Since leaving Canford in 2015, Wilfrid Shon W15 has taken an unexpected but inspiring journey, from Politics and War Strategy student to self-taught master distiller. Based on a farmyard in rural Dorset, his business, Shroton Fair Gin, is now making waves in the global spirits scene.

After studying Politics at the University of York and completing a Master's in War & Strategy at Leeds, Wilfrid returned home during the Covid lockdowns and began experimenting with botanicals. What started as a kitchen hobby quickly evolved into a full-fledged venture. In 2022, he officially launched Shroton Fair Gin, drawing both its name and inspiration from the historic Shroton Fair, a centuries-old local tradition and, as legend has it, the site of a tiger’s arrival in 1767.

By 2024, Wilfrid’s gin had already earned a prestigious Gold medal from the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), placing it in the top five per cent of global entries. Just one year later, in July 2025, his second gin was awarded Silver at the Global Spirits Masters, and he added a new botanical vodka to his growing portfolio. Alongside these achievements, Wilfrid was named in Harpers Wine & Spirit’s ‘30 Under 30’, a nationwide recognition of top emerging talent in the industry.

Operating what he describes as a “nano-distillery” from a container unit at Ash Farm on Cranborne Chase, Wilfrid has combined traditional craft with modern sustainability. His approach includes refillable options, recyclable pouches and bag-in-box formats, a conscious effort to reduce glass waste and promote local community engagement. Now stocked in 75 locations, the business has doubled its revenue since launch, proving that even in a crowded market, authenticity and quality stand out.

Wilfrid’s gin is known for its unique flavour profile, built around exotic botanicals such as cardamom, cinnamon, coriander and a secret weapon, Grains of Paradise. This West African pepper adds a citrusy zing that sets the gin apart. He recommends pairing it with Mediterranean tonic and a slice of frozen grapefruit for the perfect serve.

Wilfrid still welcomes customers to the farm every Friday and Saturday morning for tastings and refills. His passion for flavour, hospitality and heritage runs through every bottle, and he continues to enjoy meeting new customers at events and markets. As he says, “Every day is a school day” and with his current trajectory, Wilfrid is schooling the spirits world in how to blend creativity, history and sustainability into award-winning success.

Wilfrid will be at the Canford Summer Fair, organised by The Wessex Event Company on the 16th & 17th August.