WINEMAKERS at Laverstoke Park Farm have been recognised with two podium finishes at a national wine tasting competition.

The farm, owned by ex-Formula One World Champion Jody Scheckter, won a gold medal for its 2013 Vintage Brut and a silver for its 2013 Vintage Rosé Brut at last month’s Independent English Wine Awards (IEWA).

The competition, now its third year, took place at the Rummer Hotel, in Bristol, on Saturday, March 23.

A panel of 24 expert judges blind tasted 132 wines from 63 producers under controlled conditions.

Laverstoke Park Farm won gold at last year’s event for its 2010 Brut Reserve, while the silver medal-winning Vintage Rosé is the first rosé wine that the biodynamic farm has produced.

Jody said: “It is so satisfying when you work so hard on all the details and it shows in the end product.

“From following the biodynamic principles, preparations, then putting a lot of love into the soil and vines, for this to result in us winning Gold for the last two years and additional Silver is fantastic.”

Vineyard manager Cameron Cousens believes biodynamic principles are the key to their sparkling triumph.

Cameron said: “With biodynamic wine you get the grapes true terroir - a sense of place, where the grapes truly reflect the soil and environment in which they are grown.

“We take pride in our soil, so it was natural for us to grow biodynamic grapes, where we can produce the unique grapes that our vineyard has to offer, thus making a distinct wine, with a balance and qualities that are exclusive to our site.”

Alexander Taylor, founder of the IEWA, said: “This one-two of gold and silver medals from Laverstoke Park is an impressive statement, my congratulations.

“Two golds in two years from this little known organic producer tells its own tale. These are English sparkling wines deserving of attention.”