A WISSETT vineyard has been celebrating after its sparkling wine scooped a prestigious honour.Wissett Wines, near Halesworth, has been awarded the Bernard Trophy as part of this year's Suffolk Show.

A WISSETT vineyard has been celebrating after its sparkling wine scooped a prestigious honour.

Wissett Wines, near Halesworth, has been awarded the Bernard Trophy as part of this year's Suffolk Show.

Owners Jonathan and Janet Craft said they were delighted to have picked up the honour, which they first received two years ago.

Mr Craft, 62, said: “Although the show isn't until next week the wine judging is done beforehand. We were up against between 10 and 12 wines from across East Anglia.

“This particular wine came from the 2005 harvest - sparkling wine always takes two years minimum to produce.

“I'm always confident about my wines but I wasn't expecting to get the award - not least because we have won it again in quite quick succession, which is fairly unusual.”

Mr Craft, who bought Valley Farm Vineyards with his wife in 1986, said although the last 12 months had been difficult this year had got off to a good start.

“Last year's weather was a challenge,” he said. “It was very difficult for everyone. This season is shaping up pretty well so far. It's a good start. English wines in general are getting more high profile, especially sparkling wines, which are now winning international competitions.”

Mr Craft said the new vintage called Mostly Madeleine - a blend of pinot gris and Auxerrois grape - would be launched at their art and craft fair on June 20 and 21.