The first Great Yorkshire Wine and Fizz Festival was the toast of wine lovers on Sunday.

Some 200 people gathered at the Yorkshire Heart Vineyard, at Nun Monkton, just west of York.

Seven vineyards from across the country showcased their wines at an event that is set to become annual.

Organiser Tim Spakouskas of Yorkshire Heart said the day went ‘very well, with the opening tasting session proving very popular, and plenty of visitors staying to enjoy more food, wine and live music.

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“The main reason for organising and hosting the event is to showcase Yorkshire as a wine growing county and give people the chance to try lots of different Yorkshire wines in one place.

“The other vineyards in attendance all had a good day with demand there to make it a regular event.”

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The drinkers agreed, with Michelle Kenny, Steve Sawley, plus Theresa and Tom Williams from Bury saying they had camped the weekend at the vineyard and were enjoying hearing the histories of the vineyards and “the personal element.”

Laura Hodgson of Bridlington and Jo Golding of Swansea agreed, saying they were having a great weekend staying in the glamping pods.

“It’s nice to see how many different wines are made in the area, Laura added.

A table of friends from Askham Richard said the location of the festival was beautiful and the food and wines were amazing. They were looking forward to taking some bottles home.

Among the producers, Lord Gerald Fitzalan Howard, had produced the best seller on the day, a sparkling rose.

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He said: “The festival had a real feel of the local Yorkshire wine community. Down South there are lots of big grand vineyards, but it was lovely to be at Yorkshire Heart which felt so apt being at the centre of the Yorkshire Vineyard scene”

Laurel Vines of Aike, near Driffield, reported a fantastic day, showcasing their fine wines.

Laurel’s Ian Sargent, who is also chair of WineGB Midlands and North opened the event, saying it showed how Yorkshire is developing as a wine producer, with the quality and quantity and range of its wines increasing.

David Griffin of the Farthing Vineyard of Fimber and Thixendale said the event allowed his vineyard to make good sales and meet other Yorkshire vineyards and sample the competition.

“We are in fact a very collaborative bunch and free advice on wine making techniques was readily shared as we explored opportunities to work together in future,” he added.

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Viv and Phill Clarkson of Malton agreed, adding “We came away with some wonderful comments about our wine and some great tips for the vineyard.”

Similarly, Kit Fletcher of Ryedale Vineyards, confirmed a success.

He added: “Judging by the amount of people that attended we’re sure that the festival will become a great annual event for Yorkshire wine lovers.”