The Rutland Vineyard, near Ketton and Stamford, secures WineGB silver medal with its first white wine

A vineyard’s first-ever wine has proved an instant hit by scooping a national award within weeks of production.

The Rutland Vineyard would be forgiven for popping a few corks in celebration after its debut white wine - First Crush - earned silver at the WineGB Awards for 2023 late last month.

It was something of a race against time to enter with the wine released just a week before the deadline.

But the effort was worth it with the 2023 vintage, from bacchus and ortega grapes grown at the Ketton vineyard, winning over a panel of judges which included TV wine expert Oz Clarke.

Zoe and Tim Beaver were hoping for a medal, but given it was their debut wine, nothing was certain.

“We are absolutely over the moon with our First Crush white wine and have loved the feedback our guests have given us,” said Tim.

“It really showcases the potential of English white wine delivering delicious fruit-driven flavours and results in a really well balanced wine.”

First Crush is soon expected to sell out, with 80 per cent already snapped up.

“We knew on paper we have a really special site for the vines to thrive in, so it’s a relief to see the final results tasting so good,” Tim added.

“We were flattered to win a Stamford Mercury award in 2022 which started us on this journey.”

The vineyard was planted in 2021, and Tim and Zoe are excited to be releasing its first batch of red wine this month - First Crush Red.

“English wine is still developing, but the 2023 weather had really helped establish the vineyard for years to come,” Tim explained.

The Rutland Vineyard is hosting a mini food festival on Saturday, July 20 featuring award-winning food companies offering sweet baked goods, English cheeses and a hog roast.

Away from the vines, attentions have turned to cultivating a different crop.

The vineyard hosts an annual sunflower day where visitors are invited to pick their own.

It has raised more than £10,000 for local charities in the business’ first three years.

“The sunflowers look good - there’s more pressure on growing them than the vines!” joked Tim.

“They are always a highlight of the season! Hopefully they’ll be ready at the end of August, but we need some sun.”