A few awards. Quite a lot to celebrate.
We’ve never been especially interested in doing things the conventional way. We’d rather keep experimenting, keep asking questions and keep finding better ways to help people discover brilliant wine. So it’s always lovely when the outside world notices. Our awards span everything from the wines we produce and the bottles we buy, to the experiences we create and the people who make them happen. They recognise a business that is growing without losing its curiosity, a team that never settles and a shared belief that wine should feel exciting, accessible and never remotely boring.
People really are the whole thing at Vagabond. They are the welcome when you walk through the door, the recommendation that leads you somewhere unexpected and the confidence to make wine feel enjoyable rather than intimidating. That’s why we’re particularly proud to have won L&D Initiative of the Year at the British HR Awards, alongside a Highly Commended Rising Star recognition for Emma Sánchez Ruiz. We were also shortlisted for People Team of the Year, recognising the work happening across our bars to help people learn, develop and build genuine careers in hospitality.
Our teams are given the knowledge, tools and freedom to be brilliant, with just the right amount of personality. From understanding complex wines and delivering standout service to serving excellent food and creating memorable experiences, that investment shows up where it matters most: with our guests. Innovation is part of that culture too. Our Marketing Innovation Award at the Bar Magazine Awards 2026 recognised our digital tasting flights, designed around one simple idea: most people don’t want to be told what to drink; they want to feel confident discovering it for themselves. Tap, pour, explore and find your own favourites.
As part of the Majestic Wine Group, we’re continuing to invest in our people, technology and culture as we grow. More bars, more opportunities and even more brilliant people doing wine differently.
The wine will always be at the heart of Vagabond. We produce it, buy it, taste it, write about it, pour it and occasionally have to rescue a concrete egg. All in the name of keeping our range interesting. In 2026, Vagabond was named Producer of the Year at the Independent English Wine Awards, recognising the quality, consistency and individuality of the wines made at our Urban Winery in London. Our Solena Batch 004 also took home the trophy for Best Alternative or Experimental Still Wine, following a gold medal from the judging panel, while our Chardonnay, Dios Mío, Pinot Noir, Night Tripper and Nature Series Cuvée 2019 all received silver medals.Our winery gives us the space to experiment, push English wine in new directions and produce up to 100,000 bottles a year.
Under the guidance of our winemaking team, we’re creating wines that are distinctive, full of character and unmistakably Vagabond.The same approach runs through our buying. Freddie Cobb and Colin Thorne were named On-Trade Buying Team of the Year at the Drinks Buyer Awards, after a year that included adding more than 650 wines, creating bespoke ranges for new bars, launching direct-to-consumer, changing countless wine flights and personally writing every tasting note. They have since been shortlisted for Buying Team of the Year at the IWC Industry Awards, while Vagabond has also been shortlisted for Specialist of the Year, recognising our work producing and championing English wine.
From established favourites to unusual grapes, small producers and bottles you didn’t know you loved yet, everything we choose has a reason for being here. Curious, characterful and never boring. Just how wine should be.
