As London transitions into the warmth of spring, Daylesford Organic Farmshop on Pimlico Road serves as a perfect backdrop for an intimate dinner celebrating the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). The event brought together press members to savor a selection from the top winners of the 2025 competition.
The elegant farmshop features a stunning marble interior and lush floral displays, housing a bakery, greengrocer, dairy, delicatessen, butcher, and a spacious restaurant. Organised by DWWA, the private dinner featured wine guidance from Master Sommelier and Regional Chair for Austria & Switzerland, Stefan Neumann.
The event kicked off with sparkling wine from Léoube, a DWWA winner owned by Daylesford, served alongside a platter of hummus and canapés with puff pastry. Léoube’s winemaker, Romain Ott, flew in from France to discuss the winery’s unique coastal viticulture.
Neumann emphasized DWWA’s distinguished judging panel, describing the rigorous process where wines undergo multiple tastings before medals are awarded. He highlighted a Platinum winner from Ruggeri Estate as a reference point to explain quality indicators such as ‘Cartizze’ within Prosecco.
He also introduced updates to this year’s competition, including the newly established Resident Co-Chair position now held by Caro Maurer MW, and noted the record gender diversity among judges, with 106 women participating out of 244 total judges.
Following the discussions, guests enjoyed an exquisite dinner showcasing Daylesford’s seasonal produce, each course paired with award-winning wines.
Menu and Wine Pairings:
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Starter:
Ruggeri, Brut, Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze, Veneto, Italy 2023
Platinum, 97 points
Notes of lemon blossom and ripe pear with a creamy texture.
Paired with: Hummus and canapés. -
Fish Course:
Velenosi, Rêve, Offida Pecorino, Le Marche, Italy 2023
Gold, 95 points
Features yellow plums and citrus with a bright acidity.
Paired with: Scallop ceviche. -
Meat Course:
Léoube, Secret De Léoube, Côtes de Provence, Provence, France 2024
Platinum, 97 points
A balanced blend of peach, cranberry, and Mediterranean herbs.
Paired with: Stuffed saddle of lamb. -
Dessert:
Monemvasia Winery Tsimbidi, Vin Liastos, Monemvasia-Malvasia, Peloponnese, Greece 2012
Best in Show, 97 points
Rich in flavors reminiscent of ancient Mediterranean sweets.
Paired with: Honey & ginger parfait.
The evening concluded with an invitation to keep up with the DWWA, promoting upcoming results to discover standout English wines.
For more details on the DWWA, visit Decanter World Wine Awards.