A WINEGROWER in north Suffolk has two reasons to celebrate after a record-breaking harvest and the birth of his first grandchild.Now, Jonathan Craft, at Valley Farm Vineyards in Wissett, near Halesworth, has decided to name two bottles of wine, a white and a rose, after first grandson, Noah.

A WINEGROWER in north Suffolk has two reasons to celebrate after a record-breaking harvest and the birth of his first grandchild.

Now, Jonathan Craft, at Valley Farm Vineyards in Wissett, near Halesworth, has decided to name two bottles of wine, a white and a rose, after first grandson, Noah.

His daughter Rebecca Distin and son-in-law Giles Distin celebrated the birth of their son on October 2, which was the first day of what has proved to be a record-breaking harvest.

The company already holds a strong connection with the name Noah as its logo depicts an image of Noah tending to his vines which was taken from the design of one of the main roof bosses in Norwich Cathedral.

Mr Craft's wife Janet said: “We are thrilled our grandson's called Noah, that he's here and that he was born on the first day of harvest. They are going to be very special wines to celebrate his birth.”

Mrs Distin said she was influenced by her parents' company to call her first son Noah.

She said: “It was definitely inspired by the fact that Noah is on the wine label but the fact that his birthday was also the day the wine harvest started at Valley Farm also had persuasive effect.

“The fact that the biblical Noah is so linked with wine and allegedly enjoyed a drink himself was also relevant as our Noah often hiccupped in the womb and continues to do so now.”

Over the past few weeks, there has been frantic activity at the vineyard as Mr Craft and his team of 30 pickers and runners gleaned seven acres of vines.

He said: “As with the rest of the country, our yields are up by between 50 and 75% on last year without any loss of quality”.

This year's vintage will be available from the vineyard and other select outlets next summer.