national wine retailer – and thank goodness, too’. The estate of 200 shops is growing, the last 18 months have seen the greatest change to the 1,100-strong range in its 40-year history, its 1,300 staff are once again enthused and a new website has launched. ‘You just love buying wine there,’ reflects Mags Janjo. Tanners has a fine, extensive list and continues to engage its clientele admirably.

Local Multi-Store of the Year

Winner: WoodWinters Wines & Whiskies

Runner-up: The Oxford Wine Company

WoodWinters prevailed in this fiercely fought category because, in Peter Ranscombe’s words: ‘Their list is what sets them apart – they bring in their own stuff, plus they have really engaged their customers with online tastings this year.’ Andy Howard MW termed it ‘a fine local wine chain’. The OWC won plaudits for its range as well as commitment to hiring new staff and opening a store in central Oxford despite the lockdown challenges.

Local Wine Shop of the Year

Winner: The Whalley Wine Shop

Runner-up: Carruthers & Kent

Whalley remains a beacon of wine excellence and enjoyment in Lancashire, with an outstanding range, revamped website and new wine bar site next door to the shop. Meanwhile, it was the quirky personality and sense of fun that caught the judges’ eye when it came to Carruthers & Kent, the self-styled ‘wine hub’ based in Newcastle.

London Multi-Store of the Year

Winner: Jeroboams

Runner-up: Philglas & Swiggot

With its eight London shops, broad and original list, and new purpose-built website, Jeroboams goes from strength to strength in the capital. Philglas continues to buy well and engage its customers with a unique personality.

London Wine Shop of the Year

Winner: Highbury Vintners

Runner-up: Noble Green Wines

‘They do a great job for their local community,’ was how one judge summed up Highbury – with others noting the excellent value and diversity of its range, the electric van for deliveries, the growing wine club and charitable work. Noble Green has adapted well to recent challenges and remains an excellent local wine retailer.

London Neighbourhood Wine Shop 

Winner: Vindinista

Runner-up: Diogenes the Dog

Vindinista in Acton delivers ‘an affordable range you can trust entirely’, as well as a ‘down-to-earth approach – they listen to and work with their customers’. That’s not to mention the ‘bagnums’, cans, refillable bottles, wines organised by style and occasion plus an emphasis on ‘stellar service’. Diogenes continues to be delightfully different, having had a busy (in the best sense) lockdown – a second site is coming soon.

Small Online Retailer of the Year

Winner: Wanderlust Wine

Runner-up: Independent Wine

A keenly fought category saw Wanderlust emerge victorious given its cleverly assembled list and laser-like focus on online functionality and user experience. Listening to customer feedback and growing the list accordingly has been a critical and welcome development this year. Independent was praised for its direct sourcing and clear customer focus.

Midsize Online Retailer of the Year

Winner: Swig Wine

Runner-up: House of Townend

Simple, easy, engaging… and delicious. Such is the online experience courtesy of Swig, where a delightful list is presented in crisp, cool, user-friendly fashion. House of Townend has pivoted successfully online, another example of an excellent range being made accessible to a broader audience than before.

Large Online Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society

Runner-up: Lay & Wheeler

The Wine Society is undoubtedly one of the very best websites for wine in the UK, where you’d happily spend hours browsing, with exceptional customer service, vibrant online events and constant innovation to back it up. Lay & Wheeler is a wine retailer going places: an outstanding list, revamped website and dynamic customer engagement are evidence of its exciting new direction under independent ownership.

Newcomer of the Year

Winner: Wilding

Runner-up: The Sourcing Table

It was a joy to judge this vibrant category. Wilding is an engaging new wine venture with an ambitious programme for its hybrid wine bar-shop model, with fine wines in Enomatics, 400+ well-sourced wines and outlets in Frome, Oxford and Salisbury (even, whisper it, a Frozé machine…). The Sourcing Table boasts a brilliant list and is another fine addition to the UK wine retail scene.

En Primeur Campaign of the Year

Winner: Goedhuis & Co (Bordeaux campaign)

Runner-up: Goedhuis & Co (Burgundy campaign)

The reason Goedhuis excels at en primeur is due in no small part to the exemplary way in which it communicates and engages with both its customers and suppliers. So it was no surprise to see the success of both its Bordeaux and Burgundy campaigns in this category, with Bordeaux edging it for sales performance and growth in very challenging circumstances.

Subscription Wine Club of the Year

Winner: The Little Fine Wine Company

Runner-up: Bat and Bottle Wine Merchants

Many worthy contenders here, but Little Fine Wine pipped it due to the winning half-bottle offering that isn’t cheap but is outstanding at the level: a unique proposition that all Decanter readers should check out. Bat and Bottle’s eclectic Italian offering suits the subscription model, especially given Ben Robson’s inimitable and very personal guidance.

Green Champion Award

Winner: The Vinorium

Runner-up: Laithwaites

Certified carbon neutral this year, and not simply via offsetting, The Vinorium in Kent is re-evaluating all aspects of its business along sustainability lines, from reducing buying trips to using the most sustainable delivery services available and even a totally re-designed HQ with underground waste water bio-bubble and wild meadow roof. Introducing meaningful sustainability measures in a large company can be a challenge, and Laithwaites deserves praise for engaging with this issue at scale. 

Virtual Wine Experience of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society

Runner-up: Naked Wines

This new category highlights the importance of online wine events in the Covid-19 era, and was hotly contested. The Wine Society took to this theme like a duck to water, putting on more than 160 events using platforms from Instagram to Zoom and YouTube, featuring wine royalty and engaging thousands of people. Naked did a brilliant job with its Thirsty Toosday live events, supporting producers and good causes in commendable fashion.

Australia Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Vinorium

Runner-up: Majestic Wine

Last year’s winner The Vinorium ‘hadn’t rested on its laurels’, but expanded its already stellar Australian portfolio and raised money in the wake of the devastating bushfires. This year, Majestic has doubled its Australian range, which now offers real diversity and interest.

Austria Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society

The Wine Society was the choice for the second year running. Its Austrian list isn’t huge but it is well chosen, featuring both classics and more eclectic offerings. It also offers an Austrian en primeur and good own labels: sales growth of more than 100% is testament to the success of this focus.

Bordeaux Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Bordeaux Index

Runner-up: Goedhuis & Co

Bordeaux Index has upped its game lately, with a relaunched website and improved customer engagement, and remains a key reference for fans of Bordeaux, not just at the top end but also with its more affordable Merchant’s Collection. Bordeaux also remains a laudable specialism at Goedhuis.

Burgundy Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Goedhuis & Co

Runner-up: Stannary Wine

A mouthwatering Burgundy list (1,500 wines, constituting 50% of the range); engaging information and analysis; excellent relationships with suppliers and customers and impressive sales growth – just a few reasons why Goedhuis won. With a 4,000-strong list, and having taken over specialist Domaine Direct, Stannary is also a force to be reckoned with in the Burgundy category.

Central & Eastern Europe Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Novel Wines

Runner-up: Best of Hungary

‘They’ve grown their range significantly in a tricky year, and just get more and more exciting,’ was one judge’s take on Novel, a very worthy winner with a tantalising list that is ideal, as they say, for the ‘curious drinker.’ Best of Hungary showed impressive growth and focus.

Champagne & Sparkling Wine Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Lay & Wheeler

Runner-up: Waitrose & Partners

Lay & Wheeler offers outstanding diversity, breadth, interest and value in this category – plus commendable clarity of information. Waitrose remains an excellent destination for fizz on the high street, with 138 wines covering an impressive range.

England & Wales Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Grape Britannia

Runner-up: Waitrose & Partners

A vibrant category. Cambridge-based Grape Britannia’s 225-strong UK wine list is truly outstanding, testament to a passionate specialism and ongoing ‘evangelism’ of husband-and-wife owners the Hodgsons. It covers fizz to fortified via dessert wines, newcomers, pét-nat, even orange and nouveau wines – an essential destination for fans of English & Welsh wine. Waitrose continues its commendable support of UK wine.

Germany Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Justerini & Brooks

Runner-up The WineBarn

Justerini has delivered engaging German-themed webinars as well as a delectable list featuring more than 370 wines, with Rieslings and Pinot Noirs to die for. The WineBarn is a fine German specialist well worth checking out.

Italy Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Bat and Bottle Wine Merchants

Runner-up: Jeroboams

Lots of competition here. Italian specialist Bat and Bottle delivers a tremendous sense of personality, both in the wines and the way they’re sold. ‘It’s so exciting!’ exclaimed one judge. Jeroboams continues to champion Italy to excellent effect, with an ever-evolving range.

New Zealand Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Majestic Wine

Runner-up: Jeroboams

‘They’ve come on leaps and bounds, bringing breadth and depth to their New Zealand range, which also offers great value – something that’s not always easy to find in this category.’ This was how one judge summed up Majestic’s winning performance this year. Jeroboams is growing its New Zealand range commendably.

Portugal Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society

Sales growth of Portuguese wines remains impressive at The Wine Society, testament to a growing list featuring excellent diversity (of styles, regions, indigenous grape varieties et al). Well worth a root around.

Rhône Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Carringtons

Runner-up: Justerini & Brooks

Manchester shop Carringtons offers a brilliant Rhône selection, almost entirely sourced directly, and making up 40% of its overall range. ‘It’s a really good selection for a small business, full of individual smaller producers,’ said one judge. Justerini & Brooks’ list is a treasure trove of Rhône gems.

South & Regional France Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Wine Society

Runner-up: Majestic Wine 

It’s nigh-on impossible not to be seduced by The Wine Society’s selection in this category, from top Madiran to Languedoc, Alsace, Jura, Beaujolais and beyond, with half the range occupying the value-for-money sweet spot of £8-£15. Majestic has done an excellent job of upgrading its regional French range this year.

South Africa Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Museum Wines

Runner-up: Lay & Wheeler

In the words of the judges, Museum Wines is: ‘A true specialist, bringing in its own South African range which continues to grow, supporting its producers and offering a real point of difference.’ Lay & Wheeler, meanwhile, ‘really believes in the South African category, which it is growing at a phenomenal rate: hugely impressive’.

South America Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Taste Argentina

This online South American specialist has grown its list to good effect over the last year, adding engaging events and consolidating relationships with its customers, suppliers and producers.

Spain Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Tapas Room

Runner-up: Highbury Vintners

The Tapas Room’s impressive growth in a challenging year, opening three more venues, ‘proves it’s not all doom and gloom out there’, said one judge. A constantly rotating, decidedly eclectic all-Spanish list is a lip-smacking invitation to experiment. Highbury’s Spanish list is a delight.

Sweet & Fortified Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Cambridge Wine Merchants

Runner-up: Vintage Wine and Port 

Cambridge has done lots of excellent work in a challenging year and its sweet and fortified range is a thing of beauty, from vintage Port to en rama Sherry, Pacherenc to straw wine and beyond. Vintage Wine offers an outstanding collection of old and rare wines.

USA Specialist Retailer of the Year

Winner: Majestic Wine

Runner-up: Wanderlust Wine

A strong performance in the mid-price range, providing what one judge termed ‘affordable USA to get people interested’, won it for Majestic this year. Wanderlust Wine features a growing, increasingly fine US range.

You may also like:

How to Buy Wine with Chairman Peter Richards MW on Wine Blast – Listen now

Offering wine drinkers in the UK an indispensable guide to the best wine shops, online retail, wine support services, experiences and wine lists across the nation, the Decanter Retailer Awards 2021 Shortlist has been announced.

The 2021 edition of the Decanter Retailer Awards saw its biggest year to date with more entries than ever before.

In this highly competitive year, entries hailed from retailers located across the UK, including Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and 23 counties in England.

‘I’ve been judging the DRA now for several years and continue to be amazed at the quality and diversity that we have in the UK retail trade’ commented Andy Howard MW. ‘Over the past 18 months the world has been turned upside down by the pandemic, yet this has has not fazed UK wine retailers. This year we saw a record number of entries, with fantastic new start-ups going head to head with the more established companies.’

Fellow judge Peter Ranscombe added, ‘It’s been fantastic to see the growth in the number of entries from outside London over the past few years. The high quality of this year’s entries demonstrated that nations and regions throughout the UK have dynamic and exciting wine scenes, with independent bottle shops sitting at the heart of their communities.’

Scroll down to see the Decanter Retailer Awards 2021 Shortlist

New to the judging panel, Mags Janjo also highlighted the UK’s remarkable wine scene, commenting, ‘As a wine enthusiast and scholar, I’ve always felt so blessed to be based in the UK, as I’ve never had an issue finding any type, style or quality of wine. It is again so easy to assume that this must be the case around the globe.

‘Many readers and my fellow judges will agree that this isn’t necessarily so, and I would like to urge readers to continue to support their local wine merchants, as well as have the confidence to try some wines which might be somewhat off the beaten track! The Specialist Retailer categories are an incredible vote of confidence from the Decanter judges.’

In support of the drinks industry, and for the second year running, revenue from the Decanter Retailer Awards 2021 will be donated to UK drinks industry charities The Drinks Trust and The Ben. Learn more about last year’s donation here.

The judging process & shortlist

Judged across three stages by our expert judging panel, led by Chairman Peter Richards MW, entries were examined based on what Decanter readers think is most important to them when purchasing wines: Quality, Value, Range, Service, Innovation and Performance. Learn more about the judging process here.

On judging this year’s entries, three-time judge Laura Clay commented, ‘Every year, the judging gets more and more difficult as the entrants become ever more innovative in what they offer their customers. For the most part we were in agreement however, and all those shortlisted should be justifiably proud.

‘Those who didn’t quite make the shortlist should know that the competition was fierce and that they all made our job supremely difficult.’

Peter Richards MW added, ‘In the nine years I’ve been chairing these awards, I’ve never seen such a dynamic, exciting, heart-warming set of entries. Covid-19 has changed wine retailing forever – in many ways for the better. It’s hastened change, opened the market up to positive disruption, and led to a boom in sales and innovation.

‘Now is a great time to be a wine lover in the UK – but the best wine retailers need our support and custom if they are to thrive. So I’d encourage people to check out the shortlists and awards, and seek out the retailers that appeal to them.’

Final results will be announced on Wednesday 6 October at 11am BST on @Decanter and @Decanterawards Instagram stories and Twitter. They will also be published on Decanter.com and included in Decanter magazine’s November 2021 Issue, on sale Wednesday 6 October.

