Lympstone Manor Estate spirits receive silver and bronze awards at the International Wine and Spirits Competition

Lympstone Manor Estate, the single-estate vineyard that is part of Michael Caines’ luxury Devon country house hotel Lympstone Manor, has received a Silver award for its Gin and Bronze award for its Eau de Vie de Marc at the 2025 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC).  

The IWSC is the world’s largest and arguably most influential spirits awards, with over 50 years of experience and a host of world-renowned judges. This year’s entries showcased global excellence across four continents, with standout spirits in categories including whisk(e)y, gin, brandy, agave, vodka, liqueurs, aperitifs and digestifs.  

The Lympstone Manor Estate Gin was awarded Silver with an impressive 93 points and was praised for its “notes of almond, cherry pie, and nuances of amaretto, with sweet almond flavours to the fore, complemented by juicy fruit and subtle citrus. The finish lingers with a charming nutty essence.” 

The Lympstone Manor Estate Eau de Vie de Marc was awarded Bronze and noted for its rich character: “rich aromas of juicy cherry lead to a smooth palate of floral marzipan and sweet cherry pieces.”

Michael Caines MBE says, “These awards from the most prestigious spirits competition in the UK mean an immense amount to me and my team. From the very start, I believed in the potential not just to produce outstanding wines from our vineyard, but also to craft exceptional spirits that reflect the quality and character of Lympstone Manor. These results are a true testament to the care and craftsmanship that go into every bottle, and to the vision we share with our partners at Lyme Bay Winery and Leigh Kearle.” 

Steve Edwards, Director of Operations and Vineyard Management, comments, “I am immensely proud of the Lympstone Manor Estate vineyard and our ever expanding range of beautifully crafted wines and  spirits, it is no small achievement that every single release thus far has been recognised at the very highest level and is testament to the quality of both the vineyard site and the team of people associated with it.”   

In 2018, Michael Caines planted 17,500 vines in the estate parkland to produce high-quality English wines from Champagne varietals – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier. To mark the hotel’s seventh birthday in April 2024, the Estate expanded into spirits with the launch of a barrel-fermented Chardonnay, a gin, and an Eau de Vie de Marc. 

“The Spirit of Lympstone” is distilled in partnership with Leigh Kearle using the grape pomace left after pressing the Estate’s Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay, resulting in an aromatic spirit with floral and cinnamon notes and cherry fruit flavours. The gin, “The Essence of the Spirit of Lympstone”, is crafted from the marc spirit and flavoured with botanicals including juniper, orris root, coriander, angelica root and lemon verbena, creating a refined London Dry style. 

The Lympstone Manor Estate collection of wines and spirits is available at the hotel’s bar, Michelin-starred restaurant, and Pool House, as well as online on the Lympstone Manor Estate website. Guests can also enjoy vineyard tours every Wednesday from May to September, which include tastings and a four-course lunch. Each room features a welcome tray with Lympstone Manor Gin and Luscombe tonic.