The Oxford Wine Company has been named as winner of the prestigious Regional Wine Merchant of the Year 2012 by the top wine trade body, The International Wine Challenge (IWC) whose judges include many MW and well known wine journalists such as Oz Clarke. The award was presented to Theo Sloot at a glittering ceremony at The London Hilton earlier this month.
IWC co-chairman Charles Metcalfe said: “The fact that the Oxford Wine Company has a great range of wines was shown clearly in this year’s International Wine Challenge, where they won 19 Gold Medals. That’s something very few other companies in the UK managed. They run a great programme of tastings and events, have just opened another shop, in Cirencester, and taken on Marcia Waters, a very respected Master of Wine, to help on the buying side. It’s so good to see a well-run company expanding, making decent profits and giving a cracking service to its customers.”
Ted Sandbach, MD of The Oxford Wine Company said: “We are honoured and proud to receive this award and I am delighted that we are maintaining a consistent level of achievement with our third win in six years. It vindicates the work we are doing in building an interesting and diverse range of wine and spirits which is recognised by both the trade and our customers.”
The IWC success followed two prestigious new awards the retailer won in the Harpers Wine & Spirit Awards Ceremony in London in May, 2012. The Oxford Wine Company beat stiff competition to win the coveted ‘Best Customer Service’ Award and was then named as ‘Best Independent Wholesaler’ as well, making an important dual win for the company.
The retailer currently lists Brightwell Vineyard, Hendred Vineyard, Nyetimber, Ancre Hill and Three Choirs wines.
