By Elizabeth Stott
HOLMFIRTH IS renowned for ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ but a vineyard located there was unexpected.
It must be too far north and too high up to grow vines, I thought – but how very wrong I was in my initial assumption, as a recent tour of the vineyard proved.
We visited in early October using a voucher for two, which gave us a guided tour of the vineyard and the small winery, and then a tasting of three wines followed by high tea in their light airy restaurant with marvellous views across the Holm valley to Black Hill.
The vineyard, planted in 2008 on a former sheep farm, runs across the steep hillside between 850-880 feet, covering seven southwest-facing acres.
It is tucked away in the countryside and is reached as you approach Holmbridge onthe A6024 Woodhead Road by turning to climb the lofty heights of the valley.
Owners Becky and Ian, both successful product designers, returned to Becky’s home area to build a country life, advised by celebrated UK winemaker MartinFowke.
Grape harvesting by the family was in progress during our visit to the vineyard, which sees 8,000 hybridised vines bred for cooler northern areas grafted onto special rootstocks and hand-planted.
They include whites – Solaris, Seyval and Ortega – and reds – Regent and Rondo – potentially producing eight to ten bottles per vine.
The vineyard’s first harvest in 2010 won minor awards for white and rose, while 2011 produced 10,000 bottles. Wine purchase is available on site.
Tours run daily at 11am and 3pm, and meals are served in the beautiful restaurantand terrace, with an extensive wine list chosen by Martin Fowke.
For more information about Holmfirth Vineyard email contactus@holmfirthvineyard.com or ring: 01484 691861. Accommodation, group and corporate events are by prior arrangement.
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