IWSC honours Allan Cheesman

Allan Cheesman was last week formally presented with his IWSC trophy for Outstanding Contribution to Wine.

Having been unable to accept his award in person at the IWSC annual banquet in November, the presentation was made at Mosimann’s private dining club in London.

One of the wine trade’s most well known and respected figures, Cheesman was selected from a strong field for this special award in honour of the IWSC’s 40th anniversary.

The trophy was created “to recognise a person whose contribution made a fundamental and positive difference to the wine industry during the last 40 years.”

The judges acknowledged Cheesman’s pioneering role, particularly in his capacity as the former director of wine at Sainsbury’s, in enabling consumers to incorporate wine into their weekly shop.

The panel also recognised Cheesman’s work to build own-brand wines in the UK, as well as his ongoing commitment to making wine more accessible to consumers.

On receiving his award, Cheesman described himself as “truly humbled”, adding that he was “glad to at last be associated with the IWSC and I look forward to taking part this year.”

Frances Horder, competition director of the IWSC, who presented the trophy, said: “Allan Cheesman seemed a little subdued and quite moved at receiving this award. It was a pleasure for us to make this presentation to someone who appreciated the significance of the accolade.”

Gabriel Savage, 03.02.10