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Burn Valley Vineyard Shines with a Landmark Year
Burn Valley Vineyard delivered a truly exceptional performance at this year’s East of England Wine Awards, cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most exciting and consistent producers. In a remarkable showing, Burn Valley became the first-ever recipient of the new Norfolk County Champion award—and that was just the beginning.
Their Wild Ferment Pinot Noir 2023 not only secured the inaugural Best Pinot Noir award, but also captured the imagination of the judging panel, who praised it as “Perfectly Pinot Noir! A great example of what the East can do with this grape.” Elegant, expressive and confidently made, it set a new benchmark for red wines in the region.
In the white wine category, Burn Valley retained their title, winning Best White Wine for the second year running—this time for their Winemakers Series Chardonnay 2023, described by judges as a “Wonderful English Chardonnay, very classy.”
The winning streak continued with their Marsh Rosé 2024, which took home Best Rosé, with judges calling it “absolutely stunning, a proper rosé.” It was perhaps no surprise that this wine went on to be named East Anglian Wine of the Year, a fitting recognition of Burn Valley’s exceptional range and craftsmanship.
Given the success of their wines, it was only fitting that Burn Valley’s winemaker, Matthews Abbey, was honoured with the Guy Howard Award—a special accolade recognising outstanding contribution to East of England wines. His thoughtful, expressive approach to winemaking and his dedication to quality is helping raise the profile of the region’s wines on a national stage.
Burnt House Vineyard: Honouring Legacy with Sparkle
Burnt House Vineyard made a remarkable impact at this year’s East of England Wine Awards, becoming the first-ever recipient of the Suffolk County Champion title. This landmark achievement is especially poignant for a vineyard with such a rich sense of place and history.
Established in 1925, Burnt House has been a family farm for nearly a century, with each generation taking on the responsibility of caring for the land and passing it forward. Now led by a new generation, this family-run, female-led vineyard is continuing that legacy through wine, having planted vines on the very soil that has sustained their family for over 100 years.
In a standout debut, Burnt House also claimed the award for Best Sparkling Wine with their Brut 2021—their first-ever sparkling wine. Crafted using the traditional Champagne method with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, it impressed the judges with both character and craft. Their tasting note described it as:
“Rich and spicy like red apple crumble, with an elegant mousse.”
A confident and beautifully made sparkling that sets a high bar for future releases. Their success didn’t stop there. Burnt House’s Chardonnay 2023 was also awarded a bronze medal, further confirming the quality and potential of their still wines alongside their sparkling triumph.
Saffron Grange: A Vision Realised on Historic Land
Saffron Grange has been named this year’s Essex County Champion, a well-deserved accolade that recognises not only the exceptional quality of their wines, but the vision, care and innovation that define this remarkable vineyard.
Located just outside Saffron Walden, Saffron Grange is planted on the same ancient chalk seam that runs from the renowned wine regions of Champagne, through Sussex, and into Essex. This rare and prized soil formation—combined with Essex’s sunny, dry climate—creates outstanding conditions for growing grapes destined for premium sparkling wines. It’s no coincidence that this small corner of England is now producing wines of international calibre.
The land itself holds centuries of agricultural heritage. Once covered in crocuses and famed globally for saffron production, the soil that once nurtured one of the world’s most valuable spices now yields grapes of equally prized character. It is this historic connection that inspired both the name and ethos of Saffron Grange.
The vineyard is the vision of Paul Edwards, who returned to his native Essex after decades working around the world in the food and drink industry. His mission was clear: to establish a vineyard that could not only produce world-class wines but also revive and protect the land for future generations. His expertise in product development and meticulous attention to detail are evident in every bottle.
This year, the judges were particularly impressed by Saffron Grange’s Classic Cuvée 2021, which they described as “a delicious expression of English sparkling, with rich fine bubbles and delicious flavours of apple tart and citrus.” Their Sparkling Rosé 2022 also stood out, praised for “a delicious burst of red fruits and refreshing citrus.” These wines highlighted the consistent quality and elegance of the Saffron Grange style.
In addition to their classic blends, the judges applauded the vineyard’s spirit of innovation, particularly their Seyval Blanc Reserve 2021, made from the hybrid grape variety Seyval Blanc—renowned for its citrus profile and crisp minerality. The panel described it as “flinty minerality on the nose, and lots of citrus lemon and orchard fruits with a lovely texture.”
