Stroud family business The Stroud Wine Company have won the International Wine Challenge (IWC) ‘Regional Retailer Southwest England 2024’ at a prestigious wine industry awards dinner hosted by Oz Clarke in London.

The accolade recognises the business’s eclectic selection of wines, their informative and fun customer tastings and their commitment to promoting independent wineries that work with respect for the environment.

The IWC has been going for over 40 years and has become one of the most respected and meticulously judged wine competitions in the world.

Judges were also impressed by their commitment to paying the real living wage, encouragement and funding of Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications for employees and generous staff benefits.

Run by husband and wife team Richard and Laura Holloway, Stroud Wine Co. opened their first shop on the High Street at Withey’s Yard in May 2017 followed by a second store at Griffin Mill in spring 2023.

“We opened in Stroud just over 7 years ago now, the local community are incredibly supportive of us, and we love being here.” said owner Laura Holloway. “We are delighted to win this award and will be hosting a free customer tasting to celebrate, so keep an eye out”.

Stroud Wine Co. also specialise in natural and organic wines and sell a broad range of beers and natural ciders. Their Griffin Mill store, just next to Bailey paints is open 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. The Withey’s Yard store is open 10am – 5.30pm Wednesday to Saturday. There is a 10% discount on any six wines purchased in either store.

Launched in 1991, the Industry Awards (formerly Merchant Awards) recognise and reward the outstanding achievements of the UK wine trade, including merchants, educators, distributors and agents.

In its 40th year, the International Wine Challenge is widely acknowledged as the world’s most rigorous, impartial, influential and global wine competition.

The IWC assesses every wine ‘blind’ and judges each for its faithfulness to style, region and vintage.