Joseph Stark Named One of the Top 100 Sommeliers in the UK and Wins 2025 Innovation Award

We’re incredibly proud to share that our Beverage Director, Joseph Stark, has been named one of the Top 100 Sommeliers Shaping the UK Wine Scene by The Sommelier Edit, and was also selected as the winner of the 2025 Innovation Award.

The accolade celebrates Joe’s bold, inventive approach to drinks, from boundary-pushing wine lists to the creation of our Creations Flight, a fully non-alcoholic drinks pairing made entirely in-house using foraged and farm-grown ingredients.

As described by The Sommelier Edit:

“Bold ideas. Fresh thinking. A fearless approach to flavour. From foraged pairings to boundary-pushing wine lists, Joseph is leading a quiet revolution in sustainable, hyper-local dining.Visionary. Experimental. Unforgettable.”

Joe’s work goes far beyond traditional sommelier expectations - blending fermentation, sustainability, and creativity into every glass. His achievements are not only a huge moment for him personally, but also a testament to the ethos we live by at Wild Shropshire.

We couldn’t be prouder. Congratulations, Joe!