Laura Clay is the UK Champagne Ambassador 2010

Congratulations to Laura Clay who won the UK Champagne Ambassador 2010 Award at the Dorchester Hotel in London last week.  Presenting on the theme of Champagne Diversity, Laura fought off competition from fellow AWE members, Helen Savage and Gilbert Winfield.

The finalists were judged on their knowledge, communication skills and ability to bring the subject alive; the judges were Gerard Basset MW, Peter McCombie MW, Nicholas King (WSET), Daniel Lorson (Director of Communication at the CIVC) and Francoise Peretti (Director of the Champagne Bureau UK).

Ken Sheather wins “Specialist Merchant of the Year for Portugal”

We are very pleased to announce that AWE member Ken Sheather has won the “Specialist Merchant of the Year for Portugal” award in the 2010 International Wine Challenge awards.

The award was presented by Francisco Borba, the president of ViniPortugal at the awards dinner at the Hilton Park Lane on Tuesday, 7th September.

Keith Grainger wins "Best Wine Education Book in the World" award

The ‘Best Wine Education Book in the World’ Award has been won by Keith Grainger for ‘Wine Quality Tasting and Selection’.

Keith was presented with the Swarovski Crystal Trophy at the Gourmand Awards ceremony held at Le 104, the new cultural centre in Paris, by Edouard Cointreau, chairman of the awards committee. The book was chosen for the award from the 11 winners of individual countries.

Isabelle Legeron becomes a Master of Wine

Congratulations also go to AWE member Isabelle Legeron who has become a Master of Wine. Isabelle will be presented with her certificate at the Annual Reception on 4th November 2009.

Isabelle said, “ I am so thrilled and proud to now be an MW! The Institute of Masters of Wine is second to none in the wine world and it is a real privilege to be a part of it.”

Richard Bampfield is the 2009 European Champagne Ambassador

Many congratulations go to AWE chairman Richard Bampfield MW, who has become the 2009 European Champagne Ambassador.

Richard fought off tough opposition from Italy, Spain, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany and France to win the overall competition. For more details, click here: