We asked. You voted. And voted. And voted… The competition was FIERCE this year, reaching over 10 million people nationally in eight weeks, over 515,000 votes and nominations were cast nationwide! So, to win a Muddy Award (and one that’s entirely based on the public vote at that) is definitely something to shout from the rooftops.

So we did, well from the balcony of the gorgeous Chet Valley Vineyard last week who were our hosts with the mosts this year. No stranger to putting on a show or Muddy, having scooped up a gong for the Best Sustainable Business in 2023, the 24-acre vineyard and winery hosts everything from tours to foodie events to weddings up in their rustic bar and down in amongst the vines.

Chet Valley owner and winemaker John Hemmant talking wine

A stunning venue which really pulled out all the stops for Norfolk’s big night with the utterly fabulous Hannah coordinating the event with owner and winemaker John Hemmant and wife Bridget heading up the operation. They provided in-house bubbles – their stunning English sparkler, House of Hemmant – and THE most delicious cheese and charcuterie combo pulled together beautifully in chic cups as well as a wine tasting station (not surprisingly a huge success) and entertainment courtesy of Bridget’s two dogs who were as big a hit as the wine.

Not only that, Hannah also decorated the venue, providing balloons, ribbons, gorgeous fresh blooms for the tables, foliage and pretty fairy lights for some added wow factor.

The weather was your typical British Summer time, dark and rainy one minute, bright sunshine the next but that didn’t dull our winners sparkle as they arrived in their finery. Greeted by Commercial Manager Fran and Staff Writer Claire, it was then over to the bar for fizz and wine tasting, mingling on the balcony and drinking in that vineyard vibe.

After the mingling it was down to the serious business of more toasting! And Editor Nancy stepped up to thank everyone.

Speech! Editor Nancy, Commercial Manager Fran and Staff Writer Claire

Everyone took home a scrummy Muddy-themed cupcake, created by the talented team at The Orangery Tea Room.

The Orangery Tea Room’s lip-smacking cupcakes

And then it was just time for the official photo opps, glittering certificates in hand. Our woman behind the camera for the day was talented local photographer Josie Tate of Love Tate Photography, a dab hand at making everyone feel at ease (yep, these are all her awesome pics you’re looking at!).