A family run winery in Northamptonshire has received a national award for its signature sparkling wine.
Stonyfield Wine in Blisworth has won a gold medal and the Dudley Quirk Trophy for Best Sparkling Blend 2021 from WineGB, the UK’s body for winegrowers and winemakers.
The honor is usually bestowed on the country’s larger, southern vineyards, and Stoneyfield is one of the smallest vineyards to receive such an award.
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Vineyard partner John Folliott Vaughan said, “We are flattered and frankly amazed that we are both the first small and the only Midlands-based winery to receive this national trophy, and even more so when you know that Land where the vines now stand Flourish was once simply an old, stony field with no apparent use.
“There is evidence of wine production in the county that dates back to Roman times, and while Northamptonshire may be better known for beer and gin these days, we are thrilled to believe that despite our modest acreage, we are helping to re-establish the county on the wine list. “
The award recognizes the Best Sparkling Blend, a category for wines that are made using the traditional champagne method but are not limited to classic champagne grapes.
Stonyfield grows both Pinot Noir, a traditional champagne grape, and Seyval Blanc, a grape variety that thrives in England, which together produce a wine with complexity, depth and quality.
Jury Co-Chair Susie Barrie said: “2021 has been a great year for the WineGB Awards and without a doubt our best yet.
“These awards shed some light on the best still and sparkling wines the UK has to offer and it is wonderful to witness an industry that is now consistently producing world class wines.
“Not only that, the range and variety of wines are getting better and better.”
After the first vines were planted in 2011 on the south slope of the spoil after digging the Grand Union Canal and Blisworth Tunnel in the late 18th century.
The Dudley Quirk Trophy was presented yesterday (June 24th) at a small outdoor gathering in the vineyard.