Decanter Retailer Awards 2021 Shortlist

Local Wine Shop of the Year Shortlist

Mr & Mrs Fine Wine – The Wine Bank

St Andrews Wine Company

Carruthers & Kent

D. Byrne & Co

House of Townend

The Whalley Wine Shop

Averys

Local Multi-Store of the Year Shortlist

Cambridge Wine Merchants

WoodWinters Wines & Whiskies

The Oxford Wine Company

The Vineking

London Neighbourhood Wine Shop of the Year Shortlist

Diogenes the Dog

Handford Wines

Vindinista

Specialist Cellars

London Wine Shop of the Year Shortlist 

Uncorked

Noble Green Wines

Highbury Vintners

London Multi-Store of the Year Shortlist 

Jeroboams

Philglas & Swiggot

Newcomer of the Year Shortlist

London Sake

Pop! Wines

The Grape Variety

The Sourcing Table

Wickhams

Wilding

Wine&Something

Green Champion Award Shortlist

Laithwaites

The Sourcing Table

The Vinorium

Wilding

Virtual Wine Experience Shortlist

Averys

Laithwaites

Naked Wines

The Wine Society

The Online Wine Tasting Club

Vinoteca

Vintage Wine and Port

Waitrose & Partners

Small Online Retailer of the Year Shortlist

Independent Wine

London Sake

The Sourcing Table

Wanderlust Wine

Midsize Online Retailer of the Year Shortlist

House of Townend

James Nicholson Wine

Slurp Wine

Swig

Vinoteca

Large Online Retailer of the Year Shortlist

The Wine Society

Jeroboams

Bordeaux Index

Laithwaites

Lay & Wheeler

Naked Wines

National Wine Retailer of the Year Shortlist

Majestic Wine

Tanners Wines

Supermarket of the Year Shortlist

Marks & Spencer

Booths

Waitrose & Partners

Specialist Categories:

Australia Specialist Shortlist

The Vinorium

Majestic Wine

Bordeaux Specialist Shortlist

Bordeaux Index

Goedhuis & Co

Justerini & Brooks

Burgundy Specialist Shortlist

Goedhuis & Co

House of Townend

Justerini & Brooks

Lay & Wheeler

Stannary Wine

Central & Eastern Europe Specialist Shortlist

The Wine Society

Best of Hungary

Taste of Georgia

Novel Wines

Champagne & Sparkling Specialist Shortlist

The Whisky Exchange

Lay & Wheeler

Waitrose & Partners

Cambridge Wine Merchants

England & Wales Specialist Shortlist

Corkk

The British Wine Cellar

Grape Britannia

The English Vine

Waitrose & Partners

Wickhams

Germany Specialist Shortlist

Handford Wines

The WineBarn

Justerini & Brooks

Italy Specialist Shortlist

Atlas Fine Wines

Bat and Bottle Wine Merchants

Goedhuis & Co

Jeroboams

Independent Wine

Noble Grape

The Oxford Wine Company

Uncorked

Loire Specialist Shortlist

Lay & Wheeler

Majestic Wine

New Zealand Specialist Shortlist

Jeroboams

Majestic Wine

Rhone Specialist Shortlist

Carringtons

Justerini & Brooks

South Africa Specialist Shortlist

Museum Wines

Swig Wine

Lay & Wheeler

Handford Wines

Majestic Wine

Waitrose & Partners

South and Regional France Specialist Shortlist

Majestic Wine

The Wine Society

Spain Specialist Shortlist

Highbury Vintners

The Tapas Room

Flavours of Spain (L’Oculto)

Sweet & Fortified Specialist Shortlist

Vintage Wine and Port

Waitrose & Partners

Cambridge Wine Merchants

USA Specialist Shortlist

ALLY Wines

Majestic Wine

Wanderlust Wine

Wine Support Services:

En Primeur Campaign of the Year Shortlist

Goedhuis & Co (Burgundy Campaign)

Goedhuis & Co (Bordeaux Campaign)

Justerini & Brooks (Germany Campaign)

Justerini & Brooks (Burgundy Campaign)

Uncorked (Burgundy Campaign)

Subscription Wine Club of the Year Shortlist

Bat and Bottle Wine Merchants

Highbury Vintners

London Sake

Mummy Wine Club

The Little Fine Wine Company

The Sourcing Table

The Wine Society

The Online Wine Tasting Club

Judges’ Choice & Outstanding Wine Retailer of the Year

Judges’ Choice is awarded at the judges’ discretion to highlight a retailer who is doing something different, innovative and creative. There is no shortlist for this category, but every entrant is considered. This category includes one runner-up and one winner.

Outstanding Wine Retailer of the Year is awarded to one retailer only and is selected from all entrants in all categories. This award is given to the retailer who, in the eyes of our panel of judges, has delivered the best wine retail experience for UK consumers between 1 June 2020 and 31 May 2021. There is no shortlist for this category.

Winners will be announced on Wednesday 6 October at 11am BST on @Decanter and @Decanterawards Instagram stories and Twitter. They will also be published on Decanter.com and included in Decanter magazine’s November 2021 Issue, on sale Wednesday 6 October.

See the Decanter Retailer Awards 2020 winners

Decanter Retailer Awards homepage

‘I don’t like using the term “natural wine” and prefer to talk about “low-intervention” wines instead. What is natural wine, after all? There’s no legal definition. And so unsurprisingly there’s a lot of confusion. The UK is now a wine-producing region, but we don’t yet have the culture that goes with that. Consumer knowledge of wine as a whole is still very low, let alone of natural wine. Even some natural wine bar owners themselves don’t understand the subject properly.

‘We’re focusing on wines made using organic or biodynamic fruit – though they may not be certified as such – and that follow a minimal-intervention approach in the winery. We want to tell people how the wine is low-intervention. We don’t want to tell them what it tastes like – tasting notes are subjective, so I don’t allow my team to talk about flavour profiles.

‘There are some common misconceptions. Many people think all natural wines taste funky. Some people think they won’t get a hangover from drinking these wines. They’ll soon learn that’s not true!

‘There are some regions in the world where it’s impossible to make natural wine. We do have a Texan Malbec on the list at Diogenes, but you won’t find any natural wine from Texas. People have tried, but the climate and soils there just won’t support it.’

Mags Janjo DipWSET joins the 2021 Decanter Retailer Awards judging panel alongside returning industry experts Peter Richards MW (Chairman), Andy Howard MW, Laura Clay and Peter Ranscombe.

With more than a decade of industry experience across wine retail, sales and brand creation, Janjo now has his own importer company, MJ Wine Cellars, offering wine education and consultancy services.

In 2020 he partnered with Jancis Robinson OBE MW to launch the BAME Wine Professionals website – an initiative to shine light on wine talent in the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities (BAME).

With entries now open for the 2021 competition, we get to know more about the newest member of the Decanter Retailer Awards panel, including his views on wine retail in the UK, wine buying tips and what he looks forward to most about judging.

Q&A with Mags Janjo, Decanter Retailer Awards 2021 judge

Tell us about yourself. How did you get into the wine industry?

Like most in the trade, I’d say I ‘fell into this wonderful industry.’ Having completed Maths and Sciences at 6^thform, I was fortunate enough to work for an employer who sponsored the WSET Level 2 in Wines and Spirits. I quickly realised that what I had studied at college, neatly dovetailed into the world of wine. There was no turning back once I’d caught the bug! I went on to occupy sales roles to the on and off-trade and eventually set up and MJ Wine Cellars in 2019.

As a new judge to the 2021 panel, what’s your impression of the Decanter Retailer Awards?

The DRA is one of the most recognisable industry awards and holds remarkable weight and credibility across both the on and off trade. Merchants around the UK proudly display their Decanter Awards in shop fronts and comms. It’s really thrilling to be part of the judging team this year!

What do you think is unique about the UK wine retail industry?

The UK retail scene offers unparalleled depth and value. Curated by the wonderfully talented buyers, consumers are treated to wines from all corners of the globe – which we sometimes take for granted. It’s a stark contrast to some countries, where the wine selection can be extremely nationally or even regionally focussed. It’s a blessing that we live in such a marginal climate – it forces us to import almost everything we consume!

What, for you, makes a wine retailer stand out?

The key word must be value. It must offer bang for your buck, no matter what region or category it specialises in. Once that’s at its core, most things tend to follow.

Wine retailers have had to quickly adjust due to Covid. Is there anything you’ve noticed retailers doing that has impressed you?

Wine retail relies on tastings and samplings. The way the retailers adapted to offering online alternatives has been hugely impressive. This goes beyond just tastings – we have seen producer Zoom calls, interactive sessions, wine courses, etc switch to a digital delivery which is particularly impressive, as the wine world is not known for being particularly tech savvy!

In the past 12 months, what have been the biggest challenges and/or successes facing your business?

Moving wine from Europe to the UK has been more costly and more importantly, more time consuming. That screw was further tightened by the pandemic. A much less talked about issue has been cash flow. Most of the trade works on 30, 60 or 90 days credit terms, with stock from Europe typically taking a week or two from cellar door to UK bonded warehouse. An extreme example was a wine taking 5 weeks from Austria, giving the importer just over 15 business days before the invoice was due!

What tips do you have for someone buying wine in the UK?

Travel off the beaten path – there are so many remarkable regions and wines in the country. Eastern Europe, Cyprus, Hungary, Georgia… these are all new frontiers to explore!

What do you look forward to most as a new judge on the 2021 panel?

Sitting on the other side of the table is set to be incredible amounts of fun, having worked for so many retailers who traditionally entered the DRA under various categories. I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in!*

Enter Decanter Retailer Awards 2021 now

Decanter Retailer Awards 2020 Results

*We trust our judges’ integrity, but to avoid any questionable conflicts of interest, Mags will not judge the Subscription Wine Club and Online Retailer categories.

Carrying on from the 2020 local, national and online retailers of the year, 21 ‘Specialist Retailer of the Year’ titles were awarded to top wine retailers across the UK at the 2020 Decanter Retailer Awards.

Among the many judging parameters, the specialist retailers of the year were awarded and recognised for their expertise and meticulous wine selections from a given region, country or style.

The local, national and online retailers of the year

Decanter Retailer Awards judging panel

Now in Decanter’s December issue, see what Chairman Peter Richards MW has to say about this year’s specialist winners, and discover where to shop for top wine selections from your favourite regions and wine styles…

The 2020 specialist retailers of the year

Runner-up: Majestic Wine

Hard to compete’ was one judge’s pithy assessment of The Vinorium’s Australian offering and can-do attitude, exemplified by a general rolling up of sleeves and team spirit during the Covid-19 pandemic. ‘We live and breathe Australian wine,’ they say, although planting a new Kentish vineyard with Australian clones may result in some split loyalties...

While not the most extensive Austrian listing, The Wine Society’s offering is a tantalisingly tasty prospect. It’s no surprise that sales are up by 47%, topping £1m for the first time, even extending into en primeur territory. More of the same, please!

Runner-up: BI Wine & Spirits

Always a hard-fought category. This year BI, with its encyclopaedic listing and unique service model, narrowly missed out to Goedhuis & Co. The judges were impressed by Goedhuis’ impressive sales numbers, engaging approach to communication and palpable dedication to reaching beyond Bordeaux’s traditional clientele to grow the market.

Runner-up: Goedhuis & Co

A fourth-generation business based in the East Riding of Yorkshire, House of Townend is not only an historic vintner that has survived the test of time, it is also a great place to buy Burgundy. Competitive prices and a great selection – 492 wines, or 28% of the range – including mature stock, make an irresistible proposition for wine lovers.

Runner-up: Best of Hungary

Novel Wines is expanding fast, testament to its engaging range and communication, and focus on demonstrating ‘that wines from central and eastern Europe can be as good, if not better, than the more classical wines at the same price’. Best of Hungary are, in their own words, ‘two Hungarian foodies in Wales, delivering an eclectic range with passion and a unique style’.

Runner-up: The Whisky Exchange

Waitrose tracks well above its market share in Champagne, but perhaps more commendable is its commitment to less obvious sparkling styles, from top-value Cava to English and beyond. Fizz sales are booming at The Whisky Exchange, which sparkling lovers would do well to check out, particularly Champagne aficionados.

Runner-up: Waitrose

A hotly contested field. Grape Britannia’s shop in Cambridge celebrated its first anniversary in June, and is armed with an ‘eco-friendly cargo-tricycle’ and a total commitment to English and Welsh wines, from pét-nat to orange and even fortified. Waitrose’s championing of English and Welsh wines remains highly laudable.

Based in Hampshire, The WineBarn is known for the range and quality of its exclusively German list. Service is personal and, despite having had to pivot from wholesale to direct online sales during the pandemic, the business remains a fine purveyor of German wines to the UK.

Runner-up: Noble Grape

Jeroboams is exemplary on Italy, boasting an extensive list and clear dedication to the cause. Noble Grape does an excellent job with limited resources: its Italian list is exquisitely selected.

Runner-up: Majestic

The Loire offers many gems of all hues for the specialist to unearth and champion. Majestic is fast improving, while Lay & Wheeler is growing its producer range (new Loire buyer Catherine Petrie MW used to live in the region) as well as sales, with a clear commitment to engaging and broadening its buying base.

Runner-up: Jeroboams Group

Kiwi wines account for a surprising 15% of the range at Majestic, and sales are up 88% since a range review. The list showcases a healthy range of styles: buyer Beth Pearce MW is encouraging customers to see beyond ‘Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc’. It’s a similar story at Jeroboams, where stellar names illuminate the New Zealand list.

Runner-up: Wanderlust Wine

Yorkshire (and indeed the UK) is lucky to have Buon Vino. With 738 organic, biodynamic or natural wines, it’s a treasure trove for wine lovers. No wonder its website ‘went mental’ during lockdown, and the business has been ‘sprinting’ to keep up ever since. Great attitude, top wines: worthy winner.

Runner-up: The Wine Society

Lay & Wheeler has tremendous strength and depth to its list, which features not only the kind of established classics to make you salivate, but also excellent producers from less prestigious areas such as Lirac and Ventoux, for those on a budget. The Wine Society is a fine place to buy Rhône wines, with some mouthwatering bottles on offer.

Regional France is a true forté for The Wine Society. It represents 17% of the range, with sales totalling £15m (and rising), 13 own-label wines and even en-primeur Bandol and Beaujolais. Outstanding buyers doing a great job, providing excellent range and value.

Runner-up: Stone Vine & Sun

Museum Wines offers not only a carefully curated (and growing) South African selection, but also an enthusiasm and proactive spirit that befits the category, typified by a decision to pay producers early when the export ban hit the Cape, passing on savings to customers at the same time. Stone Vine & Sun has long been an admirable champion of SA wine.

