Chapel Down Winery has added to its ever-growing trophy haul with three gold medals and a prestigious ‘best in class’ trophy at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

The vineyard, based at Small Hythe near Tenterden, was recognized for its sparkling whites, sparkling rosés and still whites.

Chapel Down Blanc de Blancs 2007was awarded both a gold medal and the trophy for best UK sparkling wine (over £15).

The wine was made with fruit was sourced from Sussex and Kent with vines grown on greensand, Wealden clay and chalk soils.

It was exclusively launched through Harvey Nichols Wineshops last May, alongside Chapel Down’s Chardonnay Reserve 2010 which also received a gold medal.

Chapel Down’s third gold was awarded to its Rose Brut – adding to the many accolades this wine has already won, including a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge 2011.

The Decanter World Wine Awards is the world’s leading wine competition, well known for its rigorous judging process.

This year, the 219 judges were from all around the world assessed 14,362 wines from 52 countries.

Frazer Thompson, CEO of Chapel Down, said: “These medals are the rewards for huge amounts of hard work and wise investment.

"Just over a decade ago judges would have raised their eyebrows at the idea of Chapel Down being recognised at such a prestigious, and internationally recognised, competition. Our wines were little more than a bit of a novelty.

"Today our wines are recognised as some of the best in the world, we are receiving enquiries from restaurants, bars and hotels across the globe and our business is thriving.”

Chapel Down medal winners at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2013: Chapel Down Blanc de Blanc 2007 - Gold and UK Sparkling over £15 Trophy; Chapel Down Chardonnay Reserve 2010 - Gold; Chapel Down Rose Brut - Gold; Chapel Down Pinot Reserve 2006 -Silver; Chapel Down Three Graces 2008 - Silver; Chapel Down Bacchus Reserve 2011 - Bronze; Chapel Down Vintage Reserve Brut - Bronze.

Visit www.chapeldown.co.uk for more information