AN independent wine merchant has been victorious at industry awards.

Great Horkesley Wine Centre has been awarded the New Zealand Winegrowers Independent Wine Merchant of the Year.

It was judged for its marketing campaign aimed at educating consumers and raising awareness of the different New Zealand wines.

Staff also celebrated being crowned the New Zealand gold medal winner in the Wine-Searcher’s 2021 Retailer Awards where they were awarded two silver medals for Italian wines and New World wines.

Owner Anthony Borges said: “We are delighted. I’d like to thank our hardworking staff who have put in a gargantuan effort during this pandemic. This is all credit to them.”

Great Horkesley Wine Centre has been an independent wine merchant for more than 20 years, serving the Colchester community as well as nationwide.

It’s also renowned for wine expertise and its range of hampers, gifts, and artisan cheeses.

The centre in The Causeway is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6.30pm.