NOffLA awarded its annual Irish Wine Show Star Awards to 45 wines at its annual SIP show last night. Now in its 19^th year, the winning wines will be available to consumers all over the country from NOffLA outlets.

In excess of 600 wines were submitted to the Star Award adjudication panel of NOffLA judges and independent wine journalists. Points were awarded on the basis of appearance, smell, taste and value for money criteria, and the winning 15 were selected as the best wines from key suppliers across a number of price categories.

At the event NOffLA again called on the Government to reduce excise duty on alcohol, specifically wine which currently ‘enjoys’ the highest rate of excise tax within the EU. Wine consumption fell by 2% in 2018 and is reflective of the general shift away from wine as a result of Government alcohol taxation policy, claims NOffLA.

“This is a concerning development for everyone involved in the Irish wine trade and reinforces the need for excise on wine to be equalised with that of other alcohol products,” said NOffLA’s Vice Chairman Cathal McHugh, speaking at the awards.

“54% of the cost of a bottle of wine is Excise & VAT. NOffLA continues to believe that the higher rate of excise duty on wine unfairly targets wine consumers so we are calling on the Minister for Finance to equalise the excise tax on wine in Budget 2020.

Each of the winning wines will be sold in NOffLA member outlets, of which there are more than 315 nationwide. The chosen wines will be recognisable by distinctive Award symbols on each bottle. In the pre-Christmas period NOffLA members will promote the Irish Wine Show Star Awards 2019-2020 Collection as ideal Christmas gifts in a variety of special gift packs.

2019 Gold Star Award Winners