History

It is not altogether surprising to learn that it was the Romans, with their love of the fine things in life, who introduced vine growing and wine making to Britain. Unfortunately these skills were mostly lost during the reign of Henry VIII and it was not until 1946 that the scientist Ray Barrington Brock introduced varieties of wine grapes suitable for our cooler climate, so enabling English viticulture to flourish again.

Thanks largely to his original research vineyards like ourselves are able to produce an impressive selection of high quality wines. There are now over 500 vineyards in the UK.

Rosemary vineyard was planted in 1986 and covers 30 acres at almost 60 feet above sea level. With its mostly south facing aspect the vineyard is ideally placed to benefit from the mild island climate. The valley situation helps retain summer warmth and offers shelter from the south-westerly winds. The gentle vineyard slopes allow excellent frost drainage in the spring to protect the newly budded vines whilst the soil, a clay-silt loam overlying greensand, is not only free-draining but also retains sufficient moisture for healthy growth.