The Englishman Michael Weavers received the first prize in the annual competition for the best grape rakia (traditional Bulgarian brandy) in the village of Skalitza close to the city of Yambol in southeast Bulgaria.

Weavers has been living in the nearby village of General Toshevo by the Tundja River for several years, the Bulgarian National Television reported. He has been taught by his Bulgarian neighbors how to make good rakia by mixing several types of grapes and without adding sugar.

Weavers owns a vineyard of 1,5 decares, and grows different grapes sorts.

The annual best rakia competition in the village of Skalitza is a part of the traditional folk holiday dedicated to the wine and the vineyards and accompanied with many folk dances, songs, and festivities.