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IWC Merchant Awards Shortlists Announced - 04/08/2009

The International Wine Challenge judges have spoken...and we are certainly listening! The illustrious group, including IWC co-chairmen Tim Atkin MW, Sam Harrop MW, Charles Metcalfe and Derek Smedley MW plus Peter McCombie MW; Jo Mason (WOSA); Hugo Campbell (Ehrmanns) and Graham Holter, has announced the short lists for the hotly contested 2009 Merchant Awards.

Yes, it's tuxedo-time. Bibendum has been shortlisted for more awards this year than ever before. We'll have fingers crossed when the following four categories are announced:

Agent of the Year

Wine List of the Year

Specialist Merchant of the Year for En Primeur

Specialist Merchant of the Year for the USA

We're hoping to double up on our 'Wine List' winning achievement from last year and are really excited about the two Specialist Merchant Awards which we entered for the first time this year. Bibendum has always placed huge emphasis on en primeur campaigns, especially in Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhone, Port and Germany. Apart from the excellent selections of wines, they are backed up by trade and customer tastings which really bring the regions and growers to life.

It's probably no coincidence then that our US entry is also backed up with tasting activity. Annually we host a Californian and Oregonian fine wine tasting, again for both trade and private customers. It is also a great result for our portfolio, which includes Calera, Dry Creek Vineyards, Marmesa, Delicato Family Vineyards, Morgan and A to Z.

The big one however is the 'Agent of the Year'. We previously won this prestigious category in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and it would be a big filip for the entire team if we regained it. We'll let you know as soon as we do. The Awards Dinner takes place on September 2nd. Horseshoes, 4-leafed clovers and pots of gold...