THE second People’s Choice Wine Awards ceremony is taking place at The Comedy Store, Deansgate Locks on Monday February 25.
The first such national event hosted outside of London, it will be hosted by Kate Goodman (BBC Food and Drink presenter and owner of Reserve Wines, West Didsbury, pictured below) and Amelia Singer (The Wine Show and Jamie’s Drinks tube).
Both were round two judges in this unique, consumer-friendly competition – the only one to involve ordinary wine drinkers in the first-round judging process.
Star of The Apprentice Jackie Fast,will also be at the event. Her own wine brand, Rebel Pi, sponsors the ‘Blow Out’ category (covering wine for special occasions and impressing the in-laws).
This year saw a 157per cent increase in wine submissions, including those from supermarkets Waitrose, Aldi, ASDA and Iceland as well as independent wine merchants, importers, and producers.
Cracking Wine’s Janet Harrison, founder of PCWA, said “We are so excited to welcome people from around the UK to our ceremony in Manchester. Awards evenings can be quite formal and reserved, so hosting ours in a relaxed and exciting space will make for a fantastic night. Everyone can’t wait to find out who has won each of the 20 categories.”
The categories are also unique to the world of wine awards, with names such as ‘One Man and His BBQ’, ‘Girls’ Night In’ and ‘Pizza Night Wine’ making it easier for the average wine drinker to choose a decent bottle (or box), depending on the occasion or reason to match with food. The winners will be announced from the finalists in each category, which can be found here.
The event will welcome wine lovers, food and drink bloggers and wine trade pros. Locally sourced food and drinks (including Northern spirits and beers) will be available. Tickets, which cost £55 a head for a limited time only, include free food and drink before and during the ceremony. Buy them via this link. The results will also be shared via live streams on social media. Each of the winners will receive a limited edition signed cartoon created by Private Eye cartoonist Tony Husband.