Saffron Grange’s success this year is a testament to what happens when place, passion and precision come together.
Winbirri Vineyard: Rondo, Reserve and Remarkable Results
Winbirri Vineyard made a powerful impression at this year’s East of England Wine Awards, taking home the coveted Best Red Wine award for their Winbirri Grand Reserve 2015. Crafted from 100% Rondo—a dark-skinned cross increasingly recognised for its potential in cooler climates—this bold and expressive wine won a silver medal, with judges describing it as “wonderfully crunchy and delicious, with wonderful complexity.”
Rondo is fast becoming a variety to watch, and Winbirri’s confident, age-worthy example is a showcase of what it can achieve when handled with precision and patience.
But the wins didn’t stop there. Winbirri’s Vintage Reserve 2018 sparkling wine also secured a silver medal, coming very close to claiming the Best Sparkling Wine title, narrowly edged out by Burnt House Vineyard. It’s a strong endorsement of Winbirri’s versatility—not just in reds, but across sparkling styles as well.
Their still white wines were also recognised with medals: the Bacchus 2023, known for its aromatic brightness and freshness, and the Solaris 2022, a lesser-known variety showing increasing promise in English viticulture.
Winbirri’s broad medal haul underlines their status as a leading producer in the region, with a portfolio that continues to push boundaries and impress across multiple wine styles. Whether red, white or sparkling, their wines reflect both innovation and deep attention to quality.
Sveinns Vineyard: A Rising Star with Award-Winning Bacchus
Sveinns Vineyard has firmly announced its arrival on the English wine scene, winning the Best Bacchus award for their Bacchus Fumé 2024—a remarkable achievement for a vineyard planted only in 2019. Just a few years into production and located close to Norwich, Sveinns is already proving it’s a name to watch.
The judges described the Bacchus Fumé as “zesty and energetic. A great expression of English Bacchus.” Its vibrancy, clarity and freshness made it a standout in a highly competitive category, confirming both the vineyard’s potential and the skill of its winemaking team.
Bacchus has become something of a signature grape for English still wine, thriving in the cooler English climate. Often likened to Sauvignon Blanc—but with a punchier profile—Bacchus is sometimes described as “Sauvignon Blanc on steroids”, thanks to its intense aromatics and zingy acidity. It’s a grape that truly captures the freshness and energy of English terroir.
While Chardonnay is fast catching up in reputation, Bacchus continues to be the go-to white variety for many English producers—and Sveinns’ success with their Fumé-style interpretation shows just how exciting and expressive it can be.
Their success didn’t end there: Sveinns Vineyard also earned a medal for their Rosé 2024, underlining the early promise of this young Norfolk vineyard. With such strong results so early on, Sveinns is clearly on a path toward an exciting and distinguished future.
East of England Wine Awards - The Results!
EAST ANGLIAN WINE OF THE YEAR
EAST ANGLIAN WINE OF THE YEAR
EAST ANGLIAN WINE OF THE YEAR
Burn Valley Vineyard, Norfolk
Marsh Rose 2024
BEST WHITE WINE
EAST ANGLIAN WINE OF THE YEAR
EAST ANGLIAN WINE OF THE YEAR
Burn Valley Vineyard, Norfolk
Winemakers Series Chardonnay 2023
BEST BACCHUS
EAST ANGLIAN WINE OF THE YEAR
BEST BACCHUS
Sveinns Vineyard, Norfolk
Bacchus Fume 2024
BEST ROSÉ
BEST PINOT NOIR
BEST BACCHUS
Burn Valley Vineyard, Norfolk
Marsh Rose 2024
BEST PINOT NOIR
BEST PINOT NOIR
BEST PINOT NOIR
Burn Valley Vineyard, Norfolk
Wild Ferment Pinot Noir 2023
BEST RED WINE
BEST PINOT NOIR
BEST PINOT NOIR
Winbirri Vineyard, Norfolk
Grand Reserve 2015
BEST SPARKLING WINE
BEST SPARKLING WINE
BEST SPARKLING WINE
Burnt House Vineyard, Suffolk
Brut 2021
