Liberty Wines scoop top award

Liberty Wines has won best on-trade supplier at this year's International Wine Challenge awards held at London's Grosvenor House.

Overall eleven entries were submitted and the other four shortlisted on-trade suppliers were, Alliance Wines, Great Western Wines Inverarity Vaults and Les Cave de Pyrene.

Liberty also retained the 'Italian Specialist Merchant of the Year' trophy for the ninth time in 11 years.

Judges at the event were co-chairmen, Charles Metcalfe, Tim Atkin MW, Sam Harrop MW, Derek Smedley MW, guest chairman Joshua Greene, Jo Mason Wines of South Africa, Peter McCombie MW, David Williams, freelance journalist and Ben Smith- Enotria wines.

The IWC co-chairman and guest judges said: "Liberty Wines' success with the on-trade is largely thanks to such an enormous portfolio combined with an amazing service. They're a great team who've have managed to deliver on every occasion."

Managing director of Liberty Wines, David Gleave MW said: "We were especially pleased to win this award, as it is such a fiercely contested category. It is gratifying that all the hard work we put into the service we provide and way we source our wines, as well as the price stability we were able to offer our customers in such a difficult year, was recognised and rewarded by the judges."

In addition to best on-trade supplier Liberty Trophy winning wines at the IWC were:

• Fattoria Petrolo Galatrona 2006 - International Merlot Trophy
• Ata Rangi Craighall Chardonnay 2007 - New Zealand Chardonnay Trophy
• Shaw and Smith Shiraz 2007 - Adelaide Hills Red Trophy
• Dobogo Tokaji Aszu 6 puttonyos 2004 - Tokaji Trophy
• Domaine de Bel Air Pouilly Fume 2008 - Pouilly Fume Trophy
• Cantine Leonardo 'Tegrino' Vinsanto 2004 - Vin Santo Trophy
• Cortegiara Valpolicella Ripasso 2007 - Ripasso Trophy

• Sommeliers