Tom Fahey, from The Terrace Rooms and Wine in Ventnor, has been awarded ‘Wine Buyer of the Year’ for a single venue, at this year’s Drinks Buyers Awards.
The awards recognise the UK’s most influential drinks buyers, spanning wine, spirits, and no and low alcohol beverages.
Tom told OnTheWight that the recognition came as a surprise,
“If you told me this would happen six years ago when we opened The Terrace in Yarmouth, I’d never believe it.
“It’s all quite shocking really, but ultimately I’m just so pleased to be helping put the Island on the national wine map.”
A growing reputation
Tom and his wife, Ashley, opened The Terrace Rooms and Wine in Ventnor in July 2022 and have been picking up awards ever since.
Overlooking Ventnor Bay, the dramatic wine room continues to wow visitors to this Ventnor venue.
Tom added that food on the Isle of Wight had transformed in recent years, but that wine had not kept pace,
“Food here has gone crazy in the last 15 years – produce and restaurants are such a strong calling card for us now – but wine has stood still in comparison.”
The ferry challenge
Tom also highlighted the logistical difficulties of sourcing wine from an island location,
“The ferries make buying so much harder and more costly than it would be on the mainland and I think the award likely reflects the extra effort that has to go in when you’re trying to create an affordable selection worthy of national recognition with a significant geographic obstacle.”
Award-winning start to 2026
The win follows a strong start to 2026 for The Terrace Rooms and Wine.
In March, Tom took Gold in the Rose Wine List of the Year category at the same awards, with judges describing it as “one of the broadest and most comprehensive rose wine lists, covering both classic benchmark producers as well as new-school styles and regions”, adding that “the list shows a creative approach while also offering excellent value.”
The venue also picked up a Silver Star for Best Spanish Wine List at the same ceremony.
