Homegrown Halfpenny White

It was the vision of farmer Martin Vickers 30 years ago to plant a vineyard that would one day match continental sites.

Today, 30 acres of vines are managed by Martin and produce award-winning wines crafted by his son Clive. A family business, the acclaimed shop, restaurant & tea rooms are run by Clive’s wife Lisa, and offer a great day out for visitors.

The first half acre was planted in 1983 by Martin who still runs the vineyard today with his family. By 1991 a further 22 acres were added and today the vineyard totals almost 30 acres, making it one of the largest in the UK. Situated 250ft above sea level in well-sheltered south facing slopes, with light, sandy free-draining soil, perfect for growing the varietals that go into this wine. The Estate’s winery was built in 2005 and now produces between 50-60,000 bottles of own-label wine each year, all made using grapes grown on site.

Due to the cooler climate, a variety of weather-hardy grapes are grown throughout the site, and a selection of the earliest of these plantings go into making this wine.

Made up of 35% Reichensteiner, 17% Huxelrebe, 16% Phoenix, 12% Seyval Blanc, 8% Madeleine Angevine, 7% Muller-Thurgau, 5% Chardonnay, this is a classic English blend, that means even with the Great British weather the yield will still be high, and more importantly so will the quality.