Entries for still wines surpassed those of sparkling wines for the first time ever at the WineGB Awards. 

The competition, now in its ninth edition, saw still wines account for 54% of all entries. They also secured more awards overall, taking 161 medals compared to 151 for sparkling wines. 

Despite this, sparkling wines led in gold medals, claiming 67% of the top prizes. 

The 2023 vintage was the most popular year entered, with wines from that year earning 88 medals in total. The oldest wine entered dated back to 2008. 

Geographically, Kent retained the top spot for the most golds and overall medals. Dorset and Hampshire followed with seven golds each, Devon and Somerset earned four and both East and West Sussex were awarded three golds. 

In terms of varieties, Chardonnay performed especially well in the gold medal-winning sparkling wines, accounting for seven of the eight Blanc de Blancs expressions awarded top marks. 

Chardonnay also dominated the still category, earning 35% of the gold medals, with Bacchus as the second most successful variety. 

WineGB noted that innovative winemaking techniques were showcased across entries. Among the gold medal-winning wines were a perpetual cuvée inspired by Champagne Jacques Selosse, a still Pinot Blanc fortified to 15% ABV and aged under flor in barrel for two years and a Solera-blended Chardonnay. 

Susie Barrie MW, chair of the judging panel, said: “This year we had hands down the most exciting final lineup of Chardonnays we’ve ever seen at WineGB. The range of styles and the inherent quality of the wines has never been better.”  

Anne Krebiehl MW, added: “While I had only one day to judge, I enjoyed it thoroughly, especially the blanc de blancs and the non-vintage blends – it was great to see excellent, world-class fizz being made in such stylistic breadth. 

“This is surely a sign of an industry that is coming of age, making its way and exploring such different and valid expressions.” 

Image credit: Katrina Duffey