Duncan Murray Wines wins IWSC award

November 19th, 2012

Published on November 19, 2012

Pictured left: Duncan Murray inside his Market Harborough shop

Duncan Murray Wines of Market Harborough, Leicestershire has jointly won a prestigious competition to find the UK’s Independent Wine Retailer of the Year 2012 at a glittering awards ceremony on November 14.

The competition, organised by The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), is a benchmark of excellence for the wine world. Every year the IWSC holds the competition to reward independent wine merchants that provide great service, high quality wines and expert knowledge.

Duncan Murray beat off stiff competition to reach the final. With more than 500 independent UK wine merchants eligible to enter, Louise Bolton from the IWSC said: “This year we have been overwhelmed with entries from independent retailers … [so] getting onto our shortlist is in itself a great achievement.”

Over two selection rounds, the 500 were whittled down to just two finalists – Duncan Murray Wines and Quaff of Brighton.

At the awards, held at the City of London Guildhall, Duncan had to hold his breath right up until the dessert course to hear the judges’ verdict. In the end, he was declared joint winner.

Commenting on their reasons for selecting Duncan Murray Wines, the organisers said the team’s “infectious enthusiasm” had been reinforced by feedback from the retailer’s loyal band of customers. In the words of one satisfied client: “It feels like a house-party whenever you go into their shop and you just know you’re going to come out with something you will enjoy.”’

Sporting a Movember moustache, an overjoyed Duncan Murray said: “This is just fabulous, I’m so happy – it’s great to get this recognition after 11 years of hard work.”

Established in 2001, Duncan Murray Wines on Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, stocks a range of wine, beer and spirits that are not widely available. The shop offers free tastings every Saturday from noon to 3pm.

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