The UK Circle of Wine Writers and Pavilion Books have named Andy Lloyd Young Wine Writer 2008 for his essay The Grapes of Health, about the state of the wine industry and the issues associated with responsible drinking.

The award was presented to Lloyd, who manages the Docklands branch of the Majestic Wine Warehouse, by Jancis Robinson MW at a reception at Australia House.

‘It’s a difficult one – on one hand, consumers need to examine their own drinking habits a bit more carefully,’ he told decanter.com.

‘On the other hand, the industry could be doing more to promote responsible drinking, even if that means encouraging some consumers to cut down.’

Among those present at the reception at Australia House were writer Oz Clarke, as well as previous award-winners Ray O’Connor, Rebecca Gibb, Stuart George and Peter Richards.

Two contributors to Robinson’s website – Victoria Daskal and Richard Hemming – were runners up, while Emily O’Hare and Rebecca Skinner also were short-listed from over 30 entries.

Applicants must be no older than 30, and based in the UK. They cannot have had a wine book published, or be established columnists or magazine contributors.

The Award includes a £1000 cheque, a two-week trip to Australia courtesy of Wine Australia and Qantas, and an engraved decanter.

Written by Maggie Rosen

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Maggie Rosen
Maggie Rosen
Decanter Magazine, Wine Writer & Editor

Maggie Rosen is a wine journalist, editor and author, hailing from New York but based in London. Aside from Decanter, she has contributed to the Financial Times, The Drinks Business, Harpers Wine and Spirit Weekly, The Wall Street Journal, The World of Fine Wine and Meininger's Wine Business International. She is also a member of the Circle of Wine Writers.