House of Townend, a renowned wine merchant based in Yorkshire, has recently been honored with the prestigious title of Northern England Retailer of the Year at the International Wine Challenge Industry Awards (IWC). This accolade highlights the company’s exceptional contribution to the wine industry, celebrating its century-long legacy and dedication to excellence.
Launched in 1991, the IWC Industry Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of the UK wine trade, celebrating the merchants, educators, distributors, and agents who contribute to the industry’s illustrious reputation. The IWC is regarded as one of the most respected and meticulously judged wine competitions worldwide, making this achievement a significant milestone for House of Townend.
Prestigious Recognition for House of Townend
Winning the Northern England Retailer of the Year award is a monumental achievement for House of Townend and the broader Yorkshire region. The award was presented at a ceremony where other notable winners included industry giant Marks & Spencer and various independent retailers. This recognition comes on the heels of another significant accolade for House of Townend – the title of Best Midsize Online Retailer of the Year at the Decanter Retailer Awards earlier this year.
John Townend, Managing Director and fourth-generation owner of House of Townend, expressed his elation at receiving the award on behalf of his team and the region of Yorkshire. He stated,
“We see the International Wine Challenge as one of the most influential and prestigious wine competitions in the world, and so winning an IWC award has to be the ultimate wine trade accolade. It is a fantastic reward for our longstanding and loyal team who make House of Townend what it is today. We are immensely proud to have been recognized.”
A Legacy of Excellence
House of Townend, established in 1906, has remained under the ownership of the same family for over a century. Over four generations, the business has built direct relationships with some of the finest wine producers globally. Their buying emphasis is firmly placed on smaller, quality-led, and often family-owned wine estates and domaines that share similar philosophies.
The Hull-based wine merchant has had a year of reflection and optimism, marked by significant achievements and recognition within the industry. With two prestigious awards under their belt in the last 12 months, House of Townend looks forward to continued success and growth in the coming years.
For more information about House of Townend and their award-winning offerings, visit their official website House of Townend.