The Wine Merchant is launching a unique wine competition. Not only is it restricted to wines sold in the independent trade, it will be judged by independents, too.

The Wine Merchant Top 50 is open to anyone who sells or imports wines aimed at independents. We don’t want supermarket wines, or wines that aren’t already available in the UK. This is a competition for wines that independents can get their hands on, now.

The judging process is being overseen by the esteemed Olly Smith, and David Williams, who readers will know writes a column each month for The Wine Merchant and is also the Observer’s wine critic.

We’ll be putting the wines through their paces in July and announcing the 50 winners in the autumn, before embarking on a national tasting roadshow to show retailers the wines which came out on top.

If you’re interested in entering, or are an independent yourself and could maybe join the judges in July, take a look at the website. All the information you need is right there.