South America is not best served by independent retail in the UK, so it’s great to see Howard Jones’ England-Wales borderland-based business deliver commendable diversity and value from Argentina – a wine nation where there is much to discover.

Runner-up: The Tapas Room

Across both Spain and Portugal, from crisp whites to fortified delights, The Wine Society has notable strength and depth. The Tapas Room, across south and southeast London, has an eclectic and extensive Spanish list and is well worth checking out.

Runner-up: Waitrose

An advent calendar brim-full with fortified wine is now on all the judges’ Santa list, and is just one of the ways Hampshirebased Vintage Wine & Port impresses – its 1,100 wines, online tastings, great range and charitable endeavours during lockdown also help. Waitrose also offers a brilliant range.

It’s not just about the posh stuff – Roberson supplies Aldi with its successful label The Wrangler Zinfandel too. But what a range it is – truly mouthwatering, at the cutting edge of California wine and now helping to grow the market and reach of its products. The ‘California at Home’ lockdown campaign was inspired.

Runner-up: Honest Grapes

This timely new award saw M&S triumph, the result of its outstanding long-term commitment to sustainability – carbon neutral since 2012, it has reduced bottle weights, introduced recyclable packing and works with suppliers to reduce carbon footprints. Honest Grapes has taken effective action right across its business following its recent Grape to Glass study.

Runner-up: Lay & Wheeler (Bordeaux)

Two excellent campaigns here, backed up by reasonable storage rates and impressive customer engagement. Goedhuis’ Bordeaux 2018 campaign raised £4.3m (up 109%) and contained not only an excellent range of wine, from stellar to accessible, but an outreach strategy that was both highly personalised and user-friendly.

‘This year, judges were brought to tears by the selflessness, devotion and resourcefulness of the UK’s wine retailers,’ recalls competition chairman Peter Richards MW.

‘This speaks volumes about how challenges have been met and, in many cases, overcome in style by purveyors of wine all over the country. It’s also why we were determined to hold these awards: to honour these achievements in adversity. Thanks to the entrants, we were able to raise £25,000 for The Drinks Trust and The Ben charities.

Wine may not be the most important thing in life, but it’s at times like these we learn to value such pleasures and moments more than ever.’

The 2020 judging panel

See all Decanter Retailer Awards results

The 2020 local, national and online winners

It takes something special to win the top gong and this year Honest Grapes nailed it. What swung it? Factors like a fierce commitment to sustainability, an engaging online presence and rewarding wine club all helped. But at the heart of it all were a delightful wine list and an unashamed sense of personality and fun. If Decanter readers haven’t checked out Honest Grapes yet, they should.

Runner-up: Majestic Wine

At the historic D Byrne & Co in Lancashire, Covid-19 has enforced a change of venue to the brewery, a move undertaken with bravery and brilliance by all concerned. Meanwhile, deserved recognition here for Majestic, which the judges were delighted to see getting back to what it does best after a turbulent few years, with a bright future ahead.

Runner-up: Co-op

Booths remains an engaging and lip-smacking destination for wine lovers, with commendable buying and customer engagement leading to well-deserved growth. The Co-op’s environmental and ethical commitment continues to impress as it moves to recyclable packaging, renewable electricity and ever more organic and vegan wines.

Runner-up: Tanners

Two outstanding names here. Cambridge Wine Merchants sources a fine and often eclectic range while communicating and engaging their clientele in inspired fashion – never more so than during lockdown. As they say, it’s been a ‘super-busy year of hard work, evolution, pragmatism, creativity’. Tanners combines an exceptional list with, as they say, an ambition to ‘sell the fun’.

Runner-up: WoodWinters

Loki is a beacon of wine brilliance in the Birmingham area, selling excellent wines with humour and personality. A new site is on the cards for Solihull – long may its well-deserved growth continue. When it comes to retailers with more than one shop in a specific area, WoodWinters does a fine job in Scotland, with a vast list and impressive new website.

Runner-up: The Whalley Wine Shop

When lockdown hit, St Andrews (purveyors of a fine, extensive list) invested in a Morris Minor van to use as a mobile bar for weddings, gave away bottles to those most deserving and helped other local businesses deliver for free. This local community spirit was also in evidence at last year’s winner The Whalley Wine Shop, which has pivoted online in impressive fashion.

Runner-up: Jeroboams Group

Lea & Sandeman goes the extra mile when it comes to sourcing an extensive and rewarding wine list – its shops across London are true temples to wine. A revitalised, dynamic Jeroboams is another boon for London wine lovers.

Runner-up: Philglas & Swiggot

It’s been a year of ups and downs for London wine shops, but both Noble Green and Philglas have not only coped but thrived in commendable fashion. Noble Green continues its impressive growth, based on a wide-ranging list and excellent customer engagement.

Runner-up: Davy & Co (Greenwich)

The Good Wine Shop’s Richmond outlet is a recent but exciting arrival with an excellent range. Instigating audio shelf-talkers and a refilling initiative, together with raising £7,000 for the Greenwich food bank were all testament to the creativity at Davy’s Greenwich shop.

An innovative retailer with an engaging online presence, Wanderlust was a deserving winner, with its emphasis on direct sourcing, sustainable production and an engaging wine club proposition.

Runner-up: Roberson Wine

Some 80% of The Wine Society’s sales are now online and, with a sensational range and ingenuity in customer engagement, it remains a standard-bearer for UK wine retail. Roberson displays a commitment, nimbleness and style online that sets it apart – at the peak of the pandemic, its online retail was up 1,000% year-on-year, with proceeds reinvested in the site.

Runner-up: Savage Vines

It’s heartening to see the number of new players entering this category – many, including Savage Vines, with a great sense of personality. Diogenes (great name) is a self-styled ‘counter-culture wine bar and shop’ in London’s Elephant & Castle with a fiercely eclectic but rewarding list, 95% available by the glass, and an admirable sense of adventure.

Runner-up: The Wine Society

Honest Grapes’ wine club is a major focus for the company – ‘We are very much something to be part of, not just buy from’ – involving excellent engagement via Wine Gurus, tastings, its cash-back ‘pips’ loyalty points, commendable flexibility, as well as a cracking wine range. Judges praised The Wine Society’s Wine Without Fuss buying plan as user-friendly and showcasing excellent wines.

INSIDE THE DECEMBER 2020 EDITION OF DECANTER…

Features:

• Decanter Retailer Awards: The 2020 winners
• My top 50: great Rhône Valley wines at £20 and under
• Women in Champagne: top name ringing the changes
• My top 10: Port’s single quintas
• Regional Profile: Wairarapa, New Zealand
• Decanter World Wine Awards: The top 20 sparkling wines of 2020
• Producer Profile: The Standish Wine Co, Barossa Valley
• Vintage reports: Bolgheri 2017, Tuscany

Spirits:

• NEW – Distilled by Decanter: spirits news, insights, cocktail recipes and more…
• World of whiskies: find your style

Buying Guide:

• Californian Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 vintage
• Expert’s choice: New World sparkling

Good Living:

• Five great European river cruises for wine lovers
• My Singapore

DECANTER PREMIUM: Join today and get instant access to the latest issue on your smartphone or tablet. Plus, enjoy five years worth of back issues.

Collectors:

• Market watch
• Fine wine price watch
• Wine legends: Royal Tokaji, Nyulászó Aszú 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj 1993

Regulars:

• The art of wine
• A month in wine
• Letters
• Weekday wines
• Weekend wines
• Notes & queries
• Next month

Recognising the UK’s top wine retailers and offering wine drinkers an indispensable guide to the best wine merchants, supermarkets, independent shops and online retailers, results for the 2020 Decanter Retailer Awards were announced Monday 7 September.

Unable to hold the annual Decanter Retailer Awards Ceremony to announce, award and celebrate this year’s winners, we asked retailers to share their win with us.

Scroll down to see some of this year’s award-winning retailers and discover where to shop for the best wine selections…

Results stats:

The 2020 Decanter Retailer Awards included 34 categories for Specialist, Local, Regional, National and Online categories. Almost 100 retailers were Shortlisted with a final 27 Runners-up and 34 Winners being awarded.

Decanter Retailer Awards 2020 results listSee the 2020 Shortlist

Decanter Retailer Awards 2020: Photo Highlights

Pictured: Buyer Victoria Anderson, Edwin Booth, CEO and Chairman of Booths and John Gill, Head of Marketing & Trading

Runner-up: Roberson Wine

Some 80% of The Wine Society’s sales are now online and, with a sensational range and ingenuity in customer engagement, it remains a standard-bearer for UK wine retail. Roberson displays a commitment, nimbleness and style online that sets it apart – at the peak of the pandemic, its online retail was up 1,000% year-on-year, with proceeds reinvested in the site.

Pictured: Daniel Grigg, Managing Director

Pictured: Hal Wilson (center), MD and wine buyers, Alice Archer and Stewart Travers

Pictured: Peter Wood, Owner

Pictured: Simon Taylor, Owner & Buyer

Pictured: Iris Ellmann, Managing Director

Pictured: Jamie Mattewson, Partner & Wine Buying Manager at Waitrose

Pictured: Matt Hodgson, Managing Director

Pictured: Philip Byrne, Partner

Pictured: John Charles Townend, Managing Director

Pictured: Howard Jones, Proprietor

Pictured: Robert Bagot, Company Director

Pictured: Dawn Davies MW, Head Buyer

The annual Decanter Retailer Awards aims to offer wine drinkers an indispensable guide to the best retail experiences, championing the very best wine retailers in the UK.

This year the Decanter Retailer Awards judging panel made their way through more than one hundred entries, assessing, scoring and re-scoring across three stages of judging, ultimately narrowing down entries to determine one winner in each category.

Scroll down to see this year’s winners

Retailers impressed the judges perhaps more than ever as entries were submitted during the height of lockdown in the UK. Judge Andy Howard MW commented, ‘I was almost astonished at how good most of the entries were given the environment that everybody was in when they would have been doing this, so I think an awful lot of commendation needs to be given to the people who’ve put this together.’

The Decanter Retailer Awards judging process is based on what Decanter readers think is most important to them when purchasing wines: Quality, Value, Range and Service. The impact of the pandemic on retailers was taken into consideration, and on this judge Laura Clay commented, ‘I was very impressed with how quickly people changed their business model because of the situation. It was absolutely incredible.’

All proceeds from the 2020 awards and an additional donation made by Decanter were donated to The Drinks Trust and The Ben, raising an impressive total of £25k for these UK drinks industry charities. Learn more here.

Decanter Retailer Awards 2020 Results

Australia Specialist of the Year: The Vinorium

Runner-up: Majestic Wine

Austria Specialist of the Year: The Wine Society

Runner-up: N/A

Bordeaux Specialist of the Year: Goedhuis & Co

Runner-up: BI Wines & Spirits

Burgundy Specialist of the Year: House of Townend

Runner-up: Goedhuis & Co

Central & Eastern Europe Specialist of the Year: Novel Wines

Runner-up: Best of Hungary

Champagne & Sparkling Specialist of the Year: Waitrose

Runner-up: The Whisky Exchange

England & Wales Specialist of the Year: Grape Britannia

Runner-up: Waitrose

Germany Specialist of the Year: The WineBarn

Runner-up: N/A

Italy Specialist of the Year: Jeroboams

Runner-up: Noble Grape

Loire Specialist of the Year: Lay & Wheeler

Runner-up: Majestic Wine

New Zealand Specialist of the Year: Majestic Wine

Runner-up: Jeroboams

Organic & Biodynamic Specialist of the Year: Buon Vino

Runner-up: Wanderlust Wine

Rhône Specialist of the Year: Lay & Wheeler

Runner-up: The Wine Society

South & Regional France Specialist of the Year: The Wine Society

Runner-up: N/A

South Africa Specialist of the Year: Museum Wines

Runner-up: Stone, Vine & Sun

South America Specialist of the Year: Taste Argentina

Runner-up: N/A

Spain & Portugal Specialist of the Year: The Wine Society

Runner-up: The Tapas Room

Sweet & Fortified Specialist of the Year: Vintage Wine & Port

Runner-up: Waitrose

USA Specialist of the Year: Roberson Wine

Runner-up: N/A

Newcomer of the Year: Diogenes the Dog

Runner-up: Savage Vines

Subscription Wine Club of the Year: Honest Grapes

Runner-up: The Wine Society

En Primeur Campaign of the Year: Goedhuis & Co (for Bordeaux Campaign)

Runner-up: Lay & Wheeler (for Bordeaux Campaign)

Green Champion Award: Marks & Spencer

Runner-up: Honest Grapes

Local Wine Shop of the Year: St Andrews Wine Company

Runner-up: The Whalley Wine Shop

Local Multi-Store of the Year: Loki Wine

Runner-up: WoodWinters Wines & Whiskies

London Neighbourhood Wine Shop of the Year: The Good Wine Shop, Richmond

Runner-up: Davy’s Wine Merchants, Greenwich Shop

London Wine Shop of the Year: Noble Green Wines

Runner-up: Philglas & Swiggot

London Multi-Store of the Year: Lea & Sandeman

Runner-up: Jeroboams

National Wine Shop of the Year: Cambridge Wine Merchants

Runner-up: Tanners Wines

Supermarket of the Year: Booths

Runner-up: Co-op

Small Online Retailer of the Year: Wanderlust Wine

Runner-up: N/A

Large Online Retailer of the Year: The Wine Society

Runner-up: Roberson Wine

Judges’ Choice: D. Byrne & Co

Runner-up: Majestic Wine

Outstanding Wine Retailer of the Year: Honest Grapes

See the 2020 Shortlist

Decanter Retailer Awards 2019 results

The annual Decanter Retailer Awards aims to offer wine drinkers an indispensable guide to the best retail experiences, championing the very best wine retailers in the UK.

In this unpredictable year, the brilliant line-up of entries from retailers across the nation have made it evident how creative, resourceful, innovative, driven and passionate this industry is.

Judge Laura Clay commented, ‘I was very impressed with how quickly people changed their business model because of the situation. It was absolutely incredible. Nobody just sat at home and shut their door, they went out and did things – and not just for themselves but for other people. Actually what it did show me was again, we see it time and time again, how wonderful this trade is; I mean really how lovely people in it are.’

Scroll down to see the 2020 Shortlist

Judge Andy Howard MW added, ‘I was almost astonished at how good most of the entries were given the environment that everybody was in when they would have been doing this, so I think an awful lot of commendation needs to be given to the people who’ve put this together, probably in lots of difficult circumstances, so I was very surprised at how much good information there was there.’

