Producers go head to head in WineGB West Annual Competition
From amateur enthusiasts to internationally-renowned wine estates, 27 producers will show nearly 100 wines at the 50th WineGB West Annual Competition taking place later this month.
The competition, now in its 50th year, aims to highlight the quality of wines being produced in the West including those from Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.
A panel of expert judges will gather for the competition at the Langham Wine Estate, in Dorset, on 13th and 14th September.
Chairman of WineGB West, Guy Smith, who owns Smith and Evans Wine in Somerset, believes the wines from the West don’t get as much recognition as they deserve.
“A lot of the vineyards in the West are smaller and family-owned unlike some from other more well-known wine regions in the UK,” says Guy, who adds: “We want to highlight the quality of wine on offer in our region and showcase some of the less conventional styles being made here.”
Producers entering their wines include Sharpham Wine, Three Choirs Vineyard and the Langham Wine Estate. But who will be named supreme champion of the West will be down to the expert judging panel made up of wine consultants, critics, a sommelier and winemaker.
Owner of the Langham Wine Estate and former WineGB West supreme champion, Justin Langham, says: “We are delighted to be hosting the two-day event at Langham. It’s a great way to demonstrate the high quality of the wines available in the West being made by small, family-owned producers from their one hectare vineyard to larger estates.”
The expert judging panel comprises Angela Mount – Chair of Judges, wine consultant, writer and presenter, Susy Atkins - leading wine writer, Simon Thorpe MW - Chief Executive of WineGB, Zoe Driver - Winemaker at Black Chalk Wines, Tom Lakin - Head Sommelier of Casamia Restaurant in Bristol, and Yannick Loue - owner of the Le Vignoble chain (Plymouth, Bath & Bristol).
Judging will take place on Monday 13th September. The winners of the trophies and medals will be announced during the members day on Tuesday 14th September.