The UK’s best wine retailers

Last night, the International Wine Challenge (IWC) brought together the UK wine industry for its annual awards in London. There was much to celebrate this year as businesses of all sizes were recognised in the IWC Industry Awards.
This year, 35 Industry Awards were given out to individuals and companies across the nation in recognition of the work that they do bringing the joy of wine to UK consumers.


For the second year in a row, Liberty Wines was named IWC Agent of the Year, with judges noting that “the company hasn't rested on its laurels, showcasing more events, more agencies, and continued growth”. Liberty was also named Specialist of the Year for both its Australian and Italian wines, and it won the IWC On-Trade Wine Supplier title.


Majestic Wine was named IWC Large Multiple Retailer 2024 with judges praising its positive contributions to both the wine industry and society as a whole. Judges highlighted Majestic's fantastic charity work and commendable commitment to sustainability, for example bottling in-country. Majestic also won the Rosé and French Specialist categories.
This year’s IWC Medium Multiple Retailer award went to Amathus Drinks which impressed judges with a significant sales uplift, an excellent online solution and a wide offering, including a growing organic and biodynamic selection.


Lea and Sandeman took home the IWC Small Multiple Retailer title, with judges commending the business for its huge selection and strong focus on service, whether online, in-store, or through home delivery. It was also recognised for championing grower champagnes and less obvious sparkling wine regions with the IWC Sparkling Retailer 2024 award.


The IWC Online Retailer award went to The Wine Society for the second year in a row. Judges described it as “a benchmark for online retailing”, noting its “impressive product range” and “enduring relevance in the contemporary UK wine market”.


Virgin Wines was awarded IWC Wine Club 2024, with judges noting that it was navigating a challenging wine market by keeping up with current consumer trends, for example the introduction of lower ABV and vegan wines.
This year’s IWC Supermarket 2024 award went to Marks & Spencer, which also took home 59 medals for its wines.


Tesco had a strong year, winning more medals than any other supermarket and claiming the title for the Own Label Range of the Year for the second consecutive year.
There was plenty more success for supermarket wines in this year’s Challenge with the Great Value Awards in particular highlighting the remarkable quality found in UK supermarket aisles. Tesco, Co-op, Asda and Spar were all recognised with Great Value Champion Awards this year.

IWC Great Value Champion Wines 2024

IWC Great Value Champion Sweet 2024: Tesco Finest Dessert Semillon 2019 (£6.75, Tesco)
IWC Great Value Champion Fortified 2024: Co-op Irresistible Pedro Ximénez (£7.50, Co-op)
IWC Great Value Champion Sparkling 2024: ASDA Asquith Gardens English Sparkling NV (£16, ASDA)
IWC Great Value Champion Rosé 2024: Compagnia Ile de Beaute Corsican Rosé 2023 (£12.99, Majestic)
IWC Great Value Champion White 2024: Kleine Zalze Reserve Chardonnay 2023 (£9.50, Tesco)
IWC Great Value Champion Red 2024: Spar Languedoc Rouge 2023 (£8.99, Spar)

Top wine lists

There was also success for on-trade businesses with two London restaurants recognised for their outstanding winelists. Fitzrovia-based French bistro, Noizé Restaurant, won IWC Restaurant Wine List - Contemporary 2024, while it was The Clove Club (above) in Shoreditch that took home the Fine Dining category.

Other awards announced on the night included:
IWC Trade Educator 2024: Bibendum
IWC Consumer Educator 2024: ThirtyFifty
IWC Single Site Retailer 2024: James Nicholson Wine
IWC Unsung Specialist 2024: Novel Wines
IWC Buying Team 2024: Jeroboams Group

IWC Regional Merchant Awards

South East: Palate Bottle Shop (above)
Scotland: WoodWinters Wines & Whiskies
Northern England: House of Townend
Central England: Pierre Hourlier Wines
Wales: Ultracomida Ltd


Northern Ireland: James Nicholson Wine (above)
South West England: Stroud Wine Company
Eastern England: The Wee Vinoteca
London: Lea & Sandeman

The full list of IWC UK Industry Awards winners can be seen here.

See the IWC Champion Wines here.

Meet the IWC Winemakers of the Year here.