All proceeds from the 2020 awards and an additional donation made by Decanter were donated to The Drinks Trust and The Ben, raising an impressive total of £25k for these UK drinks industry charities. Learn more about the charities and donations here.

Final results will be announced live Monday 7 September at 11am BST on @Decanter and @Decanterawards Instagram stories and Twitter, then published on Decanter.com. 

The 2020 Judging Panel & Process

Entries to the Decanter Retailer Awards 2020 were judged in three stages by our expert judging panel, based on what Decanter readers think is most important to them when purchasing wines: Quality, Value, Range, Service, Innovation and Performance.

The 2020 judging panel consists of five independent wine experts who have been chosen for their extensive knowledge in the retailer environment.

• Peter Richards MW, Chairman – Wine writer and TV presenter
• Andy Howard MW – Decanter contributor, wine writer and consultant
• Peter Ranscombe – Wine columnist and drinks blogger for Scottish Field
• Laura Clay – Wine Educator and Chairman of the Association of Wine Educators
• Kate Hawkings – Wine writer and author of Aperitif
  Learn more about this year’s judging panel here

Decanter Retailer Awards 2020 Shortlist

Local Wine Shop of the Year Shortlist

D. Byrne & Co

The Whalley Wine Shop

St Andrews Wine Company

Local Multi-Store of the Year Shortlist

Loki Wine

WoodWinters Wines & Whiskies

London Neighbourhood Wine Shop of the Year Shortlist

The Tapas Room, Deptford Market Yard

Flavours of Spain, L’Oculto

Davy’s Wine Merchants, Greenwich Shop

The Good Wine Shop, Richmond

London Wine Shop of the Year Shortlist 

Noble Green Wines

Philglas & Swiggot

London Multi-Store of the Year Shortlist 

Jeroboams

Lea & Sandeman

National Wine Shop of the Year Shortlist

Cambridge Wine Merchants

Majestic Wine

Tanners Wines

Supermarket of the Year Shortlist

Aldi

Booths

Co-op

Marks & Spencer

Waitrose

Large Online Retailer of the Year Shortlist

Slurp Wine

The Wine Society

Honest Grapes

House of Townend

The Whisky Exchange

Majestic Wine

Roberson Wine

Cru World Wine

Newcomer of the Year Shortlist

Vegan Wine Box

Savage Vines

Independent Wine

Diogenes the Dog

Taste Argentina

Green Champion Award

Grape Britannia

Honest Grapes

Marks & Spencer

Waitrose

Best Specialist Retailers:

Australia Specialist Shortlist

The Vinorium

Majestic Wine

Bordeaux Specialist Shortlist

BI Wines & Spirits

Goedhuis & Co

Burgundy Specialist Shortlist

Goedhuis & Co

House of Townend

Central & Eastern Europe Specialist Shortlist

The Wine Society

Best of Hungary

Taste of Georgia

Novel Wines

Champagne & Sparkling Specialist Shortlist

The Whisky Exchange

Lea & Sandeman

Waitrose

England & Wales Specialist Shortlist

Elizabeth Rose Wines

South Downs Cellars

Grape Britannia

Hawkins Bros Fine English Wines

Waitrose

Italy Specialist Shortlist

Jeroboams

The Wine Society

Independent Wine

Noble Grape

Loire Specialist Shortlist

Lay & Wheeler

Majestic Wine

New Zealand Specialist Shortlist

Jeroboams

Majestic Wine

Organic & Biodynamic Specialist Shortlist

Buon Vino

Wanderlust Wine

Rhone Specialist Shortlist

The Wine Society

Lay & Wheeler

Lea & Sandeman

South Africa Specialist Shortlist

Museum Wines

Slurp Wine

Lay & Wheeler

Stone, Vine & Sun

Spain & Portugal Specialist Shortlist

The Wine Society

The Tapas Room

Flavours of Spain (L’Oculto)

Majestic Wine

Sweet & Fortified Specialist Shortlist

Vintage Wine and Port

Waitrose

Wine Support Services:

En Primeur Campaign of the Year Shortlist

Jeroboams (Burgundy Campaign)

Goedhuis & Co (Burgundy Campaign)

Davy’s Wine Merchants (Bordeaux Campaign)

Goedhuis & Co (Bordeaux Campaign)

Lay & Wheeler (Bordeaux Campaign)

Subscription Wine Club of the Year Shortlist

Honest Grapes

Wanderlust Wine

Savage Vines

The Wine Society

ChampagneHub

Judges’ Choice & Outstanding Wine Retailer of the Year

Judges’ Choice is awarded at the judges’ discretion to highlight a retailer who is doing something different, innovative and creative. There is no shortlist for this category, but every entrant is considered. This category includes one runner-up and one winner. There is no shortlist for this category.

Outstanding Wine Retailer of the Year is awarded to one retailer only and is selected from all entrants in all categories. This award is given to the retailer who, in the eyes of our panel of judges, has delivered the best wine retail experience for UK consumers between 1 June 2019 and 31 May 2020. There is no shortlist for this category.

Winners will be announced live Monday 7 September at 11am BST on @Decanter and @Decanterawards Instagram stories and Twitter. Follow along to be the first to find out this year’s runners-up and winners.

See the winners from the 2019 Retailer Awards

Back to the Decanter Retailer Awards homepage

In May the Decanter Retailer Awards announced that all proceeds from the awards competition would be donated to The Drinks Trust, a charitable organisation providing support, care and assistance to the drinks industry, with an additional donation to The Ben, the Scottish drinks industry charity.

The 2020 competition is now closed, judging has commenced, and the Decanter Retailer Awards is thrilled to announce that between entries and an additional donation made by Decanter, it’s raised £20,000 for The Drinks Trust and £5,000 for The Ben.

Ross Carter, CEO of The Drinks Trust, said: ‘Thank you to Decanter for generously donating the money raised from the Retailer Awards to The Drinks Trust, particularly at this challenging and uncertain time, when demand for our services is higher than at any other point in our history.

‘Also, thank you and good luck to all the Decanter Retailer Awards entrants. The money raised will support us to extend our Wellness Services which will provide wellbeing support to our industry community, please go to our website to find out more.’ 

Chris Gardner, Chief Executive of The Ben, added: ‘In these troubling times it is heartwarming to know there are people out there willing to help our trade charity and I thank you on behalf of the BEN and the people in Scotland we help. This donation will enable us to continue our crucial work going forward and it is very much appreciated.’

Despite the many challenges and adaptations businesses have had to make this year, entries from across the UK closely matched those of previous years and now into judging, retailers are proving they are more resilient than ever, adding innovation, flexibility, imagination, creativity and generosity to the excellent work they already do.

Judge Laura Clay said: ‘I’ve been so looking forward to judging and was expecting to be thoroughly impressed by what wine retailers have been up to just as I was last year. I was not expecting to be moved to tears.’

Peter Richards MW, Chairman of the Decanter Retailer Awards, added: ‘In this time of coronavirus, everyone – whatever their circumstances – has had to adapt, dig deep and find new ways to work and play… Little things matter right now. Raising a smile. Encouraging others. Finding solidarity in shared activities. Supporting local businesses and people who go the extra mile to make others happy. 

‘All of these things are part and parcel of judging the Decanter Retailer Awards. We want to champion the nation’s best wine retailers and give them a platform to reach more people and spread their own particular brand of joy. That’s never been more necessary than now.’

About the Decanter Retailer Awards:

The Decanter Retailer Awards champions the very best of wine retail in the UK, rewarding retailers for their innovation, drive and creativity while offering wine drinkers an indispensable guide to the best wine shops, online retail, wine support services and wine lists on the high street.

Judging for the awards is conducted in three rounds by five independent wine experts that have been chosen based on their extensive knowledge in the retail environment. 

This year’s shortlist will be published on Decanter.com Tuesday 25 August 2020 with final results announced on Decanter.com this September.

See Decanter Retailer Awards 2019 results

Read more: Decanter Retailer Awards 2020 Chairman’s Blog

The Decanter Retailer Awards champion the very best of wine retail in the UK, and in what has been a year of uncertainty and adaptation, it is evident that retailers across the UK have the innovation, drive, creativity and energy that are hallmarks of the awards.

As the 2020 entry deadline nears on Friday 3 July, Decanter Retailer Awards Chairman Peter Richards MW addresses the changes and challenges retailers have had to (and still do) face, the support of the awards, and what he looks forward to as judging nears this July…

Chairman’s Blog

By Peter Richards MW, June 2020

When I wrote my Decanter Retailer Awards Chairman’s Blog last year, I outlined the ‘testing times’ for UK wine retail.

How times change.

In this time of coronavirus, everyone – whatever their circumstances – has had to adapt, dig deep and find new ways to work and play. 

Some have lost their lives. Others have lost their jobs. That puts everything into perspective.

So why should some wine retailer awards matter?

In one sense, they don’t. When you look at the bigger picture, such things can rightly seem trivial. 

And yet it’s also true to say that little things matter right now. Raising a smile. Encouraging others. Finding solidarity in shared activities. Supporting local businesses and people who go the extra mile to make others happy. 

All of these things are part and parcel of judging the Decanter Retailer Awards. We want to champion the nation’s best wine retailers and give them a platform to reach more people and spread their own particular brand of joy. That’s never been more necessary than now.

Last chance: Enter the 2020 Decanter Retailer Awards now

Read the 2019 Chairman’s Blog

Have you noticed how wine has been an almost emblematic feature of lockdown? 

People are drinking it, talking about it, sharing thoughts and jokes and smiles like seldom before… That’s a huge opportunity to build on. And it’s been the result of some very hard work and resilience by wine retailers all over the country. We’d like to recognise and reward those efforts in these exceptional times.

In the great British spirit of all mucking in together, all revenue from this year’s Decanter Retailer Awards will go to The Drinks Trust, a charitable organisation providing support, care and assistance to the drinks industry and which has also been helping those hit by the coronavirus fallout. 

What’s more, the entry deadline has been extended in recognition of the time pressure that wine retailers have been under (the new deadline is now 3rd July 2020). 

We judges would love to hear stories from wine retailers all over the country about how they’ve been overcoming adversity and bringing joy to wine drinkers around the land. We’re champing at the bit to celebrate the best of the best, the kind of people fighting valiantly to retain the UK’s status as one of the very best places in the world to buy and enjoy wine. 

There will be an end to this coronavirus fallout, even if it does prove frustrating and more protracted than we’re all hoping. We’d love to help support our great wine retailers in all their gloriously eclectic diversity, and help them get through these testing times and out the other side. 

I know my fellow judges – Laura Clay, Kate Hawkings, Andy Howard MW and Peter Ranscombe – will join me in raising a glass to the brilliant people who help keep that glass (at the very least half) full. And we look forward to supporting them via the Decanter Retailer Awards when we come to judge in July.

Winners of this year’s awards will be announced in September 2020

See the 2019 results here

Back to the Decanter Retailer Awards homepage

Entries to the 2020 Decanter Retailer Awards close in just one month, then the judging begins. Ahead of this, get to know the newest member of the 2020 judging panel, Kate Hawkings, as she addresses the UK wine retail industry, current trends and more.

Tell us about yourself. How did you get into the drinks industry?

I come from a restaurant background, beginning as a waitress when I was a student (MANY years ago) where I fell in love with the world of eating and drinking, and that’s where I began to learn about wine. I went on to buy wine and compose wine lists for restaurants, as well as writing on food and travel for various publications. I began writing on wine and other drinks several years ago and, despite the very precarious nature of freelance work, I haven’t really looked back.

As a new judge for the 2020 awards competition, what’s your impression of the Decanter Retailer Awards?

Recognising and rewarding excellence is always a good thing, not only as a support to retailers who go that extra mile, but also by informing the public who they are and where to find them.

What do you think is unique about the UK wine retail industry?

I travel a lot for work (or used to, before Covid) and always make a point of visiting local wine shops when I’m abroad. The Brits are way more eclectic and adventurous in their wine tastes than anywhere else I’ve been, and there are loads of retailers who cater to their needs, both specialist online retailers or high street shops stocked with really interesting ranges.

What’s a wine trend that you’re currently seeing in the retail industry?

Well, apart from the obvious Covid-related impetus for retailers being really nimble to get their goods to market, I’m seeing impressive stats on the growth of BIBs and other alt-format wine packaging. The environmental impact of making and transporting glass bottles is rightly being addressed by the wine industry, more and more sustainably minded makers are putting good juice into bags, and consumers seem to like their quality and convenience as well as their eco-credentials.

What do you think makes a wine retailer stand out?

Engagement with customers – finding out what they like, what they’re eating and what they want to spend, then steering them towards new discoveries as well as reliable favourites, and making them feel empowered rather than intimidated. Covid has changed the goalposts massively; the best retailers, who were used to dealing with customers face-to-face, are offering similar levels of engagement as they switch to online sales.

What do you look for when buying wine for yourself?

Tough question! I tend to steer clear of famous names from famous places and look for wines from unusual grapes made in less well-known places as I think they so often offer great value for money, and I love discovering new things.

Given the current situation, how are you shopping for wine/drinks at the moment, and what are you drinking at home right now?

I’m very lucky in that I get sent a lot of wine samples so don’t buy very much for myself. Having said that, I’ve been doing a fortnightly Zoom tasting with some friends when we taste the same wines together. We’ve been buying some lovely things from Vine Trail in Bristol, where we live – like many importers, they used to sell mainly to the on-trade but have opened their lists to private customers. Tonight we’re tasting (drinking, let’s be honest) Galician wines – a white blend from Augalevada, aged in barrel and tinajas, and Bodegas Albamar’s O Esteiro, a foot-trodden red blend from very old vines.

Learn more about the Decanter Retailer Awards 2020 judging panel here.

Decanter Retailer Awards 2019 Results

UK wine retailers: Enter the 2020 Decanter Retailer Awards now

Earlier this month Decanter Retailer Awards announced that all revenue from the 2020 awards will be donated to The Drinks Trust, a charitable organisation providing support, care and assistance to the drinks industry since 1886.

In addition to this, to represent Scottish retailers alongside the charitable work of The Drinks Trust, an additional donation will be made to The Ben, the Scottish drinks industry charity founded in 1864.

See below to learn more about The Ben including what this charitable organisation has done and is doing for the drinks industry now.

Also see: Decanter Retailer Awards in association with The Drinks Trust

The Ben

Offering financial, social and emotional support to those in need within the drinks industry, The Ben is increasingly concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on the people of our industry both in terms of health, but also potential financial hardship.

