The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom is delighted to announce that Bob Lindo, the co-founder of Camel Valley Vineyards in Cornwall, was recently awarded the esteemed FICB Diploma of Honour. The award was presented on behalf of the International Federation of Wine Brotherhoods (FICB), by The Wine Guild’s Chancellor, Lord Thurso.
The FICB Diploma of Honour recognises individuals of outstanding international reputation whose achievements in wine production, promotion, or education have made a lasting impact. This year’s Award to Bob Lindo is in recognition of his remarkable and steadfast commitment to the UK wine industry over the last forty years. His is only the second time this award has been given to a UK wine producer – the last one being awarded to Peter Hall of Breaky Bottom.
Bob Lindo co-founded Camel Valley Vineyard in Cornwall 40 years ago with his wife Annie. Over the years Bob has raised the UK wine industry’s global profile through his award-winning wines, industry leadership, tireless promotion and commitment to sustainability. His dedication has inspired a new generation of winegrowers — not least his son Sam, now head winemaker at Camel Valley and himself a multiple award-winner.
Bob secured the first Royal Warrant for an English wine producer, setting the bar high for other producers. He was also the original co-instigator of English Wine Week, the successful annual industry marketing campaign.
Commenting on his Award, Bob Lindo said: “It really is a tremendous privilege to be awarded the Diploma of Honour from FICB. Given the history and tradition of the wine brotherhoods worldwide, and the reputation of previous recipients. I’m also thrilled that this international award recognises the wine industry in Britain within the wider wine world.
“I want to also acknowledge Annie, my wife, who co-founded the vineyard with me and still works hard to this day both out in the vineyard and flying the flag for Camel Valley.”
The Award presentation took place recently at the Wine Guild of the United Kingdom’s annual Banquet, which also provided the opportunity to formally welcome and intronise new members to the Guild and celebrate those who have greatly contributed to the Guild’s mission.
As with the many wine brotherhoods that exist across the winemaking world in Europe and beyond, The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom also seeks to strengthen the bond between its members and its own domestic wine industry. This was exemplified at the Banquet, where four of the six wines on the menu were English.
Over the past 18 months the Wine Guild has seen a renewed growth in both membership and activities under the Chairmanship of Tal Sunderland-Cohen. With a membership comprising winemakers, wine trade professionals and many interested individuals, the Guild has embraced a renewed spirit of innovation — with a busy calendar of tastings and experiences, and the launch of a new trade initiative to promote UK wines in leading London restaurants, and recently, a collaboration with the Academie du Vin Library.
The annual banquet is the culmination of the year of activities, which saw a record number of new members formally intronised into the Wine Guild.
Bob was also welcomed as a new member and all were toasted, with Camel Valley Reserve Brut 2010 and presented, very aptly by Sam Lindo, himself also newly-intronised to the Wine Guild.
“We are thrilled that Bob has received this well-deserved recognition,” comments Tal Sunderland-Cohen, “Bob exemplifies the dedication and innovation that lie at the heart of the UK wine scene. We are proud that British producers are now rightfully joining the distinguished roll call of leading winemakers and innovators celebrated by the FICB.”