Two wine producers in East Sussex are looking forward to a sparkling Christmas after receiving thousands of pounds in Government funding.

Will Davenport, of Davenport Vineyards, based in Rotherfield, near Uckfield, was awarded almost £27,000 to expand his facilities and marketing activities.

Peter Hall of Breaky Bottom Vineyard, Rodmell, near Lewes, was given almost £11,000 to install a temperature-controlled wine store as part of his existing premises.

Mr Davenport, who trained in wine-making in Australia, started his business in 1993 when he bought Limney Farm, a former dairy holding.

He planted 1.67 hectares with grapes, and converted farm buildings into a winery which produces sparkling and still wines from the farm's own grapes.

It also provides contract wine-making services to 22 other vineyards in the South-East and is the only winery in the UK to provide contract services for making organic sparkling wine.

Davenport Vineyards has won a range of awards in the wine-making industry. The wines are sold through local shops, restaurants and hotels.

The Government award will allow it to increase maximum production capacity from 50,000 to 70,000 litres of wine a year, and improve efficiency and product quality.

Will Davenport said: "The funding has been fantastic.

"We have been able to expand the business and move from being a small-scale cottage industry to a medium-sized business, which I couldn't have done by myself."

Mr Hall planted his vineyard at Breaky Bottom in 1974 when he realised the climate in the area was similar to that of the Loire and Champagne regions of France and wine-producing areas of Germany.

His wines have won gold, silver and bronze medals in international competitions.In 2002, The Guardian selected 2001 Breaky Bottom Seyval Blanc as the best English wine for under £10.

Mr Hall said the grant from the Department for Food Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) would allow him to mature his wines at the best temperature.

He said: "I regard this as a very significant development for Breaky Bottom and I am delighted Defra have chosen to support the project."

Neville Sherlock, an adviser for the South- East at Defra, said: "I am delighted that Defra has been able to assist in the expansion of these two businesses.

"Improved marketing and product quality are key aspects of any business and I wish them both every success for the future."