At the moment they are working their way through applications which have increased dramatically since the onset of the pandemic and are continuing to pay annual amounts of money to over 100 people in need.

The charity’s estate – made up of 18 houses – is located in Pitlochry and currently houses 17 tenants. One house is dedicated to Respitality Scotland to let carers have a break rent free.

The Ben also works with HIT Scotland on their bursary programme, donating an annual amount, and they have their own mental health helpline in conjunction with the Drinks Trust.

To learn more about The Ben, visit their website here.

Read more – Retailers to watch: Where to buy wine and online tasting events in the UK

UK wine retailers: Enter the 2020 Decanter Retailer Awards

With more than 30 categories to enter, the Decanter Retailer Awards aims to recognise, highlight and reward the specific strengths of wine retailers across the UK.

Each year Decanter Retailer Awards categories are reviewed, and while many categories remain the same from year to year, others are updated or newly introduced with both the retailer and customer in mind.

In order to best represent retailers doing a really great job, updates and additions have been made to the list of categories available to enter. See what’s new for this year’s awards competition below.

New for 2020

New for 2020, the Green Champion Award aims to recognise a retailer that is making a commitment to reduce its negative environmental impact. The award will be given to any retailer (wine shop/s or online) that can show how their environmental initiatives and sustainability strategies have led to an improvement in their carbon footprint over the past 12 months. 

What are the judging panel looking for when judging this category?

• The aim is to commend commitment to reducing negative environmental impacts and encourage innovation and continuous improvement in the UK wine retail scene.
• A commitment to training staff in environmental best practise is important.
• Judges look for an ability to combine environmental best practise with a commitment to quality across the wine range and the retail experience.
• Judges will reward innovative sustainability initiatives. They will be looking for things which might cover, but not be limited to, material or packaging substitutions, ways to reduce carbon footprint across the supply chain, circular economy, encouraging staff and customers to reduce, reuse, recycle and localise sourcing.

Updated for 2020

The Decanter Retailer Awards has included a Best Online Retailer of the Year category, but with impressive strides taken by retailers online, this category has been separated to reflect its growth. For 2020, entrants can now enter either the Large Online Retailer or Small Online Retailer category based on turnover. The categories are open to any UK wine retailer with a comprehensive wine range available to buy online.

The Local Multi-Store category – open to any retailer with more than one wine shop outside the M25 – has been updated so that areas/regions for this category are specific. The following categories within this award have been newly introduced for 2020:

• Central & Eastern England: Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire, West Midlands, Herefordshire, Rutland, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire
• Northern England: Northumberland, Durham, Cleveland, Yorkshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire
• Southern England: Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset Wiltshire, Avon, Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, Isle of Wight, Channel Islands
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

Returning for 2020

The Decanter Retailer Awards is bringing back the Judges’ Choice Award. Decanter is keen to reward innovative wine retailing and award an entrant that the judges think is most deserving. No matter how small or large the business, whether an established name or new to the scene, every retailer that enters the Decanter Retailer Awards will be eligible for this award.

See all categories & entry criteria

New: Decanter Retailer Awards in association with The Drinks Trust

Entries for the 2020 Decanter Retailer Awards are now open until 3 July 2020 with all revenue going to The Drinks Trust, a charitable organisation providing support, care and assistance to the drinks industry since 1886.

Learn more about the Decanter Retailer Awards and enter the 2020 awards competition here.

The Decanter Retailer Awards champions the very best in UK wine retail, and in these challenging and uncertain times, more than ever we want to recognise, highlight and award those doing a really great job.

There is no better time to support the UK wine industry which is why this year, Decanter is very pleased to announce that all revenue from the Decanter Retailer Awards will go to The Drinks Trust, a charitable organisation providing support, care and assistance to the drinks industry since 1886.

See below to learn more about The Drinks Trust including what this charitable organisation has done for the drinks industry, and upcoming initiatives due to launch soon.

The Drinks Trust

The Drinks Trust is the drinks industry community organisation. Since 1886, The Drinks Trust (formerly The Benevolent) has provided care and support to the people who form the drinks industry workforce, both past and present. The organisation is run by drinks industry professionals, funded by drinks industry partners and supported by thousands of drinks industry fundraisers, volunteers and contributors.

The Trust provides individuals with services across vocational, well-being, financial and practical support. These services are intended to assist with and improve the circumstances of those who receive them.

COVID-19 Emergency Fund

A financial support scheme to drinks industry individuals who have lost their employment and income. This initiative is targeted at the following two groups:

1. Those who have been made redundant and subsequently not been reinstated, meaning they are unable to benefit from the salary grant scheme set out by the Chancellor
2. Those on zero hours contracts who will receive only small levels of financial benefit from the salary support measures outlined by the Chancellor

Additionally, these individuals will have worked in one of the following establishments:

1. On-trade; bars, pubs and those who worked with drinks in restaurants and hotels, such as sommeliers and beverage managers
2. Off-trade; those who worked in alcohol retailing businesses
3. Distribution; those who worked in businesses supplying the above

This initiative was only open for a limited period, but The Drinks Trust is looking to open their regular applications with priority given to those who didn’t qualify for the Fund above, but have been affected by COVID-19.

The Drinks Trust Wellness Initiative

Due to launch in the coming weeks, the Wellness Initiative will focus on the emerging and likely long-term effects the current situation will have on the mental health and wellness of the drinks industry community. It will assist the members of the drinks industry to live a constructive and healthy life in these times of uncertainty, isolation and distance from an otherwise social and community-oriented industry.

This initiative will comprise of key areas to start with, however it is likely to evolve:

1. Guidance – Content and Encouragement
2. Support – Helpline & Talking Therapies
3. Treatment – Sleep & insomnia
4. Treatment – Mindful Drinking
5. Tutoring – Community Learning and Support

To learn more about The Drinks Trust, visit their website here.

Read more – Retailers to watch: Where to buy wine and online tasting events in the UK

UK wine retailers: Enter the 2020 Decanter Retailer Awards

Wine retailers across the UK are open for business online, offering special delivery rates, case discounts and some even hosting virtual wine talks and tastings to connect with customers during lockdown. Albeit limited hours, some shops are also open for click and collect or with social distancing measures in place. We've compiled a list of award-winning retailers in the UK as a guide to shopping online for great wine.

For additional suggestions, please email marketing@decanter.com

Decanter Retailer Awards 2019: Award-winning retailers

The below winners and runners-up are currently delivering, offering specials and some even hosting online tastings and producing videos to share with you. 

Berry Bros & Rudd: Bordeaux Specialist Retailer of the Year and USA Specialist Retailer runner-up, Berry Bros & Rudd are much busier than normal at the moment so service is a bit slower than usual, but they are delivering and orders should arrive within five working days. In order to stay in touch with customers BBR has launched a series of producer videos which are saved on their Instagram. Keep an eye on @berrybrosrudd for more details.

*Tasting event and/or online videos

BI Fine Wine & Spirits: Bordeaux Specialist Retailer of the Year runner-up, BI Fine Wine & Spirits are still delivering. To protect their valued customers and staff, they are supporting deliveries with reduced interaction. Their drivers will no longer be able to bring deliveries into your home, which means they will be delivering to doorstep only and won’t ask to sign for deliveries.

Buon Vino: Organic & Biodynamic Specialist Retailer of the Year, Buon Vino’s courier services are operating as normal with delivery throughout the UK. They have added a new special free local delivery service for orders of £40 or more, and can also deliver cheese orders from The Courtyard Dairy to the area immediately around Settle where they are based. Those with addresses which fall within their northwest delivery route will also receive free delivery for orders over £75.

Cambridge Wine Merchants: National Wine Shop of the Year, Cambridge Wine Merchant’s website and telephone lines remain open for business and they now offer free delivery in the Cambridge area and for a small charge in mainland Britain. See their range of mixed case offerings and save up to 25% off here.

Croatian Fine Wines: Central & Eastern Europe Specialist Retailer of the Year runner-up, Croatian Fine Wines delivers to mainland UK and is offering call and collect at their shop in Northwich, open Monday-Friday 9am – 4pm.

Cru World Wine: Innovator of the Year, Cru has seen an increase in the demand for fine wine and with this has helped suppliers divert offers and inventory that would have previously been going to on-trade channels. If you are looking to add to your wine collection, now is the time to do so and Cru World Wine is the place to look. Cru currently has over 1,000 in-stock wines for immediate delivery.

Goedhuis & Co: Burgundy Specialist Retailer of the Year and En Primeur Campaign of the Year winner, Goedhuis is delivering across the UK and has a range of offers on their website here.

Handford Wines: South Africa Specialist of the Year, Handford Wines have temporarily closed their South Kensington store their online shop remains open and they are delivering.

Honest Grapes: Subscription Wine Club of the Year runner-up, Honest Grapes are hosting ‘Wine Therapy’ – a series of online tastings via Zoom with accompanying wines available to buy. They are still delivering nationwide and offering free shipping on orders over £75. Learn more about their upcoming online events here.

*Tasting event and/or online videos

House of Townend: Burgundy Specialist Retailer of the Year runner-up, House of Townend have been able to accept and process all orders for nationwide delivery, all dispatched from their cellars within one working day. Their Cellar Door in Melton, Yorkshire remains open (Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 2pm) with distancing measures. For those with HU postcodes, House of Townend is offering free delivery with the code FREEDEL.

Jeroboams: Italy Specialist Retailer of the Year, Jeroboams’ shops are open to the public with social distancing measures in place, but they encourage customers to place orders by email, phone or on their website and take advantage of their free local delivery service. For those over the age of 70 who live within the M25 they are extending their offer of free delivery to all orders of six bottles or more. See here to find out what options are available in your local area.

Justerini & Brooks: Germany Specialist Retailer of the Year, Italy Specialist Retailer runner-up and En Primeur Campaign of the Year winner, Justerini & Brooks are hosting interactive online tastings via Zoom in their Masters’ Series. The sessions are available free of charge and wines featured in each masterclass are available to purchase so you can taste along with the expert presenting. Learn more about the next Masters’ Series here.

*Tasting event and/or online videos

L’Oculto: Spain Specialist of the Year, L’Oculto is currently open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays as a shop and a hot food takeaway. Their online wine shop with natural, organic & biodynamic wines is open. For instant updates, see their Twitter here.

Lay & Wheeler: Loire Specialist Retailer of the Year, Rhône Specialist winner and Online Retailer of the Year runner-up, Lay & Wheeler are currently experiencing high demand for delivery but will get your wine to you. See the 15 wines they’re loving, all deliverable now, here.

Lea & Sandeman: London Multi-Store runner-up, Lea & Sandeman is offering free delivery on orders £100 or more and has a handpicked selection of offers, including a number of mixed six-bottle cases with some of their more unique fine wines at special prices (instead of their usual 12 bottle minimum). Learn more here.

Lockett Bros: Local Wine Shop runner-up, Lockett Bros is offering free delivery in East Lothian and on orders over £100 elsewhere. Visit their website for special offers here.

Loki Wine: Local Multi-Store of the Year, Loki Wine’s stores are now closed to the public, however they are still doing a full delivery service. For orders received before 2pm, they will deliver to you for free on the same day if you live within 5 miles of either store with a £40 minimum spend, or express delivery to further afield via UPS for a reduced £70 minimum spend. They are offering 15% off gift cards of any amount plus free delivery with the discount code 15%offgiftcards. Learn more about what Loki Wines are up to now, including their staff relief fund, here. 

Museum Wines: South Africa Specialist of the Year runner-up, Museum Wines are delivering and offer 10% off when you sign up to their mailing list plus more special offers on their website here.

Noble Grape: Newcomer of the Year, Noble Grape has very good stocks of wine in Cowbridge, with deliveries arriving everyday. They are currently offering 20% off Malbec wines from around the world and free shipping throughout mainland UK on orders of £100 or more.

Noble Green Wines: London Neighbourhood Wine Shop of the Year, Noble Green Wines is offering free local delivery for orders over £40 and free nationwide delivery for orders over £150. They are also offering free Click and Collect with no minimum order. See all delivery details here.

Novel Wines: Central & Eastern Europe Specialist Retailer of the Year, Novel Wines is offering lockdown specials on mixed cases and free UK delivery when you spend £95 or more. They are also running virtual tasting events with accompanying wines available to buy. Learn more here.

*Tasting event and/or online videos

Roberson Wine: USA Specialist of the Year, Roberson Wine is open for deliveries and shipping is free to most addresses in mainland UK when you spend £120 or more. Standard shipping is just 1-2 working days.

Stone, Vine & Sun: Languedoc Specialist Retailer of the Year, Stone, Vine & Sun is delivering nationwide. Their shop in Twyford is currently closed, but they taken two measures to encourage orders: they have reduced the free delivery threshold to £75 nationally (barring Highlands and Islands) and all wines in their stock have a 10% discount if ordered by the unsplit dozen.

Tanners Wines: National Wine Shop of the Year runner-up, Tanners are currently taking orders for delivery and have a range of specials on their website here. They’ve launched a local delivery service from certain branches. If you’re within a five-mile radius of their Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth, Chester or Hereford branch, then you can call the branch directly to order, and they will be able to deliver to you within 2 working days.

The Good Wine Shop – Kew: London Wine Shop of the Year, The Good Wine Shop’s shops in Kew, Chiswick, Richmond Hill and Teddington are closed, but they continue to take online orders and deliver wine (contact-free) to their customers across London and the whole of the UK. Their current delivery time is 3-5 days and they are offering free delivery for orders over £150.

The New Zealand Cellar: New Zealand Specialist Retailer of the Year, The New Zealand Cellar – now known as Specialist Cellars – is offering free personal delivery to most South London postcodes (no minimum order) and ships to all of mainland UK with next day delivery. They offer a 10% discount to first-time customers with the code FirstTimer at checkout. Minimum spend: £100 to apply. They also offer wine specials and discounts regularly. Follow them on Instagram here to learn more.

The Oxford Wine Company: Sweet & Fortified Specialist of the Year, Oxford Wine Company’s shops in Standlake, Botley Road, and the concession shop at Millets Farm are open with social distancing measures in place. They offer free delivery in the local area (applicable postcodes can be viewed here) for online orders of six bottles or more.

