My Winner Experience at the Glass of Bubbly Awards London 2024

On the 23rd of last October, I presented a Pétillant Naturel at the Glass of Bubbly Awards event in London. Not to mention going home with a Gold Medal in the Gastronomy category, that evening was unique in multiple aspects for me.

Beyond my first official encounter with the team of Glass of Bubbly and experiencing Christopher Walkey’s (and his small team’s) professionalism, I gained life-changing experiences by conversing with representatives from different parts of the world, from Italy to Japan.

I would like to share what affected me the most, not in terms of the wine profession, but in terms of human values. A gentleman from an extremely kind couple – after introductions – mentioned he was 86 years old. The shock came unexpectedly when he spoke about beginning to make sparkling wine at the age of 73. For a few seconds, I couldn’t find words and just stared at him like a newborn lamb. I don’t have to explain the complex thoughts running through my mind. Nonetheless, one thing became fixed in me for good:  “Don’t hesitate, look forward, and give sense to your life!”

A larger group’s central topic was the question of the value of awards in winning markets. Obviously, there were mixed views based on personal (positive and negative) experiences. There were desperate “collectors” and “cautious giants,” not surprisingly. Despite opposing views, they agreed that while awards are not essential for all wineries, they are strategic tools for credibility and potential in certain markets. Sceptics talked about the increasing number of award events, saying medals can confuse consumers’ confidence. Supporters acknowledged this phenomenon, but argued that besides being a natural consequence of market competition, awards convey quality to consumers who use medals for decision-making. Importers are sensitive to qualifications in new markets, and higher price categories can be targeted through awards.

Everyone was right from certain points of view, and as a whole, it is obvious. In my opinion, these considerations are mainly and rightly based, on different personal experiences in a permanently changing market with increasing challenges. There are consumers seeking new, exciting wines who prioritize other characteristics over medals, and a huge number of them trust awards.

A highly ranked international award event not only has value in the awards themselves, but also offers tasting opportunities, encounters with other producers’ experiences, exciting new production developments, and the opportunity to convince importers and distributors. A complex award event could provide the opportunity to present our products in a wider professional environment to find new markets with great chances, and if a medal is won, that’s the bonus of a potential marketing effort for every winemaker.

Many business cards, handshakes, kind and genuine smiles, and friendly words from an international company bid me farewell, certifying the validity of such an event.