A LEGAL firm is sponsoring a new category at the Taste of Dorset awards.

The awards celebrate the best of Dorset’s food and drink growers and producers.

This year’s awards will see the introduction of an exciting new category – the Best Vineyard or Distillery.

The new award is being spearheaded by legal firm Blanchards Bailey.

Vineyards wishing to enter need to submit products for tasting and will also be assessed on criteria such as production methods, branding and innovation. The winning entry must prove it has the best spirit or wine cultivated primarily from ingredients sourced in Dorset. All entries must be bottled in Dorset and will be judged by representatives from Blanchards Bailey and the Taste of Dorset Awards.

Sarah Heath, from the legal firm, said: “Our aim for this new award category is to highlight a sector of business that competes on a national level. Dorset’s distillery and vineyards distribute throughout the UK and export internationally, with many having developed products that are appreciated and known by millions.”

She added: “We want to show our support for the people that make these businesses so successful and are proud to be sponsoring this award in its inaugural year.”

From the first event in 2008, the awards have showcased a wide range of food and drink producers – from nationally recognised brands such as Fudge’s Bakery, Honeybuns and Badger Beer to the smallest of micro-breweries and kitchen-table preserve makers.

The awards have also shone a spotlight on the area’s finest chefs, restaurants, pubs, markets and retail outlets.

Entries for the new category are now open, with the awards ceremony taking place on November 7 at George Albert Hotel in Evershot, near Dorchester, where there will be a huge gala presentation evening to celebrate the winners.

To enter the awards search for Taste of Dorset Awards online.

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