Hampshire vineyards have significantly stood out in the Decanter World Wine Awards 2024.

DWWA, celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, is the largest and most impactful wine competition globally.

The competition, which has continued to grow in credibility due to its uncompromising judging process, reviewed 18,143 wines from 57 nations.

Hambledon winemaker Felix GabilletHambledon winemaker Felix Gabillet (Image: Laurie Fletcher)

UK sparkling wines have been increasingly recognised internationally, and this year's recognition includes a Platinum medal for Hampshire's Hambledon, Premier Brut.

Furthermore, three Gold medals were given to Hampshire's sparkling wines, distinguished recipients being French Champagne house Louis Pommery’s England Rosé Brut NV, Exton Park's Blanc De Blancs 2014, and Reserve Blend 28 Blanc De Noirs Brut NV.

Andrew Jefford, the DWWA Co-Chair, expressed his dedication to the meticulous judging process, emphasising the determination to reach the correct result.

An additional three gold medals were awarded to sparkling wines from HampshireAn additional three gold medals were awarded to sparkling wines from Hampshire (Image: Supplied)

Their evaluation involved awarding not just top-tier levels like Best in Show or Platinum and Gold, but also recognising the importance of Silver. This year, they implemented a new verification process for high-scored Silvers (94 points).

Building on this, two Hampshire wines, Chalkdown, Classic Cuvée 2021 and Chalkdown, Rosé Brut 2020, received high Silvers. Ultimately, the county secured 26 medals, inclusive of one Platinum, three Gold, 14 Silver and 7 Bronze medals.

Notably, all awards were for sparkling wines except two white wines, Penn Croft, Pinot Blanc 2021 and Penn Croft, Village Bacchus 2022, which won a Silver and Bronze medal respectively.

Hambledon Vineyard Première CuvéeHambledon Vineyard Première Cuvée (Image: Supplied)

The UK experienced a record-breaking year at the 2024 awards, demonstrating the escalating quality and production of its wines. With an impressive haul of 186 medals, it marked the nation's best year to date.

DWWA winners are a sight for sore eyes on supermarket shelves, with retailers Cederberg Wines, Waitrose, and M&S among the medal winners this year.

You can also expect to see Silver medal winners in major supermarkets like Sainsburys, Asda, Lidl and Aldi.