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Key Takeaways
- Horsham Valley Vineyard earns a gold medal at the London Tasting Awards 2025.
- Horsham District Council formally recognises the vineyard’s **sustainable practices** and regional impact.
- The accolade is expected to boost tourism, local pride, and economic activity.
- Council pledges continued support for the growing Horsham wine sector.
Table of contents
Horsham Council’s Standing Ovation
The council chamber erupted in applause when councillors unanimously voted to honour Horsham Valley Vineyard. In a statement, Council Leader Jane Porter called the gold win “a triumph that puts Horsham on the international wine map.”
The official plaque, presented during last week’s meeting, recognises the vineyard’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
Gold Win Details
At the London Tasting Awards 2025, Horsham Valley’s signature Pinot Noir clinched the coveted gold medal, surpassing more than 400 entries worldwide. Judge Maria DeLuca praised its “velvety texture, hints of cherry, and subtle oak.”
“This is bigger than a single bottle,” remarked vineyard director Tom Ellis. “It’s a testament to our region’s potential.”
Sustainability at Work
Horsham Valley Vineyard’s success is rooted in eco-friendly initiatives:
- Rainwater harvesting that saves 1 million litres annually.
- Solar-powered cellar operations cutting energy use by 35 %.
- A community compost programme shared with neighbouring farms.
These efforts align perfectly with Horsham Council’s business award criteria, which emphasise sustainable growth.
Economic Impact
Tourism experts predict the gold win could draw an additional 15 000 visitors to Horsham this summer. Local B&Bs, restaurants, and artisan shops are preparing for an uptick in footfall.
West Sussex Wine Association projects a £2 million boost to the regional economy, noting that each tourist spends an average of £130 per day on lodging, dining, and wine purchases.
Voices from the Vineyard
“From pruning at dawn to pouring at dusk, every hand here shaped this win.” – Cellar hand Sophie Grant
Local resident Mark Hughes added, “It’s not just about wine; it’s about community spirit.”
Looking Ahead
The vineyard plans to expand its tasting room and launch an educational tour series in partnership with Wimmera Valley Vineyard. Meanwhile, the council is exploring a “Wine Week” festival to showcase regional producers.
If momentum continues, Horsham could soon rival established English wine destinations such as Kent and Sussex Downs.
FAQ
How was Horsham Valley Vineyard selected for recognition?
A panel of council officials and independent industry experts evaluated local producers on quality, sustainability, and community engagement. Horsham Valley scored highest across all categories.
Can visitors tour the award-winning vineyard?
Yes. Guided tours run Wednesday to Sunday, with booking available via the vineyard’s official website.
What benefits does the council offer other local wine businesses?
Support ranges from marketing grants to sustainability workshops and inclusion in regional trade missions.
Will there be future collaborations between Horsham Valley and neighbouring vineyards?
Plans are underway for joint tasting events and shared research on cool-climate grape varietals.