From seasonal gins to limited-edition vodkas, the North East is quietly going about the business of producing a range of spirits that rival the very best.
For many, that news might come as quite a revelation. While we may be familiar with the names of some of the spirits produced, and have most probably sampled more than a few at local pubs and bars that stock them, we are less aware of where - and certainly how - they are made.
We tend to know our beers, and are proud of our range of top local breweries, but what about other boozy treats? We have the region's only winery - Laneberg Wine in Gateshead - which is a hidden treasure in Team Valley where it takes English grapes and then crushes, processes and bottles at its Team Valley plant to produce award-winning wonders.