The Tapas Room: Newcomer of the Year runner-up, The Tapas Room has teamed up with Battersea Spanish to offer a series of cooking classes with wine pairings across six consecutive Thursdays starting 23 April. Guests can join in by signing up for free, downloading the recipes and ordering the relevant wine from The Tapas Room supplier, The Modest Merchant. The videos are hosted by Battersea Spanish and feature Paul Belcher, chef and owner of The Tapas Room. Learn more and sign up here. Their Deptford location is also open from 11am – 1pm on Thursdays and Fridays. For the most up-to-date information, follow The Tapas Room on Twitter here.

*Tasting event and/or online videos

The Vinorium: Australia Specialist Retailer of the Year, The Vinorium are not slowing down and are delighted to offer their usual, next working day delivery and excellent customer service. See their latest offers here.

The Whalley Wine Shop: Local Wine Shop of the Year, The Whalley Wine Shop is open for home deliveries, safely delivering to your doorstep from Tuesday to Saturday (10am – 6pm). Orders can be placed via phone, email or on their website. See their current offers here.

The Whisky Exchange: Champagne and Sparkling Specialist Retailer of the Year and Innovator of the Year runner-up, The Whisky Exchange’s London shops are closed, but they are still shipping across the UK and internationally. To keep in touch and continue to educate their customers, The Whisky Exchange posts videos frequently on their Facebook page here.

*Tasting event and/or online videos

The Wine Barn: Germany Specialist Retailer of the Year runner-up, The Wine Barn delivers to all location in Britain between 2-4 days and are currently offering specials on mixed cases, including their ‘Stay Safe Stay Home’ mixed case which includes elegant reds, dry whites and sparkling wines and Celebrate & Donate cases with £10 donated to Age UK for every case sold. Delivery charges on all case offers are included. See all offers here.

The Wine Society: Regional France Specialist Retailer of the Year, Spain Specialist runner-up and Online Retailer of the Year, The Wine Society have released a series of ‘A Glass Half Full’ videos and weekly workshops with wine experts to discuss a range of subjects on their YouTube channel here. They are accepting orders and offering free delivery on 12 bottles or orders over £75.

*Tasting event and/or online videos

Uncorked: London Wine Shop of the Year runner-up, Uncorked is open for online, email and phone orders, as well as for delivery and collection. Their Bishopsgate shop is open for collection from 9.30am – 6pm Monday-Friday and they are delivering locally and nationally.

Vagabond Wines: London Multi-Store of the Year, Vagabond Wines have gone digital and are delivering their ever-changing range of wines to your door. For inspiration, see their self isolation packages here.

Vinoteca: Subscription Wine Club of the Year, Vinoteca’s online wine shop is open with free delivery on a number of case specials. Membership is still open to the Vinoteca wine club. See all the benefits and learn more here.

Wanderlust Wine: Organic & Biodynamic Specialist Retailer of the Year runner up, Wanderlust offers free UK nationwide delivery on all orders over £100 with delivery timeframes circa 2 days currently.

WoodWinters Wines & Whiskies: Local Multi-Store runner-up, WoodWinters is offering free delivery for orders over £150 and just £6 for smaller orders. They stock an even wider wine range than shown on the website and can source specific client requests. Their shops are open with social distancing measures in place. WoodWinters Bridge of Allan is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 2pm – 5pm and their Edinburugh loctaion open Wednesdays from 2pm – 5pm until further notice. See the latest updates here.

Yapp Brothers: Runner-up of Regional France Specialist, Rhône Specialist, Languedoc Specialist and Loire Specialist Retailer of the Year, Yapp Brothers is offering free next day delivery on orders £100 or more and is offering a range of mixed case offers here. Their shop in Mere remains closed to visitors, but click and collect orders made from the website can be picked up.

More retailers to watch…

Albion Wine Shippers: Albion Wine Shippers, an independent wine merchant based in central London, specialise in good value, entry-level wines from around the world, with a few special wines thrown in for good measure. Orders can be placed through their website or Deliveroo with deliveries made throughout the UK – typically next day delivery, sometimes even same day. Their store front in Holborn is still open with social distancing measures in place and the owner, Phillip, is a Burgundy fanatic that will be happy to assist.

Best of Hungary: Best of Hungary is offering free delivery on all orders and offers a wide range of Decanter World Wine Awards award-winning wines.

Connaught Cellars: Located in Connaught Village in West London, Connaught Cellars has been open throughout lockdown, offering free same day local deliveries, same day London deliveries and next-day national deliveries. Their expert team is sending weekly seasonal mixed cases at discovery discount prices and is happy to give recommendations over the phone or email.

Corney & Barrow: Apart from a wide and varied selection of wines for every budget and free delivery to mainland UK on orders £100 or more, Corney & Barrow is hosting weekly wine tastings via Zoom every Thursday from 6pm – 6.20pm featuring wines from their portfolio. Customers can order the wines in advance to taste along. The sessions are also recorded and shared online after. See here to learn more.

*Tasting event and/or online videos

Diogenes the Dog: Wine bar Diogenes the Dog is open for wine and food delivery within six miles of their Elephant & Castle location – free delivery within a mile. They are also open for pick-up orders and drop in with social distancing measures in place. If ordering by phone, customers can take advantage of their “Phone Sommelier” service to discuss their latest wines and food pairings. 

Elizabeth Rose Wines: New English & Welsh wine retailer, Elizabeth Rose Wines are offering free delivery on orders over £85. Order by midday to receive your order the next working day.

gvino UK: gvino UK is an online wine merchant specialising in Georgian wines, including award-winning red, white and orange/amber wines. They deliver throughout mainland UK and are offering a 10% discount on any six bottles of wine when you use the code ‘SIX’ at checkout.

Independent Wine: New online merchant Independent Wine offers exceptional premium Italian wines from boutique family winemakers. These small businesses produce limited quantities of top quality wine, and many of the bottles stocked by Independent Wine are UK exclusives. The team at Independent Wine selects stock based on objective proof of quality – and one of the key factors is whether the wine has won a Decanter World Wine Award. Order now to receive free delivery on orders over £100 throughout mainland UK.

L’Altre Vi: Specialist importers of organic, biodynamic and natural wines from Catalonia, L’Altre Vi are delivering via courier nationwide. They’re also offering free local delivery for residents of Oxford where they’re based.

Nickolls & Perks: Nickolls & Perks currently have a great range of mixed cases available and deliver worldwide. They’re also delivering for free locally within a 6 mile radius. Online tasting sessions are coming soon, and their team are still on hand offering recommendations to suit any budget.

Savage Vines: Savage Vines is an online wine merchant specialising in wine subscriptions. Subscriptions start from £29.95 a month and as an added benefit, monthly wine subscription members receive a 25% discount on all wines in their online shop. New customers can receive £10 off their first order when joining Savage Vines mailing list.

Salut: Manchester-based Salut is temporarily closed to the public but they are still selling wine online and offering free delivery nationwide. They’ve put together 25 different mixed case offerings from across the globe with something to suit every budget, and are working with suppliers to add even more. Have a look at their spacial case offerings here.

South Downs Cellars: Their shops are shut, but South Downs Cellars is open for delivery and offering free local delivery in Sussex with a minimum order of £50 and six bottles. See here for specifics. They are also delivering nationwide and offer free delivery for orders £100 or more.

Taste Argentina: Open for delivery (delivery currently 5-7 working days) with free shipping on orders £100 or more.

The Finest Bubble: Join live weekly tastings on Instagram each Friday with Essi Avellan MW and Nick Barker in The Finest Bubble’s ‘The Friday Bubble.’ Special-offer cases of Champagne can be purchased in advance from their website with free shipping on orders of six bottles or £200+.

*Tasting event and/or online videos

Vegan Wine Box: New online vegan wine merchants, Vegan Wine Box sells a selection of vegan wines as well as wine subscription boxes starting from just £60 every two months. Delivery is free on orders over £99. Learn more about vegan wine from them here.

The Decanter Retailer Awards aim to offer wine drinkers an indispensable guide to the best retail experiences in the UK, rewarding innovation, drive, creativity, energy and evangelism. With top wine selections and attention to detail, there is perhaps no better time to highlight some of the 2019 award-winning merchants that have been able to continue business despite temporarily closed shopfronts.

Last month Decanter contributor Chris Wilson looked at creative ways wine merchants have pivoted their business models to offer delivery to customers during lockdown stating, “While many have always offered a delivery service and are simply upping their game by offering free delivery to local customers or slashing delivery fees, some are getting on the delivery bandwagon for the first time and others are coming up with creative ways of servicing their customers during these unique times.”

Read more: Merchants get creative as they continue to sell wine during COVID-19 uncertainty

Decanter Retailer Awards 2019 winners and runners-up are part of this movement, and small independent businesses like The Whalley Wine Shop, winner of the ‘Best Local Wine Shop of the Year,’ are looking for support now more than ever as they navigate their way from in-store sales to online.

The following award-winning wine merchants are offering delivery, at home drop-offs, click and collect and specials amid these challenging times. With wine sales up across the UK and continuous uncertainty, be sure to place your orders with these Decanter Retailer Awards 2019 winners soon:

The Tapas Room – Newcomer of the Year, Runner-up

Open since 2017, The Tapas Room is an impressively accessible and unpretentious place to celebrate Spain in London through tapas and wine.

While The Tapas Room restaurants are currently closed, they have creatively adapted and joined forces with their friends at Battersea Spanish for wine & food pairing courses.

Starting Thursday 23 April, they will be streaming a series of six weekly cooking classes with wine pairings. Guests can join in by signing up for free, downloading the recipes and purchasing the relevant wine from The Tapas Room supplier, The Modest Merchant, who delivers direct to the door. 

The videos will be hosted by Battersea Spanish and feature Paul Belcher, chef and owner of The Tapas Room. Learn more and sign up here.

The WineBarn – Germany Specialist Retailer of the Year, Runner-up

A treasure trove of a German list, runner-up The WineBarn continues to show good growth with its exclusively German focus.

The WineBarn delivers to all location in Britain between 2-4 days and are currently offering specials on mixed cases, including their ‘Stay Safe Stay Home’ mixed case which includes elegant reds, dry whites and sparkling wines and Celebrate & Donate cases with £10 donated to Age UK for every case sold. Delivery charges on all case offers are included.

For a great selection of German wines, look no further than The WineBarn. Order now at www.thewinebarn.co.uk or shop their special case offers here:

Stay Home Stay Safe – Mixed red, white and sparkling case

Celebrate & Donate – Mixed red & white case

Celebrate & Donate – Mixed dry white case

Specialist Cellars – New Zealand Specialist Retailer of the Year

‘They embody the vibrancy of the New Zealand wine scene,’ was how one judge put it. With a range that encompasses New Zealand, Australian and other New World wines, this innovative retailer is constantly updating its stock list online and currently offering discounts on a wide range of wines from Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir and Hunter Valley Semillon to Marlborough Orange Sauvignon Blanc and Swartland Syrah Cinsault.

Specialist Cellars is offering free personal delivery to most South London postcodes throughout the holiday weekend and ships to all of mainland UK with next day delivery, plus free shipping on orders over £150.

Order now at www.specialistcellars.co.uk/shop/ and follow @specialistcellars on Instagram to stay up-to-date on special offers. 

The Whalley Wine Shop – Best Local Wine Shop of the Year

The approachable charms and fairly priced, well-sourced range of Lancashire’s The Whalley Wine Shop are reason for their 2019 win as the UK’s best local wine shop.

The Whalley Wine Shop is open for home deliveries, safely delivering to your doorstep from Tuesday to Saturday (10am – 6pm). Orders can be placed via phone, email or on their website: www.thewhalleywineshop.com/. They are currently working hard on a new case offer and will have this available in the coming weeks. 

Noble Green Wines – London Neighbourhood Wine Shop of the Year

‘Enthusiasm and energy’ characterise this Hampton Hill wine shop, with a list topping 1,100 bins including wine, beer, spirits and liqueurs. With a seemingly endless collection of well-priced wines online, Noble Green is currently experiencing very high demand, but all national deliveries are still delivered within five working days.

Noble Green Wines is offering free Local Delivery for orders over £40 and free Nationwide Delivery for orders over £150. For those lucky enough to walk to the shop, they are also offering free Click and Collect with no minimum order. See all delivery details here and shop now at www.noblegreenwines.co.uk/.

Cru World Wine – Innovator of the Year

Fine wine merchant Cru World Wine has been ‘digital first’ since inception in 2015, and has therefore been “well prepared for the disruption wrought by this terrible virus” says Group CEO Jeremy Howard. “We have an unofficial company mission to be ‘the most digital fine wine company’, and this orientation is helping us today without doubt.”

Cru has seen an increase in the demand for fine wine and with this has helped suppliers divert offers and inventory that would have previously been going to on-trade channels. If you are looking to add to your wine collection, now is the time to do so and Cru World Wine is the place to look. So far there have been no disruptions to operations so you can expect delivery as usual from one of their three main distribution warehouses in London, Hong Kong and Singapore. Cru currently has over 1,000 in-stock wines for immediate delivery. Shop now at www.uk.cruworldwine.com/.

Buon Vino – Organic & Biodynamic Specialist Retailer of the Year 

There’s a real sense of purpose and progress to Buon Vino, the Yorkshire-based specialist making waves with its range of organic, biodynamic and natural wines.

Buon Vino still has its award-winning selection of wines to sell and at present, their courier services are operating as normal with delivery throughout the UK. They have added a new special free local delivery service for orders of £40 or more, and can also deliver cheese orders from The Courtyard Dairy to the area immediately around Settle where they are based. 

Those with addresses which fall within their northwest delivery route including Settle and surrounding area, (Kirkby Lonsdale, Kendal and surrounding area, The Lake District, Skipton and surrounding area, Harrogate, Leeds, Manchester, Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley) will also recieve free delivery for orders over £75. Learn more and shop now at www.buonvino.co.uk/. 

Also see: US wine sales jump but restaurant trade suffers

Decanter Retailer Awards 2020 entries now open

Despite the challenges, many UK merchants and independents are still operating and striving to keep up with the increase in online sales. Have a look at the 2019 Decanter Retailer Awards results for a full list of award-winning retailers, many of which are still delivering and offering specials amid lockdown.

The Decanter Retailer Awards aim to offer wine drinkers an indispensable guide to the best retail experiences and champion the very best of wine retail in the UK.

Rewarding innovation, drive, creativity and energy, the Decanter Retailer Awards offer wine retailers the opportunity to benchmark their business against the competition, attract the attention of new customers and suppliers, gain insight from the knowledgeable and experienced judging panel and benefit from Decanter’s endorsement and media reach to boost the profile of their business.

