Devon Vineyard Wins International Gold Medal For The Second Year Running

Sharpham Vineyard, situated on the south facing banks of the River Dart, has two new accolades to add to its lengthening list of prestigious awards. At the recent Sommelier Wine Awards, held in London, Sharpham's 'Barrel Fermented 2013' white wine was not only awarded a Gold medal, but also gained the highest recognition of winning a Critics' Choice Trophy.

Over 2,500 of the world's best wines were judged by more than 100 leading sommeliers, including three Masters of Wine. Only a dozen wines were given a Critics' Choice Trophy. These wines are described by the organisers as 'wines that our tasting teams simply fall in love with, whatever their price or style'. The 'wow' wines!

Commenting on this most recent award win, Duncan Schwab, Sharpham's winemaker, said, "We are truly delighted to get this recognition. We picked up a Gold at last year's competition with our 'Dart Valley Reserve' and so to win again this year shows great consistency and proves we are indeed making world class wines."

Judges' comments included that the balance, breadth and a distinctive flavour profile gave Sharpham not just England's first Gold, but a Critics' Choice too. "Intense nettle and green apple aromatics, interesting blackcurrant leaf complexity with light-bodied, bright, zesty flavours on the palate and a balanced, fruity finish. Crying out for seafood," said Mike Best of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. "With notes of confectionary, spice and sweet gooseberries, this is pure and precise," said Roger Jones of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn, suggesting roast belly pork as a match.

The Sommelier Wine Awards is a wine competition with a difference. It's Britain's only on-trade wine competition, so focuses entirely on wines aimed at hotels, restaurants, bars and pubs. Since it started in 2007 it has grown to become the first point of reference for the UK's leading on-trade wine buyers as well as the key competition for wines trying to increase their presence in this arena. The judges serve or buy wine in the on-trade, and wines with general high street distribution are not permitted, except for sparkling and fortified wines, and online-exclusive wines. For further information on the awards, visitwww.sommelierwineawards.com.

Wines and cheeses from the Sharpham range, including Sharpham 'Barrel fermented 2013' (£10.47), are available online atwww.sharpham.com and in delis and independent stores across the UK. Follow Sharpham on Twitter @SharphamWines and @SharphamCheese.

Sharpham Vineyard is located on the Sharpham Estate, near Totnes in South Devon (TQ9 7UT). For directions visithttp://www.sharpham.com/contact-us/.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Sharpham Vineyard

• This thousand year old farm consists of five hundred acres owned by the Sharpham Trust. The house, designed in 1770 by Sir Robert Taylor, overlooks the fields and wooded slopes above the River Dart, two miles downstream of the ancient market town of Totnes. Their aim today is to farm successfully in the modern context and to produce world class wine and cheese in harmony with the environment and the natural beauty of the Estate

• The family partnership of Sharpham Vineyard has been proudly producing excellent wines for over 30 years and Sharpham wines consistently win awards at national and international competitions

• The vineyard is open for visits, please see www.sharpham.comfor further information

For further information, photography or an interview with Duncan Schwab, winemaker at Sharpham Vineyard, please contact:

Hayley Reynolds, RAW PR & Marketing

hayley@rawprandmarketing.co.uk

01548 550 429 / 07887 474 104 / Twitter: @HayleyJReynolds @RawSW