Highbury Vintners, the London-based independent wine merchant owned by leading Northern Ireland wine merchant JN Wine has secured two major awards at the prestigious annual International Wine Challenge (IWC) industry awards.
Already established as one of London’s best wine merchants, Highbury Vintners was acquired by JN Wine in 2019 and supplies over 1,400 handpicked wines to customers across the city and the rest of the UK.
In highly contested categories, Highbury Vintners secured the award for IWC Best Small Retailer in the UK for 2025 (a title held by JN Wine in 2024) as well as IWC Best Regional Retailer of the Year in London and in England’s southeast.
The award-winning outlet typically focuses on small production, organic, family-run high quality wines which provide real value for money. It also stocks a wide selection of microbrews, specialist beers, ciders and spirits.
JN Wine’s acquisition of the well-known independent in-store and online wine retailer successfully expanded its award-winning footprint in the UK and Ireland market. The business, located in leafy Highbury Park in London, employs an experienced, passionate team of 6 staff. JN Wine employs a total of 40 staff across the UK and Ireland.
Founded almost 50 years ago and headquartered in Crossgar, Co Down, JN Wine also won the award for Best Regional Retailer for Northern Ireland, completing a record-breaking run of 31 years to hold on to the enviable title.
Supplying to customers across the UK and Ireland and renowned for its knowledge and expertise, JN Wine is trusted by many leading hospitality brands of distinction.
Congratulating his teams in London and Co Down, JN Wine managing director, James Nicholson, said:
“Winning three top awards from the IWC represents tremendous success for our hardworking teams and I’m thrilled that our commitment to excellence in delivering a first-rate customer service backed by many decades of experience, knowledge, insights and the best contacts within the industry have been roundly recognised this year.
“Quality always wins, and these highly respected awards are a testament to the dedication which our teams deliver every day.”
The Industry Wine Challenge Awards’ judging process is considered among the most thorough, rigorous, and esteemed processes in the wine industry.
This year’s event featured several panels and judging sessions, including distinguished co-chairs and masters of wine Tim Atkin MW and Sam Caporn MW, Oz Clarke OBE, Dr Jamie Goode, Peter McCombie MW, and Helen McGinn, who ensured a rigorous double-judging process.
JN Wine specialises in quality wines sourced from small family and artisan wineries around the world and remains committed to a long-standing focus on sourcing sustainable and organically certified wines.
As well as supplying restaurants and hotels across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the UK, JN Wine also provides a home delivery service for wine lovers through its website and provides a warm welcome to customers at its retail store in Crossgar.
Highbury Vintners provide unique instore shopping experience with numerous tasting events throughout the year and also offers a home delivery through its website.