At a recent awards ceremony in London, the business beat off stiff competition, including a number of big multiple retailers, for the right to be able to display the industry's Gold Award.

Amps has gone through remarkable evolution since it was founded in Oundle more than a century ago in 1901.

From a town grocer to super- market, and now to a specialist wine and spirits company, the business is currently run by Philip Amps, the fourth generation of the family to hold the reins.

No stranger to business and wine awards, Philip said: "All of the team are delighted that such a powerful force in the wine industry has recognised our achievements in promoting the world class wines of New Zealand.

"As with all of our initiatives, we aimed to introduce the Kiwi wines in a relaxed and informative manner to our varied customer base."

As well as the familiar Kiwi Sauvignon Blancs, Amps successfully made a special effort to introduce customers to other wines from the region, such as the highly-regarded Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties.

No doubt the judges from New Zealand winegrowers were also impressed by the 63 per cent boost in sales of their wines during the summer period.

Danielle Freer, who is responsible for marketing at Amps Fine Wines, had put together the season's promotions.

She added: "I think the judges liked the way that we got inventive.

"As well as our popular wine tastings, we tied in the summer's sporting events where England took on New Zealand at rugby and cricket.

"We held a New Zealand Festival where we served customers a lamb roast on the day of one of the rugby tests.

"Unfortunately England had lost pretty convincingly, but we had the last laugh as our entire staff wore t-shirts at the event saying Great Wine – Shame About The Rugby. "

It's not only a title and trophy that Amps Fine Wines has won.

As part of the award two employees of the business will travel to New Zealand on an all-expenses paid wine tasting trip for two weeks.

Philip has not decided which of his eight employees will travel as yet.

however, this is one business trip that seems to have caught the interest of most of his staff.

With a keen grip on service and communication to its varied customer base, Amps Fine Wines looks set to further its reputation in the retail and wholesale wine and spirits sector within the region.

The Amps Fine Wines shop can be found in the centre of Oundle as well as online at www.ampsfinewines.co.uk.