AN AWARD-winning wine producer is raising a glass to the Indian summer.

Albourne Estate vineyard owner Alison Nightingale believes the warm and dry weather will help produce an exceptional vintage this year – and win over more fans of English wine.

But the temperamental climate does present challenges and Alison, who started the 30-acre vineyard near Hurstpierpoint four years ago, must pick the right time to harvest her Bacchus vines.

She said: “The longer the grapes stay on the vine, the better they ripen. But leaving them too long risks them falling victim to frost or mildew caused by rain.

“I become obsessed at this time of the year trawling websites for hints of the weather to come.” She hopes her second crop this year will be bigger and better than the last.

This summer three of the estate’s still white wines won awards, including a gold for her White Pinot Noir and silvers for her Bacchus and Estate Selection.

She distributes online, from the vineyard and in pubs, shops and restaurants throughout Sussex.

Alison said: “I’m expecting 80 tonnes of grapes this year, compared with 60 tonnes in 2013, when the weather made it tricky for English growers to ripen their crop.

“Without tempting fate, I will be going flat out for golds, with the improved weather helping to create higher sugar levels, with better flavours and aromas.”