Bride Valley Vineyard in Litton Cheney has scooped a coveted Gold Medal at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in London, for its sparkling Bride Valley Brut Reserve 2018.
Scoring an impressive 96 points, the Dorset wine matched the winning Champagne from France’s Piper-Heidsieck, and came within one point of the competition’s top sparkling wine.
Described by judges as a “gastronomic wine, opening with a plush bouquet of orchard fruits and a gentle nuttiness … vibrant citrus and green apple with brioche”. The Brut Reserve is made from 65% pinot noir and 35% chardonnay, with five years of bottle ageing.
Only two per cent of wines entered receive a Gold Medal, making Bride Valley’s win all the more significant. The vineyard also earned Silver medals for its Dorset Crémant and Blanc de Blancs 2018.
‘To receive such an accolade from a very tough panel of judges … the results are proof that English Sparkling is now recognised internationally as superior quality on-par with the top Champagne houses.,’ said Nikki Gallagher, Commercial Director.
Vineyard tours and tastings run every Saturday until September. For details see
bridevalleyvineyard.com