BEST DRESSED
BEST SPARKLING WINE
BEST SPARKLING WINE
Flint Vineyard, Norfolk
Charmat Rose 2024
MEDAL WINNERS
GOLD MEDAL WINNERS
GOLD MEDAL WINNERS
GOLD MEDAL WINNERS
- Burn Valley Vineyard Marsh Rosé 2024
- Burn Valley Vineyard Wild Ferment Pinot Noir 2024
SILVER MEDAL WINNERS
GOLD MEDAL WINNERS
GOLD MEDAL WINNERS
- Sveinns Vineyard Bacchus Fume 2024
- Flint Vineyard Silex 2023
- Shotley Vineyard Bacchus 2023
- Burn Valley Vineyard Winemakers Series Chardonnay 2023
- Toppesfield Vineyard Pinot Rosé 2024
- Shawsgate Vineyard Juno Rosé 2023
- Winbirri Vineyard Signature Red 2020
- Winbirri Vineyard Grand Reserve 2015
- Shotley Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024
- Giffords Hall Vineya
- Sveinns Vineyard Bacchus Fume 2024
- Flint Vineyard Silex 2023
- Shotley Vineyard Bacchus 2023
- Burn Valley Vineyard Winemakers Series Chardonnay 2023
- Toppesfield Vineyard Pinot Rosé 2024
- Shawsgate Vineyard Juno Rosé 2023
- Winbirri Vineyard Signature Red 2020
- Winbirri Vineyard Grand Reserve 2015
- Shotley Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024
- Giffords Hall Vineyard Brut Reserve NV
- Winbirri Vineyard Vintage Reserve 2018
- Burnt House Vineyard Brut 2021
BRONZE MEDAL WINNERS
GOLD MEDAL WINNERS
BRONZE MEDAL WINNERS
- Tuffon Hall Vineyard Amelie Bacchus 2024
- Toppesfield Vineyard Bacchus Reserve 2024
- Staverton Vineyard Staverton Dry 2024
- Burnt House Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
- Burn Valley Vineyard Marsh White 2024
- Winbirri Vineyard Solaris 2022
- Wyken Vineyards Bacchus 2023
- Winbirri Vineyard Bacchus 2023
- Sveinns Vineyard Rosé 2024
- Giffords Hall Vineyard – St Edmunds
- Tuffon Hall Vineyard Amelie Bacchus 2024
- Toppesfield Vineyard Bacchus Reserve 2024
- Staverton Vineyard Staverton Dry 2024
- Burnt House Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
- Burn Valley Vineyard Marsh White 2024
- Winbirri Vineyard Solaris 2022
- Wyken Vineyards Bacchus 2023
- Winbirri Vineyard Bacchus 2023
- Sveinns Vineyard Rosé 2024
- Giffords Hall Vineyard – St Edmundsbury 2024
- Winbirri Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022
- Hazel End Vineyard Stackyard sparkling 2023
- Chet Valley Vineyard Blanc de Blanc 2022
- Saffron Grange Classic Cuvee 2021
- Flint Vineyard Charmat White NV
- Shawsgate Vineyard Rose Blush Frampaign 2015
- Flint Vineyard Charmst Rosé NV
MEET THE JUDGES
HEAD JUDGE - JANNE HALLINAN
Based in Suffolk, Janne is a passionate wine educator, presenter, and judge. She’s the founder of How2EnjoyWine and The English Wine Academy, platforms dedicated to making wine accessible and enjoyable for everyone—whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned connoisseur.
Janne’s journey into wine wasn’t traditional. Her love for wine began after joining a course with a wine-loving friend—proof that passion can spark at any stage. Understanding how overwhelming the world of wine can be, she now creates inclusive courses, tastings, and videos to guide others with clarity and enthusiasm.
On her YouTube channel How2EnjoyWine she shares engaging food & wine pairing content, while also developing and presenting courses on English wine, emerging regions, and evolving wine styles.
Janne is proud to serve as Head Judge for this year’s WineGB East Awards, and also judges at the International Wine Challenge and Glass of Bubbly Awards.
She’s deeply involved in the industry’s growth, serving as Chair of WineGB’s Wine Tourism Working Group, and sits on the WineGB East Committee. In 2023, she was honoured with the WineGB East Guy Howard Award for her outstanding contributions.
JEREMY DUNN
JAKE BENNET-DAY
JEREMY DUNN
Based in Norfolk, Jeremy is the Managing Director of Wine School Franchises Ltd, the UK’s leading network for wine education and experiences. He also heads Norfolk Wine School where he shares his passion for wine with enthusiasts of all levels.
