An Oxfordshire vineyard swept the board in the Thames and Chilterns Vineyards Association annual competition - but there will be no wines next year and the vineyard will be closed because frost ruined most of this year's grape crop.

Richard Liwicki harvests the crop in 2003

The Bothy Vineyard, at Frilford Heath, near Abingdon, won the only silver medals in the white wine categories for both the Oxford Dry 2004 and Renaissance 2004.

The Oxford Dry went on to take the Mac Mackinnon trophy for the best white wine and Renaissance was voted the favourite wine of the competition by members of the Vineyard Association. There was a bronze medal for the Oxford Don 2004.

But the hazards of wine growing in the English climate was brought home to the Bothy. One night in May a severe frost ruined more than 80 per cent of the crop, despite the efforts of staff who lit bonfires around the vineyard in the early hours.

Owner Richard Liwicki said: "After the devastating frost and when the birds, badgers and foxes had had their fill we harvested only six per cent of our average crop over the past three years. We needed only about eight-people days to pick, while we would normally have needed about 70.

"We are gradually getting over the setback but it means that there will be no 2005 vintage available for sale and the vineyard shop will be closed next year for business, although we shall continue to give talks and guided tours. We will reopen in May 2007."

There has been a vineyard at Frilford Heath for 27 years. Mr Liwicki and his wife Sian took over the business two years ago and have established themselves as leading wine makers in the increasingly successful English wine business.

Mrs Liwicki said: "The frost was a big setback for us, the worst we have known in three years. Unfortunately it will mean we will have to close our shop at Christmas and we won't open next year.

"We have a modest turnover, so the closure does not mean financial ruin. We're enjoying our vineyard and plan to increase production.

"More people are taking to English wines and we hope to show that English wines are as good as you can get."

The good news for the Bothy is that its award-winning wines are selling well. The Oxford Don has sold out and there are only 30 cases of Oxford Dry and 60 cases of Renaissance left. Mr Liwicki said: "They are of international quality and a snip at £6 a bottle."