The wineries of England and Wales may have some way to go before they catch up to the likes of Chateau Margaux and Cheval Blanc, but the record number of medals were won at this year's English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition may give hope to fans of home-grown wine.

Organised by the East Anglian Winegrowers Association, the event took place in Bury St Edmunds on June 13th and the 14th.

Nearly 90 per cent of the 274 wines submitted to the competition achieved a bronze, silver or gold medal, with Sam Lindo of Camel Valley Vineyard taking the McAlpine Winemaker of the Year trophy.

"I'm delighted to see so many smaller and new vineyards gaining some top awards – it just shows that quality is driven from the smallest producer to the largest," said judge Susan McCraith MW.

Earlier this year, English sparkling wines appeared for the first time at the Vinitaly event in Verona.