International Wine Challenge Regional South West Wine Merchant of the Year. I am so proud in this our 225th year to announce that last night Averys was named South West Regional Wine Merchant of the Year. It is testament to our staff, both customer-facing in the shop and our customer service and Personal Wine Advisor teams on the phones. I was among the "great and the good" of the wine trade, eminent journalists, fellow wine merchants and producers. A personal highlight was to raise a toast with the wonderful Bob Lindo, celebrating the centenary of the RAF and receiving the life time achievement award! Cheers to all at Averys, and our lovely customers without whom we would not exist. photos of the Grosvenor House hotel, Mimi Avery (me!) with our award and celebrating with our 2006 Blanc de Blancs Averys Champagne - which went down well with the whole table!