Wine drinkers in the UK have never had it so good when it comes to retail. Wine merchants train their staff so they are qualified to help customers, they host tastings, wine courses and in-store sampling to engage and connect with their customers and share wine knowledge to inspire, excite and educate their patrons. We no longer just see big brands from main regions and countries; there is more diversity and choice than ever. The Decanter Retailer Awards reward, highlight and promote those doing an outstanding job, recognising the importance to champion our finest wine retailers.

Categories have been selected with both the retailer and the customer in mind. From specialist to local, national and online categories as well as wine support services awards, there are more than 20 categories to enter, ensuring retailers are rewarded for what they do best.

What last year’s winners are saying:

UK wine retailers are invited to enter the 2020 edition of the Decanter Retailer Awards now until Friday 22 May 2020.

For more information and to enter now, visit the Decanter Retailer Awards homepage here.

Decanter Retailer Awards 2019 results

See the 2020 Decanter Retailer Awards judging panel

General notes on judging

The annual Decanter Retailer Awards aim to offer wine drinkers an indispensable guide to the best retail experience. The aim of the award is to celebrate and champion the very best wine retailers out there, rewarding innovation, drive, creativity, energy, evangelism – and even hedonism.

The Decanter Retailer Awards judging process is based on what Decanter readers think is most important to them when purchasing wines: Quality, Value, Range and Service. Within these criteria, the judges will look for:

• Evidence of recent excellence – that is, initiatives relating to the immediate past year (1 June 2022 – 31 May 2023) that entrants can cite in their deliberations as concrete reasons why they are most deserving of an award.

• These are annual awards, so current or recent performance is of key relevance.

• Value, service, range, quality and innovation are all critical issues and worthy of particular focus in your entries. The weighting may reflect in the category entered: for example, in specialist categories, range becomes particularly important. Service is perhaps more important to independent retailers and less relevant to supermarkets than range, quality or value. That said, anything that helps you stand out from your competition is worthy of mention.

• For all categories, specific evidence or examples helps judges greatly.

• Judges love seeing retailers’ personality coming through in the entries.

• Don’t be afraid to be brief – less is more. Please remember that judges have many entries to consider so brevity, properly supported by evidence and weight of argument, is a virtue. There is no need for repetition.

On the entry form, please refer to the section ‘What are judges looking for’ for more information on each category’s judging criteria.

Judging process

The judging panel consists of five independent wine experts and is led by our Chairman, Peter Richards MW. The judges have been chosen for their extensive knowledge in the retailer environment. Click here to see the list of judges.

There are three stages of judging:

Stage 1:

The judges will work in pairs and will be assigned categories. The exception to the rule is Supermarket entries, which all judges will look at together. The 1st round of judging will take place from 10 July – 26 July 2023. Each judge will be asked to score each entrant based on the followings:

• Staff training

• Wine Range (including quality, pricing, value and diversity)

• Customer Services (any assistance and advice you provide including how you interact with customers)

• Innovation and performance (including what sets you apart from your competitor)

Judges will award points for each of the criteria listed above based on a rating scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is measured as exceptional, 5 as average and 2 as weak. If any criterion is not addressed on the entry form or in the supporting materials, a standard score of 1 will be awarded. They will also be asked to comment on each entrant.

Stage 2:

Once all the scores and comments have been submitted by the judges, the Decanter team will circulate to all the judges the ‘shortlist’ for each category which will consist of the top-scoring entrants. In case of discrepancies between judges, the chairman will settle any disagreements. The judging process is based on majority ruling wherein:

• The chairman determines the final winner when there is no consensus among panel members.

• The chairman may not overrule a final result if all judges on the panel are in agreement.

The judges will collectively look at all the shortlist within each category before the judging day. The 2nd round of judging will take place from 31 July – 18 August 2023.

Stage 3:

The judges will then have a full discussion on all the entrants, shortlisted and non-shortlisted. The scores will just help provide the judges with a workable context to start the discussion, and save time in the process. The judges will decide on the winner as well as a runner-up for each category. It will be awarded at the judges’ discretion and there may not be a winner or runner-up in each category. The 3rd round of judging will take place on Wednesday 24 August 2023.

Finally, there are two awards we will be awarding existing entrants: Outstanding Retailer of the Year and Judges’ Choice. Outstanding Retailer can be considered an ‘overall winner’, one name we want to pull out as the most outstanding retailer for this year. Judges’ Choice is awarded at the judges’ discretion – this award will highlight a retailer who is doing something different, innovative and creative.

<

The Decanter Retailer Awards aims to offer wine drinkers in the UK an indispensable guide to the best wine shops and wine lists on the high street, so what better time to have a browse than this holiday season?

From small wine merchants to local specialists, multi-stores and supermarkets, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to wine retail. But then there’s choosing… Which wine should I take to a dinner party? Which wine should I gift? What’s the best Champagne to ring in the New Year? It seems there’s no better time than now to highlight this year’s top UK Specialist Retailers.

Head to these award-winning retailers for specialist wine selections, top service and helpful gifting advice.

How the winners were chosen: Results were determined by our expert judging panel who made their way through over one hundred entries, assessing, visiting, tasting, scoring and re-scoring before narrowing down entries to support, award and encourage those doing a brilliant job.

Best Specialist Retailers: Winners and runners-up of the 2019 Decanter Retailer Awards

Australia Specialist Retailer of the Year: The Vinorium

This Kent-based wine merchant clearly takes great pride in its Australian specialism, with an emphasis on direct sourcing and premium wines backed up by a strong online and wholesale operation. The Vinorium describes the future for Australian wine as ‘incredibly bright’ and it serves this category commendably well.

Bordeaux Specialist Retailer of the Year: Berry Bros & Rudd

Runner-up: BI Fine Wine & Spirits

Berry Bros does outstanding work celebrating Bordeaux. Not just via a mouthwatering fine wine list but also at the more affordable end of the spectrum, with initiatives to push everyday Bordeaux wines under £25. Combined with well-attended events and a drive to source lighter, more sensitively made wines, this is a compelling proposition. A more diversified entity now, BI remains a fine destination for Bordeaux lovers.

Burgundy Specialist Retailer of the Year: Goedhuis & Co

Runner-up: House of Townend

Numerous visits to the region; a dedicated website section; excellent communication and interaction; commercial success; a sumptuous and growing Burgundy range with tantalising parcels and older vintages: these were the key reasons for Goedhuis’ triumph. House of Townend’s policy of storing half its (well selected) Burgundy en primeur buys and releasing them mature at sensible prices earned particular praise from judges.

Central & Eastern Europe Specialist Retailer of the Year: Novel Wines

Runner-up: Croatian Fine Wines

Ben Franks’ mission is: ‘To work hard to introduce the UK to a range of truly unique wines.’ The clear commitment to this challenge, allied to a wide-ranging, eclectic list and excellent, personal service saw Bath based Novel Wines take top gong. The impressive and engaging Croatian Fine Wines was originally inspired by a holiday experience and is now diversifying into other regions.

Champagne and Sparkling Specialist Retailer of the Year: The Whisky Exchange

Runner-up: Waitrose

Dawn Davies MW is helping The Whisky Exchange to defy the limitations of its name, sourcing a wide-ranging and well priced fizz list. Its debut Champagne Show in late 2018 made waves and is part of a wider series of education and events. Runner-up Waitrose has an outstanding sparkling range – its impressive sales growth being testament to this strength and depth.

England & Wales Specialist Retailer of the Year: Waitrose

Waitrose has actively championed English and Welsh wine for some time and its laudable commitment shows no sign of abating. With an extensive core range, from sparkling to sweet via white, red and rosé, stores are also able to support local vineyards. Its Leckford sparkling wine, grown on the Waitrose & Partners’ Hampshire estate, is a further high-profile endorsement of the category.

Germany Specialist Retailer of the Year: Justerini & Brooks

Runner-up: The Wine Barn

Wine insiders know Justerini & Brooks not just for its strength and depth in the likes of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Piedmont. Its treasure trove of a German list, with more than 880 wines, is impeccably sourced, with names to make you drool. Runner-up The Wine Barn continues to show good growth with its exclusively German focus.

Italy Specialist Retailer of the Year: Jeroboams

Runner-up: Justerini & Brooks

Jeroboams has been undergoing a revamp and its new incarnation is buzzy and engaging – with a definite Italian accent. Wine director Peter Mitchell MW has grown the Italian range to account for 20% of the portfolio, Italianthemed events are frequent and there’s a sense of fun and passion – they’ve even got a deli. Justerini’s Italian list continues to get better; described by the judges as ‘amazing’ and ‘mouthwatering’.

Languedoc Specialist Retailer of the Year: Stone, Vine & Sun

Runner-up: Yapp Brothers

Stone Vine & Sun has long been committed to the wines of Languedoc-Roussillon but its list has not stood still, covering an excellent range of styles, appellations and producers, from classic to new wave – testament to frequent buying trips and the dedication of the team. In its 50th year, Yapp remains a benchmark for Languedoc-Roussillon wines in the UK, brilliantly mixing the iconic with the quirky.

Loire Specialist Retailer of the Year: Lay & Wheeler

Runner-up: Yapp Brothers

Lay & Wheeler’s enthusiasm for its Loire portfolio is evident in its extensive (145-strong) range, from Grolleau Gris to a 1979 Coteaux du Layon, together with its biggest-ever print campaign and tasting this year. The range, which features classics as well as newer faces, makes for delicious reading. Meanwhile Yapp’s 100% direct sourcing makes it a fine destination for Loire lovers too.

New Zealand Specialist Retailer of the Year: The New Zealand Cellar

‘They embody the vibrancy of the New Zealand wine scene,’ was how one judge put it. This innovative, buzzy operation continues to thrive, having doubled its events programme in 2019, deliberately reaching out to a younger wine-buying demographic, and now with a range that encompasses Australian and other New World wines. It’s no surprise to hear that even more plans are in the pipeline.

Organic & Biodynamic Specialist Retailer of the Year: Buon Vino

Runner-up: Wanderlust Wine

There’s a real sense of purpose and progress to Buon Vino, the Yorkshire-based specialist making waves with its range of organic, biodynamic and natural wines. More exciting plans are in the pipeline as expansion continues – a ‘Natural Wine Scale’ is being mooted to help customers. Focusing on tech innovation and consumer service has also proven successful for Wanderlust.

Regional France Specialist Retailer of the Year: The Wine Society

Runner-up: Yapp Brothers

The Wine Society really does cover parts of France that other merchants don’t reach. Its regional French offering is strong and unique, covering 172 wines, almost all directsourced, from regions such as Corsica, Lorraine, Iroulégy, Jura and Côtes du Forez – even en primeur Madiran. ‘They put energy and passion into it – and it shows,’ said one judge.

Rhône Specialist of the Year: Lay & Wheeler

Runner-up: Yapp Brothers

Lay & Wheeler continues to expand its Rhône range, which now numbers 550 wines; a mouthwatering spread of classics and newer faces, testament to intelligent sourcing and an eager buying clientele. Yapp’s list of vaunted Rhône names – from Jean- Louis Chave to Georges Vernay and beyond – almost inspires an automatic genuflection from wine lovers and remains a notable specialism for the company.

South Africa Specialist of the Year: Handford Wines

Runner-up: Museum Wines

Handford’s list is ‘a Who’s Who of what’s exciting in the Cape’, that ‘keeps up with a fastmoving wine scene’. Such were the comments about this stalwart merchant that stocks a range of over 300 South African wines, including many hard-to-get, small-allocation bottles. Museum Wines, despite its size, is remarkably proactive, growing its list with lesser-known exclusivities and focusing on South Africa at its Dorset Wine Festival.

Spain Specialist of the Year: L’Oculto

Runner-up: The Wine Society

L’Oculto’s impressive expansion continues, having opened a new site, grown the team and boosted its directsourced, eclectic list that’s dedicated to natural, organic and biodynamic Spanish wines. Another well-deserved win. Meanwhile runner-up The Wine Society provides excellent value for money across its range, including the own-labels.

Sweet & Fortified Specialist of the Year: Oxford Wine Company

Runner-up: Waitrose

A large and growing range, plus an obvious commitment to communicating and sampling the delights of its sweet and fortified selection won it for TOWC. This family-run merchant allies the best of a traditional merchant with social media initiatives like videos marrying en rama Sherry with different foods. Waitrose’s range in this category is outstanding.

USA Specialist of the Year: Roberson Wine

Runner-up: Berry Bros & Rudd

https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2019/09/Roberson.gif

The US is becoming an increasingly impressive area of operations for Berry Bros, with an enviable and growing list, including a new own-label Pinot Noir by Au Bon Climat. But Roberson goes from strength to strength in this category, successfully maintaining momentum with an excellent list and its innovative events, online campaigns and initiatives like the Somm 3 UK premiere at its urban winery.

See all results from the 2019 Decanter Retailer Awards

2019 Awards Ceremony highlights

Held on Thursday 26 September, UK-based wine retailers gathered from near and far in hopes of securing a win at this year’s Decanter Retailer Awards.

Of over one hundred retailers shortlisted in 31 categories, fifty seven were called up to the stage to collect runner-up and winner certificates from Retailer Awards Chairman Peter Richards MW and judge Laura Clay, who commented:

In line with this, Waitrose was the big winner of the evening, taking home the top accolade of Outstanding Wine Retailer of the Year, an award which is selected from all entrants in all categories. Announcing the winner for this category, Peter Richards MW stated,

The ceremony and after-party included drinks provided by Cocchi, Piper-Heidsieck and Small Beer Brew Co and music from the strolling, acoustic trio, Wandering Hands. Donations were made ahead of and on the night in support of The Benevolent, the drinks industry charity, and matched by Decanter to raise a total of more than £2,000.

See photo highlights from the awards ceremony below.

See the 2019 winners and runners-up

Live coverage from the 2019 Awards Ceremony

Photo highlights from the 2019 Decanter Retailer Awards Ceremony

Small Beer Brew Co showed off four of its sessionable beers on tap

Guests enjoyed music from the acoustic trio, Wandering Hands

Cocchi crafted five vermouth cocktails including the Cocchi Rosa Spritz, Vermouth on the rocks, Adonis, Negroni and Barolo Chinato and chocolate

Welcome drinks and Champagne kindly provided by Piper-Heidsieck

Chairman Peter Richards MW led the ceremony, announcing all the winners and runners-up of the 2019 awards

Handford wine received Best South Africa Specialist Retailer of the year and Waitrose won awards for Best England & Wales Specialist Retailer, Best Supermarket and the top accolade - Outstanding Retailer of the Year.

