SWA 2011

What the trade thinks

Whether small or large, there’s a place for you in the SWA. Don’t just take our word for it: here’s what a quartet of the UK’s leading suppliers think about the Sommelier Wine Awards

Boutinot

'For 30 years at Boutinot it’s always been about the wine. And it’s for the same reason that we view the Sommelier Wine Awards as so important. Wines tasted blind, measured for quality and value and the ratio between the two. The Sommelier Wine Awards are now established as the barometer for our business, not least because of the calibre and breadth of experience available from the judging panel themselves.'
Danny Spencer, restaurant sales director

Medals 2011:
17 Gold
45 Silver
38 Bronze
Best Wine in Show, Best Fine Wine, 4 Critics Choice, 2 By the Glass, 3 Food Match awards

Liberty Wines

'We have found the Sommelier Wine Awards the most useful of any of the awards for the on-trade. They grab the attention of on-trade buyers and have really helped us build sales through wine-savvy outlets.'
David Gleave, founder & managing director

Medals 2011:
12 Gold
17 Silver
18 Bronze
Critics Choice, Food Match award

Concha y Toro

'We were thrilled to be named Producer of the Year in the 2011 Sommelier Wine Awards. To be recognised by the on-trade in this way has already helped to open doors for us and has confirmed our belief that Chile can produce the styles of wines that sommeliers and restaurant wine buyers are after.'
Diego Santana, marketing manager

Medals 2011:
2 Gold
6 Silver
1 Bronze
Producer of the Year, By the Glass award

Maison Marques et Domaines

'Mud House were delighted to win SWA’s Gastropub Wine of the Year with the 2010 Sauvignon Blanc – to have some of the best on-trade tasters select our wine blind from such a high standard line-up has really boosted our image in the on-trade as well as opening up new sales leads to us.'
Charles King, managing director

Medals 2011:
4 Gold
3 Silver
Gastropub Wine of the Year

Editorial feature from Imbibe Magazine – May/June 2011