Gralyn Estate crowned ‘Wine of the Year’ in London Wine Competition of more than 1300 submissions

A South West winery has been recognised on the global stage, taking out one of the premier categories of the 2022 London Wine and Spirits Competition. Wilyabrup’s Gralyn Estate was deemed Wine of the Year for their Artizen Rare Muscat, which also took out best in show by country category. The critically acclaimed competition seeks to “judge drinks in the same way consumers buy them” in which entrants are marked on their quality, value for money, and their packaging and design. The only wine to score 97 out a possible 100, owner of Gralyn Estate Scott Baxter said the honour is owed to his wife’s parents, from whom they inherited the winery. “We’re winning accolades now because Annette’s parents had the foresight 40 years ago to barrel age this beautiful wine,” he said. “They knew it was special, they knew it had its place and they believed that they were on to something for which we’re very grateful, because now we’re reaping the rewards of their vision and hard work.” Gralyn Estate was also awarded gold for both its 2017 and 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon at the London Wine Competition, and its chardonnay awarded bronze. This year saw a record number of wines submitted with 1300 from 36 countries. The Spirits competition also saw a record number of entrants with around 2500 spirits brands from more than 80 countries vying for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. Chief executive of the Beverage Trade Network Sid Patel said the competition was a higher caliber compared with previous years. “We were blown away not just by the standard of wines and spirits entered but by the numbers of producers and importers that took part in the 2022 competition,” he said. “This is our record year and shows how quickly the trade has taken to an event that has the end consumer in mind.”