Winner
Chosen by our judges:
Mallard Point Vineyard & Distillery, Essendine, Rutland
Cidentro, Twyford, Leicestershire
White Peak Distillery, Ambergate Derbyshire
Mallard Point Vineyard & Distillery, Essendine, Rutland
Wild & Furrow, Marston Trussell, Northamptonshire
The winner is Mallard Point – an innovative Rutland vineyard and distillery that’s growing pioneering grape varieties and using them to make both wines and spirits.
Mallard Point Vineyard & Distillery in Essendine, Rutland, is an ambitious and visionary project founded by husband-and-wife team Andy and Fi Beamish. Since 2019, they’ve planted and cultivated 14,500 cool-climate vines, including Bacchus, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Sauvignac. And they’re set to become the first UK vineyard to produce wine from its own Cabernet Jura grapes.
Their sustainable ethos is evident in all areas, from tapping into an aquifer beneath the vineyard for their water supply to using returnable and reusable (and stunning) aluminium bottless. Their on-site distillery also produces spirits from their grapes, including their award-winning Pinot Noir Gin, which scored 96 points and won gold at the International Wine and Spirits Competition.
In addition to their gin, Mallard Point’s Pink Pet-Nat was hailed by wine critic Jancis Robinson as her “top English pet-nat of the year,” scoring 17 points. The vineyard’s commitment to sustainability and their exciting plans, such as a forthcoming gin school and Chardonnay Vodka, make them stand out yet further.
Named after the famous Mallard train that set a world speed record just yards from their vineyard in 1938, Mallard Point is now eagerly awaiting the release of their first vintage — a milestone for this pioneering venture.
The other finalists
White Peak Distillery, Ambergate, Derbyshire
White Peak Distillery is a trailblazer, becoming Derbyshire’s first single malt whisky producer. Founded in 2016 by Max and Claire Vaughan, the distillery – which also makes Shining Cliff Gin and White Peak Rum – is housed in the historic Johnson & Nephew Wire Works by the River Derwent.
White Peak has garnered international acclaim, with their Wire Works Whisky range earning top honours at the Global World Whisky Masters. Their Wire Works Alter Ego single malt won the prestigious Master’s Medal, making it the only single malt in the world whisky category to receive this distinction.
The distillery’s creations reflect their innovative approach. The team uses live Derbyshire brewer’s yeast, long fermentation and slow distillation to craft whiskies that reflect the region’s industrial heritage. Their whiskies offer a captivating mix of rich fruit flavours, subtle peat, and bold notes of vanilla, chocolate and roasted malt.
White Peak is more than a distillery; it’s a remarkable transformation of an abandoned wire factory into an artisan operation brimming with passion and ambition. Visitors can experience the grandeur of the site firsthand through tours and tastings.
White Peak has firmly put Derbyshire on the whisky map, making them a deserving finalist in our 2024/25 Drink Producer category.
Cidentro, Twyford, Leicestershire
Founded in 2016 by former civil engineer Hiranthi Cook and her husband Matthew, Cidentro began with the planting of 540 cider apple trees — a bold step in a region not traditionally known for cider-making. Today, the couple manages a thriving orchard and cider house, producing high-quality, 100% juice ciders that have gained local and national recognition.
Cidentro’s approach is rooted in tradition and innovation, using apple varieties such as Katy, Dabinett, Lord Derby and Kingston Black. Every year, the Cidentro team mills, presses, blends and ferments these apples to create distinctive ciders. Their offerings include a standout rosé cider blended with Pinot Noir wine.
Cidentro’s ‘Traditional Method’ sparkling cider has garnered prestigious accolades, including gold medals at both the British Cider Championships and the International Cider Challenge. Their success goes beyond just taste, with their attention to detail in packaging also earning them recognition in design awards.
Cidentro gained further acclaim when their Still Cider was featured in The Guardian by noted food writer Fiona Beckett, who highlighted it as a must-try in the “Cider is Wine” campaign.
As it continues to grow, Cidentro is expanding its reach with its ‘Out in the Orchard’ events, launched in 2024. These events offer guided tours of their beautiful orchard and exclusive cider tastings. Their ciders are now proudly stocked at local favourites like Hitchen’s Barn, Rutland Nursery, and March House Farm, helping to connect their products to the local community.
Wild & Furrow, Marston Trussell, Northamptonshire
Wild & Furrow near Market Harborough is a family-owned producer making waves with its award-winning, barista-quality oat milk. Founded by siblings Miles, Angus and Hannah, the business is rooted in their family farm, where they grow the oats used to create their creamy oat milk.
Unlike mass-produced alternatives, Wild & Furrow’s oat milk is pasteurised at lower temperatures, preserving the protein, nutrients and flavour, and it comes in reusable glass bottles.
The farm has been in the family for over 80 years, and their fresh oat milk, free from the UHT process, offers excellent taste and texture, making it a must-try for those looking to switch from supermarket brands. Wild & Furrow’s products are available for local delivery.
