Portuguese wine awards winners announced

The annual Portuguese wine awards were held at the Portuguese ambassador’s private residence in London on 28 January, on the same day as a tasting of 50 Portuguese wines. The awards covered four categories, including major groups, independent retailers, restaurants and journalists.

They were presented at a dinner hosted by the Ambassador of Portugal, H.E. Mr. António Nunes de Carvalho Santana Carlos, ViniPortugal and APWI (the Association of Portuguese Wine Importers), and the event was attended by the UK’s wine trade and press.

Laithwaites won the major group category, with The Wine Society taking the runner up spot. The restaurant award went to Eyre Bros, just ahead of Vinoteca. Halifax Wine Company took home the Independent Retailer award, and Cambridge Wine Merchants were awarded the runner up prize.

The wines for the tasting had been chosen by Jamie Goode, the winner of last year’s Portuguese Journalist of the Year.

Jamie commented: "Choosing just 50 great wines has been a difficult job, and I think Portugal is now one of the most exciting and dynamic wine-producing countries in Europe."

Sarah Ahmed will replace Jamie Goode in choosing next year’s 50 Great Portuguese Wines, after she was awarded the journalist of the year prize ahead of Kathryn McWhirter and Charles Metcalfe.

There will be two more opportunities to taste the 50 wines, first on 28 April at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester, then at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh on 30 April.

For an invitation and further information contact ViniPortugal on 01829 720130 or via email.

Alexis Hercules, 02.02.09