Award sponsored by

About the award

Introduced in 1998, this award recognises and outstanding contribution to promoting wine understanding and appreciation. Nominees are judged on the quality of their wine list and their ability to inspire customers to make wider and more adventurous choices in selecting wines.

Plas Dinas Country House, Bontnewydd, Caernarfon

Set in Plas Dinas Country House, once the family home of Lord Snowdon, The Gunroom Restaurant still displays a number of Armstrong-Jones family portraits and memorabilia. This intimate and romantic dining experience offers two sittings each night. The monthly changing menu is designed around the seasons and uses the freshest local Welsh produce.

Wine judging observations:

This is a wine list that goes out of its way to help diners make the most of a well-chosen cellar. The helpful food and wine pairing guide leaves you feeling you are in good hands. There is a full international selection, but it’s the impressive range of Welsh wines (one of the largest the judges have seen) accompanied by detailed tasting notes, that really makes this a winner. Pricing is attractive and rewards you if you decide to push the boat out. Tasting notes are simple and well-written, with insights on regions and grape varieties.