Brut force wins sparkling prize haul for Marlings Vineyard

A NEW Forest vineyard has uncorked four awards in a regional wine competition – including Wine of the Year.

Marlings Vineyard, based in Sway saw its Sparkling Rose Brut take the coveted prize at the Wessex Wine of the Year awards, along with Sparkling Wine of the Year and the Gold Medal. Its Bacchus Chardonnay 2018 took the bronze medal.

The annual awards, run by Wines of Great Britain, recognises the best tipple from around Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Isle of Wight, and attracts entries from large-scale producers as well as boutique outlets like Marlings.

Mark Barber of Marlings Vineyard said the awards were a phenomenal way to end 2019.

“Our vision and passion is always to produce the best quality wines we can. These medals are a true acknowledgement from an independent, trusted and well-respected judging panel.

“We are delighted to have won the awards, which is such a boost for everyone involved, especially as the vineyard enters into its 30th year in 2020.

“We also want to say an enormous ‘thank you’ to all our customers who give us the most fantastic support, feedback and help to spread the word about how good our wines really are.”

Michael Driscoll, head sommelier at Careys Manor at Brockenhurst, said he was proud of the hotel’s relationship with Marlings.

“They have such a passion and clear vision about the wines they produce and how they want to do it – this comes across in every bottle we open.

“It is extremely important for us to support and work with local producers.

“Our guests are wanting greater transparency in the origin of food and drink they are consuming and what could be better than explaining a wine they are drinking is only produced less than four miles down the road. Often, they are astounded.”

For more information visit www.marlingsvineyard.co.uk.