From more than 300 submissions – including 40 Bacchus contenders – our fledgling Marlow Valley Bacchus 2024 has clinched Gold at the Wines of Great Britain Awards 2025. Planted only three years ago on hills above the Thames in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, Marlow Valley Vineyard began as the shared ambition of Rob Hendry, his family and longtime friends Ralf and Ken.
Their very first harvest in 2024 ripened into our public debut this April – and now, amazingly, into national recognition. Endless days of pruning, trellis work, weather-watching, punctuated by equal parts camaraderie and chaos, have borne fruit in every sense.
Marlow Valley Bacchus
Swirl the wine and you are greeted by crisp orchard apple, lively gooseberry and a gentle hint of blackcurrant leaf. This 2024 vintage at ABV: 12%. On the palate, vivid fruit is underpinned by a delicate herbal thread and lifted by bright, refreshing acidity, culminating in a pristine, mouth-watering finish – the quintessence of an English summer’s day.
Great wines are collaborative endeavours. Our gratitude goes to Itasca Wines, pioneers of sustainable, precision winemaking. From full contract services to their state-of-the-art laboratory, their expertise has helped translate our terroir into the polished expression you will find in the glass.
In Rob’s Words
“We’re still pinching ourselves,” says Rob Hendry. “Every hour in the vineyard – through drizzle, downpour, night-time frost watching and the odd burst of sunshine – has led to this moment. We couldn’t be prouder and we can’t wait to share a glass with you.”
The official award ceremony will be held on Thursday, 17th July, beneath the soaring Gothic arches of Southwark Cathedral in London – a truly fitting and majestic setting to honour the finest wines England has to offer. Taste the Triumph!
The award-winning Marlow Valley Bacchus 2024 is available now for nationwide delivery. Secure your bottle – while stocks last of Marlow Valley Bacchus
Our journey has only just begun, yet this golden accolade feels like a signpost towards even greater vintages ahead. Raise a glass with us this English Wine Week and celebrate the brilliance of home-grown English wine. Cheers!