Goedhuis & Co won Burgundy Specialist Retailer of the Year and Best En Primeur Campaign of the Year

Novel Wines won Central & Eastern Europe Specialist Retailer of the Year

L'Oculto received Best Spain Specialist Retailer of the Year

The Wine Society won Regional France Specialist Retailer of the Year and Best Online Retailer of the Year

Tanners Wines won runner-up for Best National Wine Shop of the Year

Woodwinters Wines & Whiskies received runner-up for Best Local Multi-Store of the Year

Justerini & Brooks took home a win for Best Germany Specialist Retailer and runner-up for Best Italy Specialist Retailer and Best En Primeur Campaign of the Year

Cambridge Wine Merchants won Best National Wine Shop of the Year

The Whisky Exchange won Best Champagne & Sparkling Specialist Retailer of the Year

The Decanter team behind the Retailer Awards

The Decanter Retailer Awards is kindly sponsored by Riedel and Tŷ Nant

Winners and runners-up of the 2019 Decanter Retailer Awards were announced on Thursday 26 September at OXO2 in London.

Over the course of three months, our expert judging panel made their way through over one hundred entries, assessing, visiting, tasting, scoring and re-scoring before meeting in three rounds of judging to narrow down entries, ultimately determining one winner in each category…

The 2019 Judging Panel

The 2019 judging panel consisted of five independent wine experts who have been chosen for their extensive knowledge in the retailer environment. 

• Peter Richards MW, Chairman – Wine writer and TV presenter
• Andy Howard MW – Decanter contributor, wine writer and consultant
• Peter Ranscombe – Wine columnist and drinks blogger for the Scottish Field
• Matt Walls – Freelance wine writer
• Laura Clay – Wine Educator and Chairman of the Association of Wine Educators
  Learn more about the 2019 judging panel here

Winners and runners-up of the 2019 Decanter Retailer Awards

Australia Specialist Retailer of the Year: The Vinorium

Bordeaux Specialist Retailer of the Year: Berry Bros & Rudd

Runner-up: BI Fine Wine & Spirits

Burgundy Specialist Retailer of the Year: Goedhuis & Co

Runner-up: House of Townend

Central & Eastern Europe Specialist Retailer of the Year: Novel Wines

Runner-up: Croatian Fine Wines

Champagne and Sparkling Specialist Retailer of the Year: The Whisky Exchange

Runner-up: Waitrose

England & Wales Specialist Retailer of the Year: Waitrose

Germany Specialist Retailer of the Year: Justerini & Brooks

Runner-up: The Wine Barn

Italy Specialist Retailer of the Year: Jeroboams

Runner-up: Justerini & Brooks

Languedoc Specialist Retailer of the Year: Stone, Vine & Sun

Runner-up: Yapp Brothers

Loire Specialist Retailer of the Year: Lay & Wheeler

Runner-up: Yapp Brothers

New Zealand Specialist Retailer of the Year: The New Zealand Cellar

Organic & Biodynamic Specialist Retailer of the Year: Buon Vino

Runner-up: Wanderlust Wine

Regional France Specialist Retailer of the Year: The Wine Society

Runner-up: Yapp Brothers

Rhône Specialist of the Year: Lay & Wheeler

Runner-up: Yapp Brothers

South Africa Specialist of the Year: Handford Wines

Runner-up: Museum Wines

Spain Specialist of the Year: L’Oculto

Runner-up: The Wine Society

Sweet & Fortified Specialist of the Year: Oxford Wine Company

Runner-up: Waitrose

USA Specialist of the Year: Roberson Wine

Runner-up: Berry Bros & Rudd

London Neighbourhood Wine Shop of the Year: Noble Green Wines

London Wine Shop of the Year: The Good Wine Shop – Kew

Runner-up: Uncorked

London Multi-Store of the Year: Vagabond Wines

Runner-up: Lea & Sandeman

En Primeur Campaign of the Year: Goedhuis & Co

Runner-up: Justerini & Brooks

Local Multi-Store of the Year: Loki Wine

Runner-up: WoodWinters Wines & Whiskies

Local Wine Shop of the Year: The Whalley Wine Shop 

Runner-up: Lockett Bros

Online Retailer of the Year: The Wine Society

Runner-up: Lay & Wheeler

Newcomer of the Year: Noble Grape

Runner-up: The Tapas Room

Subscription Wine Club of the Year: Vinoteca

Runner-up: Honest Grapes

Supermarket of the Year: Waitrose

Runner-up: Booths

National Wine Shop of the Year: Cambridge Wine Merchants

Runner-up: Tanners Wines 

Innovator of the Year: Cru World Wine

Runner-up: The Whisky Exchange

Outstanding Wine Retailer of the Year: Waitrose

See the 2019 Shortlist

Read the 2019 Decanter Retailer Awards Chairman’s blog

See 2019 Awards Ceremony highlights

Decanter Retailer Awards 2018 results

With special thanks to our sponsors

Back to the Retailer Awards page

The Decanter Retailer Awards celebrates the best of UK wine retail, championing those who make a pleasure of the business. The judging panel, made up of five wine experts, base decisions on quality, value, range and service, but they also look for innovation, drive, creativity, energy, evangelism – and even hedonism.

With the results of the 2019 awards now determined and announcements made on 26 September, Chairman Peter Richards MW reflects on this year’s judging process and the serious business behind wine retail…

Chairman’s Blog

By Peter Richards MW, September 2019

There’s an old toast that runs: ‘May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead.’

Being ahead of the game is important – even in the world of wine. For most of us, wine is something we relate primarily to pleasure. But for those whose profession it is to provide us with that pleasure, wine is serious business.

The Decanter Retailer Awards celebrates those who make a pleasure of this business. None of us like to part with our head-earned cash but when the result is a gratifying experience and a delicious bottle at a fair price (ideally also a desire to repeat the exercise) then it’s worth it.

Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Selling wine. Actually, it’s not.

As wine drinkers, we’re lucky. There’s never been a better time in history to drink wine, given the recent advances in quality and diversity. But for those whose job it is to sell the stuff in the UK, things have seldom been this hard.

How so? For one, consumer confidence is low. Then there’s our weak and fluctuating currency. Brexit-related issues for a globally-facing business are manifold. Add to this ever-greater competition and consolidation on the high street. Then there’s our punitive tax regime (on average, 50p in every pound spent on wine to drink at home is tax). As for the big one: the UK as a nation is steadily drinking ever less.

No wonder so many wine merchants have gone to the wall over the last few decades.

And yet we’re a nation of wine drinkers. Wine is officially the nation’s favourite alcoholic tipple (with 28% of the vote ahead of beer’s 23% and 20% for spirits). Historically, the UK has been the best place in the world to enjoy wine because, as a trading nation with no significant tradition of large-scale domestic production, we’ve been voracious in our thirst to bring the best from around the world to our shores.

That’s why it’s important to champion our finest wine retailers. These are testing times and so the resourcefulness and resilience of the country’s best wine sellers is important to celebrate. If this ever ceases to be a defining feature of our wine landscape then the best wines will simply sell elsewhere and the UK will risk losing its status as a key global wine hub. And that would be a disaster.

We are five judges on the Decanter Retailer Awards panel – myself, Andy Howard MW, Matt Walls, Laura Clay and Peter Ranscombe.

Learn more about the 2019 Judging Panel

As we steadily plough our way through hundreds of entries, assessing, visiting, tasting, scoring and re-scoring over months before heatedly debating in our intensive judging conclave, we all feel a keen sense of duty, and desire to support the UK wine trade and encourage those doing a brilliant job against the odds.

Making the final decisions on shortlists, runners-up and winners is never easy. It takes a good deal of time, thought and discussion. Sometimes it gets heated, and we have to take a break. But it’s always very democratic – we all need to endorse the final results. We like to champion smaller retailers where we can. We place a lot of emphasis on what has happened over the last year, these being annual awards, so the results are as current and relevant as possible.

We ask retailers to send in mini-videos to make their case and give a sense of personality. A particularly memorable line from one such video this year was delivered by a merchant standing in a top London restaurant: ‘If you can’t enjoy lobster bhaji and Corsican Vermentino, you’re tired of life.’

It’s one way to sell the stuff, I suppose.

I’ve been asked how we judges stay objective. It’s never really been an issue. We’re chosen for our knowledge and impartiality and, ultimately, it’s easy because you simply take the viewpoint of someone who loves and regularly buys wine, which we all are.

Which retailer is doing the best job? Who’s most deserving? Which one would we honestly recommend to our wine-loving friends? That’s the bottom line, and it’s served us very well over the years. The results speak for themselves.

See the 2019 Shortlist

As chair, I’m lucky enough to take centre stage at the awards ceremony and congratulate people in person. The best part of the job is seeing the thrill on winners’ faces – partly because of the prestige but also the satisfaction of hard work validated and recognition that this can boost their teams and business.

Of course, there are always those who are disappointed (the worst part of the job). But there’s always next year, a new set of challenges to overcome, a host of different opportunities to seize.

So here’s to wine, and being ahead of the game. Let’s celebrate the UK’s best wine retailers as best we can. I know I’ll be raising a glass at the awards ceremony on September 26^th.

Winners of this year’s awards were announced at the Decanter Retailer Awards Ceremony at OXO2, London on 26 September 2019

See the results here

See the winners from the 2018 Retailer Awards

Back to the Decanter Retailer Awards homepage

The Decanter Retailer Awards 2019 shortlist is out. Find out which UK retailers have made this year’s list…

The annual Decanter Retailer Awards aim to offer wine drinkers an indispensable guide to the best retail experience, and champion the very best wine retailers in the UK.

Entries to the Decanter Retailer Awards 2019 were judged in three stages by our expert judging panel, based on what Decanter readers think is most important to them when purchasing wines: Quality, Value, Range, Service, Innovation and Performance.

Final results will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on 26 September at OXO2 in central London.

The 2019 Judging Panel

The 2019 judging panel consists of five independent wine experts who have been chosen for their extensive knowledge in the retailer environment.

• Peter Richards MW, Chairman – Wine writer and TV presenter
• Andy Howard MW – Decanter contributor, wine writer and consultant
• Peter Ranscombe – Wine columnist and drinks blogger for the Scottish Field
• Matt Walls – Freelance wine writer
• Laura Clay – Wine Educator and Chairman of the Association of Wine Educators
  Learn more about this year’s judging panel here

Decanter Retailer Awards 2019 Shortlist:

Bordeaux Specialist Retailer of the Year Shortlist

Berry Bros & Rudd

BI Wine

Lay & Wheeler

Justerini & Brooks

Nickolls & Perks

Goedhuis & Co

House of Townend

Burgundy Specialist Retailer of the Year Shortlist

Goedhuis & Co

Justerini & Brooks

Lea & Sandeman

House of Townend

Central and Eastern Europe Specialist Retailer of the Year Shortlist

Novel Wines

The Wine Society

Croatian Fine Wines

Champagne and Sparkling Specialist Retailer of the Year Shortlist

The Finest Bubble

The Whisky Exchange

Waitrose

The Fizz Company

Nickolls & Perks

Germany Specialist Retailer of the Year Shortlist

Justerini & Brooks

The Wine Barn

Italy Specialist Retailer of the Year Shortlist

Lea & Sandeman

Jeroboams

Justerini & Brooks

Uncorked

Lay & Wheeler

The Wine Place

Languedoc Specialist Retailer of the Year Shortlist

Stone, Vine & Sun

Yapp Brothers

Loire Specialist Retailer of the Year Shortlist

Lay & Wheeler

Yapp Brothers

Organic and Biodynamic Specialist Retailer of the Year Shortlist

The Natural Wine Co / Buon Vino

Wanderlust Wine

Flavours of Spain/L’Oculto

Valhalla’s Goat

Regional France Specialist Retailer of the Year Shortlist

The Wine Society

Yapp Brothers

Rhone Specialist of the Year Shortlist

Yapp Brothers

Lay & Wheeler

South Africa Specialist of the Year Shortlist

Handford Wines

Lay & Wheeler

Museum Wines

Love Wine

Spain Specialist of the Year Shortlist

Flavours of Spain/L’Oculto

The Wine Society

The Tapas Room

Sweet and Fortified Specialist of the Year Shortlist

Oxford Wine Company

Waitrose

USA Specialist of the Year Shortlist

Roberson Wine

Berry Bros & Rudd

London Wine Shop of the Year Shortlist 

Handford Wines

Uncorked

Berry Bros & Rudd

The Good Wine Shop

Davy’s Wine Merchants

London Multi-Store of the Year Shortlist 

Vagabond Wines

Lea & Sandeman

Vinoteca

Jeroboams

En Primeur Campaign of the Year Shortlist

Corney & Barrow

Goedhuis & Co

Justerini & Brooks

Local Multi-Store of the Year Shortlist

Le Vignoble

Loki Wine

Oxford Wine Company

WoodWinters Wines & Whiskies

Local Wine Shop of the Year Shortlist

Bon Cœur Fine Wines

Baythorne Wines

Corney & Barrow

D. Byrne & Co

House of Townend

Lockett Bros

Love Wine

Nickolls & Perks

St Andrews Wine Company

The Whalley Wine Shop 

Online Retailer of the Year Shortlist

Bon Cœur Fine wines

Cru World Wine

Honest Grapes

House of Townend

Lay & Wheeler

Roberson Wine

Tanners Wines

The Wine Society

Newcomer of the Year Shortlist

Elicite

Noble Grape

The Tapas Room

Wanderlust

Subscription Wine Club of the Year Shortlist

Honest Grapes

Lay & Wheeler

Nosy Wine Club

Tanners Wines

The Wine Society

Vinoteca

Supermarket of the Year Shortlist

Aldi

Booths

Co-op

M&S

Waitrose 

National Wine Shop of the Year Shortlist

Cambridge Wine Merchants

Tanners Wines 

Innovator of the Year Shortlist

Cru World Wine

Roberson

Nosy Wine Club

Honest Grapes

The Whisky Exchange

Outstanding Wine Retailer of the Year

The Outstanding Wine Retailer of the Year winner is selected from all entrants in all categories and will be awarded to the retailer who, in the eyes of our panel of judges, has delivered the best wine retail experience for UK consumers between 1 June 2018 and 31 May 2019. There is no shortlist for this category.

Winners were announced at the Decanter Retailer Awards Ceremony at OXO2, London on 26 September 2019

See the results here

See the winners from the 2018 Retailer Awards

Back to the Decanter Retailer Awards homepage