A WSET Diploma holder and certified wine educator, Jeremy brings a wealth of expertise as a c
Based in Norfolk, Jeremy is the Managing Director of Wine School Franchises Ltd, the UK’s leading network for wine education and experiences. He also heads Norfolk Wine School where he shares his passion for wine with enthusiasts of all levels.
A WSET Diploma holder and certified wine educator, Jeremy brings a wealth of expertise as a competition judge, wine columnist, and food and wine pairing specialist. His extensive wine career has taken him across the globe, including visits to renowned wine regions in France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Australia, and California.
Jeremy has hosted hundreds of wine events, known for his engaging storytelling and ability to bring wines to life through the people and places behind each bottle. A dedicated advocate for local producers, he is proud to return as a judge for WineGB East, supporting and celebrating the excellence of English and Welsh wines. .
MATT HODGSON
JAKE BENNET-DAY
JEREMY DUNN
Matt, founder of Grape Britannia is based in Cambridge and transitioned into the wine industry following a successful career in accountancy. Driven by a passion for homegrown wines, he established Grape Britannia in 2019 to champion the retail and wholesale of English and Welsh wines.
Since its founding, Grape Britannia has earned signif
Matt, founder of Grape Britannia is based in Cambridge and transitioned into the wine industry following a successful career in accountancy. Driven by a passion for homegrown wines, he established Grape Britannia in 2019 to champion the retail and wholesale of English and Welsh wines.
Since its founding, Grape Britannia has earned significant acclaim, winning the Decanter Retailer Award for Best English & Welsh Wine Specialist in 2020, 2021, and 2022, as well as the International Wine Challenge GB Specialist Award in 2023 and 2024. With a curated selection of over 200 English and Welsh wines, Matt is among the most knowledgeable and well-tasted advocates of the UK’s domestic wine scene.
In recognition of his efforts to promote regional wines, Matt received the 2022 WineGB East Guy Howard Award. He is delighted to return as a judge for WineGB East and has also served as a judge for the national WineGB Awards in previous years.
BERT BLAIZE
JAKE BENNET-DAY
JAKE BENNET-DAY
Bert honed his craft at La Belle Époque in Manchester and the two Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons under Raymond Blanc in Oxfordshire. He later joined The Clove Club—ranked the UK’s top restaurant and listed among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, reaching 26th globally. From there, he became Wine Director at The Mandrake Hote
Bert honed his craft at La Belle Époque in Manchester and the two Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons under Raymond Blanc in Oxfordshire. He later joined The Clove Club—ranked the UK’s top restaurant and listed among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, reaching 26th globally. From there, he became Wine Director at The Mandrake Hotel, where he was named one of the 50 most influential people in wine by Drinks Business.
In 2020, Bert published his first book with Penguin, Which Wine When: What to Drink with the Food You Love, which was shortlisted for the Fortnum & Mason Drinks Book of the Year Award in 2021. He went on to open Bottles ‘n’ Jars in Highgate—an award-winning wine and deli shop.
In 2023, Bert was ranked the 18th most influential figure in the UK drinks trade. His second book, The Winemaker’s Guide to Drinking the World, is due for release later in 2024.
Today, alongside running North Norfolk Cellars, Bert consults for some of the UK’s leading restaurants, chefs, and bars—curating bespoke beverage programs and continuing to champion wine in all its forms.
JAKE BENNET-DAY
JAKE BENNET-DAY
JAKE BENNET-DAY
Jake is the co-owner and founder of Vino Gusto a dynamic wine shop, tasting room, and regional wholesaler based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
With a background in fine wine sales and the restaurant industry, Jake launched Vino Gusto as a pop-up in May 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. Just two years later, in March 2022, it evolved into
Jake is the co-owner and founder of Vino Gusto a dynamic wine shop, tasting room, and regional wholesaler based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
With a background in fine wine sales and the restaurant industry, Jake launched Vino Gusto as a pop-up in May 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. Just two years later, in March 2022, it evolved into a three-storey wine destination that has since been recognised by Harpers Wine & Spirit as one of the UK’s top independent wine retailers.
Jake’s impact on the industry has also earned him a place on Harpers “30 Under 30” list, where he was named the Commitment Champion—an accolade celebrating his dedication to wine retail and community engagement.
In addition to running Vino Gusto, Jake shares his passion for wine through writing and by hosting the Vino Gusto podcast, which launched in 2022.
Above all, Jake is driven by the joy of discovering “deliciousness” and the people, stories, and places behind every bottle.