Your Harrogate Radio

7:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Taylor Swift

Blank Space (Taylor's Version)

Listen Live

Vineyard near Harrogate wins first international wine award

Wednesday, 22 May 2024 08:17

Peter and Mandy Townsend, Dunesforde Vineyard.

A vineyard between Harrogate and York has been recognised with an international wine award.

Dunesforde Vineyard has won its first award in the prestigious International Wine Challenge (IWC).

The IWC is the world's most influential, impartial and rigorously judged global wine competition.

And it has just announced the results of its 2024 competition - with Dunesforde Sparkling Pinot Gris 2020 awarded a silver medal, the only wine from northern England to do so.

Thousands of wines from over 50 countries were entered into the International Wine Challenge and blind tasted by an international panel of experts including Oz Clarke, Tim Atkin MW and TV’s Helen McGinn.

They said of the Dunesforde Sparkling Pinot Gris:

“This is bright and intense with red cherry and lime flavour, showing keen acidity and real interest.”

Peter Townsend, Head of Wine Development at Dunesforde, said:

“Wines recognised by the International Wine Challenge are synonymous with the highest quality which we always strive to achieve at Dunesforde.

"This is the first year that we have entered a wine into this competition and we’re thrilled that our Sparkling Pinot Gris has won a coveted silver medal.

“Growing Pinot Gris is quite rare in England and especially rare as far north as we are. We planted the vines in 2016 as an experiment and are delighted that our punt has paid off! It’s a crisp and refreshing wine with tongue-tingling flavours throughout. Delicious.”

Dunesforde Sparkling Pinot Gris is available online or from Dunesforde’s Cellar Door, priced at £37.

Only 200 bottles of the 2020 vintage were produced so it is in limited quantities.

More from Local News

Santa's Polar Kingdom coming to Harrogate's showground

A new Christmas attraction is coming to the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate this December.
Harrogate workshop to support women through pregnancy and beyond

A workshop helping women stay active during pregnancy and return to exercise after birth is coming to Harrogate.
Harrogate Snowball returns to collect Christmas toys for children

Harrogate's Snowball will return this December, inviting guests to bring a toy for a child in need.
Plans to build a thriving Knaresborough market following handover

Plans to build a thriving Wednesday market in Knaresborough have been outlined following its move to town council control.
Singing sessions to tackle loneliness in Harrogate care homes

A new singing project is bringing nursery children and care home residents together across Harrogate to help tackle loneliness.
Conservation work reveals Ripon Town Hall was once painted green

Evidence that Ripon Town Hall was once painted green has been uncovered during conservation work.
Leeds Bradford Airport to shut down for workers strike

Leeds Bradford Airport is set for a standstill as almost 130 workers will take industrial action over pay.
Bettys at Harlow Carr reopens after refurb - with new takeaway hatch

Bettys Café Tea Rooms at RHS Garden Harlow Carr has reopened following a month-long refurbishment.
Harrogate College to host farewell event before building is demolished

Harrogate College is inviting former students and staff to share their memories before its current building is demolished next year.
Realitea owner reflects on 12 years in Ripon

The owner of Ripon tearoom and Indian bistro Realitea has reflected on 12 years in business.
Police appeal after car stolen from Harrogate layby

Police are appealing for witnesses after a black Ford Fiesta was stolen from a layby on Hookstone Road in Harrogate.
WATCH: Motorist cuts across two lorries at more than 90mph on A1(M)

Police have released footage of a motorist pulling across the path of two HGVs while travelling at more than 90mph near Boroughbridge.
Councillors to challenge NHS over 'scandalous' end-of-life care governance in North Yorkshire

Councillors have agreed to write to NHS chiefs over what they described as the “scandalous” state of governance of end-of-life care in York and North Yorkshire.
£3.5m bus franchising assessment approved amid 'empty buses' warning

North Yorkshire Council leaders have warned against taxpayers being left to subsidise "empty buses" after further work towards potentially franchising bus services across the county was approved.
Starbeck man set for special homecoming after 500-mile challenge

A Starbeck man who has raised more than £2,500 for St John Ambulance is set for a special welcome home this week.
Doodle HR to host business advice expo at Harrogate hotel

Doodle HR is hosting a business advice expo at Harrogate’s Cedar Court Hotel this month.
Knaresborough's Painting Pots celebrates customers with first awards

Painting Pots in Knaresborough is handing out £260 worth of vouchers and prizes to the winners of its first customer awards.
Harrogate to host Christmas ice sculpture trail this December

An ice sculpture trail will bring eight frozen creations to Harrogate town centre this December.
Site manager wins housebuilding 'Oscar' for Harrogate development

A site manager at a Harrogate housing development has won a national award recognising excellence in housebuilding.
Harrogate boy left deaf by meningitis to feature in BBC appeal

A five-year-old boy from Harrogate who lost his hearing after contracting meningitis will feature in a BBC Lifeline appeal this Sunday (4th October).