Famous West Midlands vineyard near Wolverhampton strikes gold at English Wine Awards with expressive Bacchus wine

Halfpenny Green Wine Estate has struck gold after one of its standout wines was crowned among the country’s finest at the prestigious Independent English Wine Awards.

The South Staffordshire vineyard scooped a coveted gold medal for its Bacchus wine in the competition’s milestone 10th anniversary year, which attracted a record number of entries from producers across England.

Judged blind by an experienced panel of wine professionals, the awards are regarded as one of the leading showcases for English wine, with this year’s competition proving to be the biggest in its history.

Halfpenny Green’s Bacchus impressed the judges with its balance, texture and complexity, with one taster describing it as ‘a great example of grown-up Bacchus’ and praising its ‘excellent balance between weight, texture and acidity.’

In their consolidated feedback, the judges highlighted the wine’s expressive nose, featuring ripe citrus, melon and stone fruit alongside subtle herbal notes, while commending its depth, elegance and long, refined finish.

Owner Clive Vickers said the accolade was particularly pleasing given the quality of the competition and the growing reputation of English wine.

He said: “To receive a gold medal in the biggest Independent English Wine Awards to date is a tremendous achievement and something we’re incredibly proud of.

“Bacchus has become one of the flagship grape varieties for English wine, so to see our wine recognised in this way by such an experienced judging panel is hugely rewarding.

“The feedback from the judges was fantastic and reflects the passion and attention to detail that goes into every bottle. It’s also another reminder of just how far English wine has come in recent years and the quality that vineyards across the country are now producing.”

The award adds to Halfpenny Green’s growing list of accolades and further strengthens the reputation of the business as one of the pioneers of English winemaking.