VineyardFollowing a number of successful harvests, the 4 hectare site with nearly 14,000 vines was extended in 2009 to 6.5 hectares and nearly 23,000 vines, retaining the classic Champagne varieties but also adding a small planting of Seyval Blanc. A mix of rootstock and varietal clones were selected to maximise the strengths of vine and location and to allow for varied ripening and a more manageable harvest. The vineyards are mainly trained to single or double guyot.The main vineyard is divided into three areas:Home View is planted on a north-facing slope with stunning views of the local area. The soil is a heavy loam with clay, being very fertile. Planting and spacing is 2.5m by 1.2m. Valley View is planted on a north-facing slope with beautiful views of woodland and fields on the horizon. The soil is a sandy loam with sandstone subsoil in parts. Planting and spacing 2.5m by 1.2m. Wood View is planted on a south-facing slope, surrounded by woodland with a very active community of animals and birds. Deer can be seen amongst the trees and heron often take off from one of the woodland ponds. The soil is a sandy loam with sandstone subsoil. Planting and spacing 2m by 1.2m. Recent plantings:The land planted in 2009 covers an additional three sites, which were simply named after their locations: Bluebell Railway Vineyard This is a small plot of land with fertile loam soil on a slightly south-facing, open aspect site next to the famous heritage steam railway line running between Kingscote and Sheffield Park. In 2009 a small amount of Seyval Blanc was planted here, following successful winemaking using this variety of grapes, which were bought in 2007 from another vineyard. The amazing aromas and palate encouraged the trial planting of this variety. It was also decided that the vines would be planted on Geneva Double Curtain (GDC), with rows 3m wide and 1.2m apart. Sliders Vineyard Planted in 2009 and close to the original site, Sliders Vineyard is accessed through a narrow country lane and a short amble across a field making it almost impossible to know it even exists. The vines run down a north-west facing slope with wonderful far-reaching views. Current plantings are mainly Chardonnay, with space for further planting in subsequent years. The vines are growing well in the sandy loam soil. Town Place Vineyard A quarter of this field was planted in 2009 with Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, enjoying the benefits of a south-facing slope. Local deer were keen to feast on our new plantings, but tying bars of soap to the trellising and improving the fencing prevented any major setbacks. The soil at the Town Place Vineyard is sandy loam. Site selection so far has been based on soil, aspect and ventilation, since one of the key problems facing UK vineyards is mildew. In 2009 careful vineyard maintenance meant that we were successful in reducing this to just appearing on a few vines. We aim to keep spraying to a minimum, without compromising the quality of the grapes produced. |
 Home View  Wood View  Valley View |