The Geoffrey Roberts Award

The Geoffrey Roberts Award is an international wine-related award to the value of £8,000 (about $11,500).

The Award has been made since 1996 to commemorate the life and work of the late Geoffrey Roberts (Obit), a pioneer importer of top quality New World wines into the UK.

Initially, the Award covered a much broader spectrum encompassing food, wine and travel but now focuses on New World wine and wines from Emerging Regions.  

It was initially awarded every year but in 2016 changed to every two years.  The winning applicant must demonstrate to the judging panel a genuine commitment to New World wines or wines from Emerging Regions.

After 17 years of successful administration, those running the Geoffrey Roberts Trust felt it was time for the Award and its funds to find a permanent new home.  The Worshipful Company of Vintners, celebrating its 650th anniversary in 2013 and with a strong commitment to both the UK wine trade and charitable activity, was felt to be the ideal body.  The Vintners’ Company now administers the Award through the Trade Liaison Committee.

In 2020, the Geoffrey Roberts Award was absorbed into the new awards structure of the Vintners’ Company. The future format of this award is currently under review.