One of the most captivating things about winemaking and tending to the vines, is that every vintage is unique. Each year is an expression of the climatic conditions and the decisions we make both in the vineyard and then in the winery. As 2020 draws to a close, we reflect on the events of the year. Many people took to the British countryside to avoid crowds while still getting daily exercise. We are aware, now more than ever, of the benefits of a walk or getting outdoors both on our physical and mental well-being. Our lone wayfarer feels more poignant than ever.

As we are a small family run business, we are lucky that social distancing has not been difficult to implement especially with large open spaces to work in. This means that the essential work on the vineyard has been able to continue and we are pleased to say that winter pruning at our Highfield estate has been completed, with the focus soon turning to our more established crop producing estate at Pilgrims Way. Throughout January we will also be planting around 200 British Alder trees in Highfield, Woodchurch, that will create a windbreak and protect our vines from south westerly winds for many years.

We also had contact from a few previous residents of the Wayfarer House, which was built around 300 years ago and is our family home. Linda, a keen social historian, has done extensive research about the Wayfarer house. It is always a real pleasure to hear a bit of the story of the house first hand from others that have had the pleasure of living there.