Awards & Press 🏆

Awards, Press & The Odd Bit Of Showing Off

We don't take ourselves too seriously — but we do take drink seriously. Here's a bit of the recognition we've picked up along the way.

The Smiling Grape Company logo

Turns Out Making Wine Less Scary Wins Prizes.

When we started The Smiling Grape Company in 2008, the plan was simply to make good drink fun. We didn't expect the trophies, the newspaper features or the raised eyebrows from more traditional merchants. But over the years, the recognition kept coming.

International Wine Challenge 2015 Regional Merchant of the Year and Grocer Gold Awards 2016 Finalist badges
Award badges: Drinks Retailing Awards 2014 Finalist and 2010, International Wine Challenge 2012 and 2013 Regional Merchant Shortlisted, and Harpers Awards 2013 Finalist
International Wine Challenge 2014 Regional Merchant of the Year Eastern England Shortlisted badge

The Awards Cabinet

Winner · 2015–2016

International Wine Challenge

“Regional Merchant of the Year for Eastern England”

Shortlisted · 2016

Grocer Gold Awards

“UK Drinks Retailer of the Year”

Finalist · 2014

Drinks Retailing Awards

“UK Independent Drinks Retailer of the Year”

Finalist · 2013

Harpers Awards

“Best Top Merchant of the Year up to 3 Stores”

Shortlisted · 2012, 2013 & 2014

International Wine Challenge

“Regional Merchant of the Year for Eastern England”

Nominated · 2013 & 2014

IWSC

“Independent Retailer Award”

Runner-Up · 2010

Drinks Retailing Awards

“UK Independent Wine Retailer of the Year”

As Seen In The Press

Matt's knack for pairing proper wine with distinctly improper food — the now-legendary “Domino's Pérignon” fast-food wine matches — earned features in the national press.

Press feature: Matt Ellis pairing wine with fast food — Domino's Pérignon
As featured in the national press — Matt's famous fast-food wine pairings.

We'd rather earn your trust with an honest bargain than a shiny trophy — but we'll happily take both.

Press, collaboration or a good excuse to talk about drink? Get in touch.

🍪

Cookies. Sadly, Not the Chocolate Chip Kind.

We use cookies to keep the bargains flowing, remember your basket and improve your experience. The digital kind. Unfortunately not the dunkable kind. See our Cookie Policy.