Barry Lewis
22 May, 2025
Business

Amber Valley Wines celebrates two international awards at IWC 2025

Amber Valley Wines, based in Derbyshire, has been awarded two prestigious medals at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2025 – one of the world’s most respected and rigorous wine competitions – for two wines made from grapes grown in the Midlands.

The award winners

The vineyard’s Elsa Pink 2023 – a vibrant dry rosé crafted from Pinot Noir Précoce, Phoenix, and Rondo – was awarded a Silver Medal and scored 90 points, placing it among the top still rosés from the UK. No English still rosé received a Gold Medal this year, making Elsa Pink one of the highest-rated in its category from England.

Judges described it as:

“Medium dark colour. Fresh forest fruits with spicy palate. This shows appealing texture with nice complexity.”

Vineyard tour
Vineyard tour Credit: Amber Valley Wines Ltd

The vineyard’s red wine, Amara 2023 (Pinot Noir Précoce), earned a Bronze Medal and strong praise for its drinkability and depth. Judges noted its:

“Sweet strawberries and fresh cherries,”

calling it an:

“Easy drinking wine.”

On release, the wine was described by Amber Valley as:

“A lighter Pinot Noir style – soft and juicy with good complexity for such a youthful red. The nose is floral with red cherry and subtle spice; the palate is fresh and vibrant, with gentle, supportive tannins.”

Amber Valley Wines owner Barry Lewis, commented:

“We’re incredibly proud to see both wines recognised internationally. To have Elsa Pink named among the best still rosés judged from the UK this year is a tremendous result. Amara also stood out in a very competitive field of English reds. Huge thanks to Jack and the team at Three Choirs for their outstanding winemaking – their work brings our fruit to life beautifully.”

Both wines are available from the Amber Valley Vineyards shop in Wessington (see website for opening hours) and via their online store: