A WINE merchant is popping open the Champagne after winning a fourth award this year.

The Oxford Wine Company brought home the Regional Wine Merchant of the Year award for the South of England on Tuesday.

The prestigious title joins three others on the trophy shelf, Best Customer Service and Best Wholesaler of the Year from Harpers Wine & Spirits, and Independent Wine Retailer of the Year from the Drink Retailing Awards.

Theo Sloot said: “We are extremely pleased, it is always an honour to be recognised by your peers.

“There are a lot of good companies out there, and we won this with a team effort.

“We have won three awards already this year but this tops it off, this really is the one to get.”

The company was awarded the latest title for its customer service, knowledge of wine and the wide range of stock.

The company’s chief buyer, Marcia Waters, has the highly-sought-after MW (master of wine) qualification.

Oxford Wine Company’s managing director Ted Sandbach said: I am delighted that we are maintaining a consistent level of achievement with our third win in six years in the International Wine Challenge.

“It vindicates the work we are doing in building an interesting and diverse range of wine and spirits which is recognised by the trade.”

The company is based in Standlake, but has an outlet in Botley Road, Oxford.