THE owners of an award-winning vineyard are thrilled after the official opening of their luxury wine-tasting centre.

Toppesfield Vineyard was set up by Jane and Peter Moore in 2011 and has won numerous awards for its high-quality tipples.

Now the boutique vineyard has opened a stylish new centre where wine buffs can sample the Bacchus and rosé on offer.

The centre has a huge picture window, which overlooks the rows of vines.

Last year's harvest saw 70 people pick 11 tonnes of Bacchus and pinot noir grapes in just five hours before enjoying a slap-up supper.

Jane said: "We are absolutely delighted to open the Toppesfield Wine Centre because it is the culmination of several years of fantastic work with lots of people in the local community which has helped us produce an award-winning vineyard.

"It has only been done because of all the input from local people who have helped us to achieve this."

Halstead Gazette:

  • Jane and Peter Moore at the official opening

The centre was officially opened by leading viticulturist Duncan McNeill who gave the couple invaluable advice in the first few years of establishing the vineyard.

He said: “It’s nice to think that I have been able to help with the establishment of Toppesfield Vineyard, but it is the work that Jane and Peter have both put into the whole project that gives it the integrity and character that it possesses.

"The wine centre itself is just pure class. They really have contributed to English wine culture. It is a showpiece for English boutique wine.”

Visitors at the opening were given guided tours of the vineyard and learned about wine-tasting with international judge Mary Mudd.

Peter said: "Today is all about celebrating with all our friends and the people who have helped us get here - the outlets, the Co-op, Majestic, that have actually supported us, and the builders, the marketing people, all those different people, to come and celebrate with us on our next journey."

It is eight years since Jane and Peter started the venture.

Peter said: "We originally planted the vineyard in 2011. It takes five years from when you plant your first root stock to actually getting commercial vines.

"This building has been built over the past two and half years so it's taken a little while to get us here.

"It's all about wine-tasting and having small groups coming here.

"We thought people wouldn't want to come to a vineyard, but we were totally wrong."

Halstead Gazette:

  • Peter explains how it all started on a tour of the vineyard

Jane added: "It was a great turnout and we hope all who came will spread the word about the quality and success of English wines.

"Our aim has always been to deliver a top quality experience.

"The new wine centre provides us with the environment for clients to drink our wines in a beautiful, contemporary space – in full view of the vineyard where our grapes are grown."