Village Wine Shop Wins

Top National Award

A village wine shop in the Ribble Valley has just scooped the most prestigious award in wine retail

The Whalley Wine Shop located in the small village of Whalley has just been named Best Local Wine Shop in the UK by the wine industry’s leading magazine Decanter at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards held in London.

The award was presented to the manager of the shop, Matt Monk, at an awards presentation in London attended by nearly 200 of the country’s top wine industry professionals.

The Decanter Awards, which celebrate and champion creativity, drive and success in the wine industry is the world’s largest and most influential wine competition. The shortlist of potential winners featured shops from all over the UK, from St Andrews down to Jersey. Judged by top wine experts, including a number of Masters of Wine, who follow a rigorous judging process, including mystery visits to the shops by judges.

Matt said: “I went to the ceremony more in hope than expectation, but when the judges read out our name I was gobsmacked! It’s an amazing feeling to be recognised by people you admire and respect, but more than anything I am so proud that the hard work that the team have put in is so appreciated and rewarded in such a way.”

The Whalley Wine Shop, established on the site of an old Threshers Wine shop, was taken over and radically revamped in 2010 by current owners Tom and Jen Jones, who said: “We’ve always felt our little shop was a bit special but to have it confirmed with this award is fantastic for the whole team. We’ve worked incredibly hard to build a new generation of wine shop, with fresh ideas and innovations. Winning a Decanter Award, for us, is the absolute pinnacle in our industry.”

The judges praised The Whalley Wine Shop saying: “We loved the wine list, it’s a great selection, it’s really well priced and gives the customer an excellent choice. The shop and staff felt very approachable, it was also nice to see customers able to taste the wines in-store and good to see the online operation making progress. Our winner was all about an approachable charm and a fairly priced, well sourced range of wines.”

Customers of The Whalley Wine Shop experience a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where they can choose from a selection of wines, Champagnes, spirits, craft beers, cigars and much more. Owner Tom explains: “The aim from the very start has been to find superb quality wines that are really good value and to champion those wines with genuine passion, enthusiasm and fantastic service.”

Next year The Whalley Wine Shop will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary and has great plans to celebrate with numerous tastings and events.

www.thewhalleywineshop.com

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