Celebrating Wine Brilliance: the SWA winners announced!

The Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA) made a triumphant return after a four-year break, captivating the UK's on-trade scene with a spectacular showcase of wine excellence. Organized by Agile Media in collaboration with Imbibe Live, this year's competition drew sommeliers from renowned venues nationwide, fostering a vibrant environment for wine appreciation and knowledge exchange.

Judged by an esteemed panel chaired by Isa Bal of Trivet restaurant, SWA celebrated a diverse array of wines available in the UK on-trade. The blind tasting format, focusing on factors like versatility, typicity, and value for money, highlighted standout categories such as sparkling wines from England, Austria, and Slovenia. English wineries like Fox & Fox and Ridgeview shone brightly, alongside French regions commanding attention with a remarkable 26% of total medals awarded.

Noteworthy mentions encompassed Chianti, Argentina, and South Africa, while the sweet and fortified category, notably Sherry, garnered praise. Special accolades were reserved for exceptional wines through Critics' Choice awards, emphasizing innovation and quality. From orange wines to lesser-known regions like Lebanon and Brazil, SWA embraced a global spectrum of flavours, catering to diverse palates and preferences.

Recognizing outstanding value wines and premium selections alike, SWA showcases the best in the industry, elevating exceptional finds like San Polino's Brunello di Montalcino 2019 and Michele Chiarlo's Cipressi Barbera d'Asti Superiore Nizza 2021. For a comprehensive list of medal winners and special awards, visit sommelierwineawards.com, and stay tuned for the forthcoming Gold Book unveiling the top trends and coveted Trophies in the world of wine.