Chilford Hall Vineyard in Linton has been awarded the prestigious East Anglian Wine of the Year 2012 award by six judges from the East Anglian Wine Growers Association, along with four other trophies and four medals.
The Chilford Hundred Sparkling White 2009 won the trophy for East Anglian Wine of the Year 2012, The Spear Trophy for best sparkling wine and a gold medal, the Chilford Hundred Blush 2011 was awarded a silver medal and the Cants Rose Trophy for best rosé. The Müller-Thurgau Schönburger 2011 won a silver medal and the Berwick Trophy for best wine from 2011 and the Granta Valley Red 2010 won a bronze medal and the Founders’ Trophy for best red wine.
The panel of judges this year included Anthony Foster MW, Mary Mudd, Robin Crameri MW, James Long, Anthony Trembath and Roy Williams. The awards were presented to Mark Barnes, Chilford Hall’s winemaker at New Hall Vineyards in Essex.
Mary Mudd, chair of the EAWGA, says: “We had over sixty entries this year – more and more people are planting grapes and over the next two or three years we are expecting an increase in the number of wines entered into the awards and competition will be fierce.”
Glen Mejias, director and general manager of Chilford Hall says: “We are absolutely delighted with our scoop and look forward to hosting the awards next summer. Our wine sales have rocketed and our tours and tastings ticket sales have doubled this season, allowing us to expand our offerings to include lunches, afternoon teas and corporate tours.”
The East Anglian Wine Growers Association www.eastanglianwines.co.uk currently has over 100 members and was founded in 1982 by the late owner of Chilford Hall, Sam Alper.
Chilford Hundred wines are priced from £7.75 to £16.95 and are available from The Chilford Wines and Bistro at Chilford Hall in Linton, by calling 01223 895600 or by ordering online
