The ninth edition of the WineGB Awards saw the number of still wines entered and awarded medals surpass sparkling wines for the first time with wines made from 11 different varieties gaining golds. The competition also saw the first ever 99 points awarded. 

Still wines represented more than half of entries (54%) to this year’s Awards gaining 161 medals in comparison to 151 for sparkling wines. However, when it came to gold medals, sparkling wines came out on top, picking up almost 67% of the total despite a strong showing from still Chardonnay wines this year.  

Unsurprisingly given the bumper year, 2023 was the most popular vintage entered (31%), with wines from this year picking up 88 medals in total. The oldest wine submitted was from 2009, once again demonstrating the ageing potential of GB wines.  

Kent retained the top spot as the county with the most golds and medals overall. However, there was increased competition from the western counties for the top medals with Dorset and Hampshire achieving 7 golds, Devon and Somerset with 4, and East Sussex and West Sussex each with 3. It is also worth noting that four of the gold medal winning wines were made from fruit sourced from the county of Essex which is proving to be a consistent source of high-quality grapes for still wine production.  

In terms of medals overall, there was notable success achieved by London-based urban wineries, which together secured a total of 14 medals. Kent achieved 85 medals in total followed by Hampshire (40), East Sussex (29), Dorset (17), Devon (13), Gloucestershire (13), Cornwall (11), West Sussex (11) and Norfolk (9).  

This year, of the medals awarded, 12% were gold, 38% were silver, and 32% were bronze. A total of 11 different varieties were used to produce gold medal winning wines, including the first golds achieved for Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, and a rosé made from Gamay.  

Chardonnay once again performed well among the gold medal winning sparkling wines, accounting for 7 of the 8 blanc de blancs expressions that achieved top marks. Classic cuvées, which were the most popular style of fizz entered into the competition this year (26% of entries) also did well, achieving 8 golds. All but two of these wines were Chardonnay dominant. Among the still wines, Chardonnay also reigned supreme accounting for 35% of the gold medals, with Bacchus as the second most successful variety achieving 3 golds.  

In terms of ages, while non-vintage (24%) and 2021 (20%) were the most popular sparkling wines entered, it was 2020 along with non-vintage wines that gained the most golds with 7 apiece. While 2023 was the most popular vintage for still wines submitted into this year’s competition, wines from 2022 came out on top with 41% of the golds achieved in the still category.  

Like last year, innovative winemaking techniques were on display. Among the gold medal winning wines were a perpetual cuvée inspired by the production methods of Champagne Jacques Selosse, a still Pinot Blanc, fortified to 15% ABV and aged under flor in barrel for two years, and a Solera blended Chardonnay.  

The medal results can be read in full here.  

This year’s competition also saw the first ever 99 points awarded to a wine. The trophy winners and points scores for this year’s competition will be unveiled at a ceremony on 17 July at Southwark Cathedral. More information and tickets are available here.  

What the judges said 

Susie Barrie MW, Chair of the judging panel, comments: “This year we had hands down the most exciting final lineup of Chardonnays we’ve ever seen at WineGB. The range of styles and the inherent quality of the wines has never been better.” 

Melania Battiston, Panel Lead, adds: “I have extensive experience tasting sparkling wines from around the world, and it’s rare to find such a harmonious blend of consistency and quality throughout the flights. As for the still wines, while the quality is undoubtedly high, they are less predictable, which is part of what makes them so exciting. There’s a sense of freedom and experimentation, with winemakers exploring their own styles and thanks to WineGB, increasingly gaining well-deserved recognition for it.” 

Anne Krebiehl MW says: “While I had only one day to judge, I enjoyed it thoroughly, especially the blanc de dlancs and the non-vintage blends – it was great to see excellent, world-class fizz being made in such stylistic breadth. This is surely a sign of an industry that is coming of age, making its way and exploring such different and valid expressions. I was also really pleased with the still Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. England no longer has anything to hide, and these two wonderful varieties really work on this Sceptered Isle.” 

Ends. 

Notes to editors: 

WineGB Awards 

Now in its ninth year, the WineGB Awards is the national competition for the English and Welsh wine industry. Organised and run by WineGB, the aim and purpose of the WineGB Awards is to send out a powerful message of the quality, consistency, and variety of our wines. This year’s headline sponsor is Rankin Brothers and Sons.  

A full explanation of the judging process can be found here.  

This year’s judging took place at WBC’s offices in central London. The judges were: 

Susie Barrie MW (Co-Chair) 
Peter Richards MW (Co-Chair) 
Melania Battiston (Panel Lead) 
Greg Sherwood MW (Panel Lead) 
Lauren Ballantyne (Tesco) 
Mike Best MW (Boutinot) 
Sue Daniels (Marks & Spencer) 
Luke Harbor (The PIG Hotels) 
Anne Krebiehl MW (Freelance writer and Vinous Media) 
Dror Nativ MW (Marks & Spencer) 
 
WineGB 

Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) is the national association for the English and Welsh wine industry. It represents, leads, and supports the sustainable growth of the Great British wine sector. With over 500 members, it works to cultivate success across the industry. Its work supports its three key areas of activity: to ensure strong production and a skilled workforce, to increase sales and safeguard quality, and to enhance the reputation of English and Welsh wine.