The winners and the runners up at Portugal’s wine Oscars, the Portuguese Wine Awards 2011

Just as I headed off to Portugal at the weekend for a week of wine travels, I received a press release confirming details of the winners and runners up at the recent Portuguese Wine Awards 2011, which were described by ViniPortugal’s new UK manager Tania Oliveira as “Portugal’s Oscars.”  

Journalist of the Year – Julia Harding MW (see here for my earlier report).  The Tate’s Hamish Anderson also received recognition for his contribution to writing about Portuguese wines in the on-trade.

National Retailer of the Year – The Wine Society, who have expanded their selection as well as recently running a dedicated Portuguese offer of small parcels and a sell out tasting attended by over 300 members.  Majestic Wines were runners up – their current promotion offers £3 off when you buy any two Portuguese Wines (see here for my tips).

Independent Retailer of the Year – Corks of Cotham.  Local to me wine merchant London’s The Bottle Apostle was runner up – it offers samples via self-service Enomatic® machines, a great way to encourage experimentation.

Restaurant of the Year – Eyre Bros, Iberian specialists. Ransome’s Dock were runners up and, from 21 March, they’ll be offering a new tapas-style menu in their bar and conservatory and, in tandem, expanding their wine by the glass selection to over 14 still and sparkling wines, on top of their extensive list of sherries, madeiras and vermouths.