Oxford Mail feature

The Oxford Mail contacted us to run a feature about vineyards selling wine during lockdown.  The photographer kept making us laugh so here’s one of us playing ‘spot the grapes’.  It’s not all frolicking in the vineyard though; it was weeding this morning and the jobs get more intense as the season continues – tucking the foliage is already underway.  To read about how local vineyards are adapting to the new climate – read here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/18611688.english-wine-sales-rise-lockdown-oxfordshire-vineyards-delighted/ 

If you would like some wine please contact 01235 834770 or henderdvineyard@hotmail.com and arrange remote payment and collection at your convenience from outside the shop.

Early customer

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Reading about our ‘click and collect’ service to buy wine! It’s so simple – see the ‘our wines’ section if you would like to make a purchase using a secure link and collect wine at your convenience – no contact at all.

First grapes of 2020

Juice from these little fellas won’t be ready to drink until 2024.

Flowering vines

The vines have flowered and the fruit setting – a busy time tucking foliage and weeding as everything flourishes in this lovely warm weather.

Inflorescence beginnings

The buds are developing fast and looking fruitful for this year. Eyes on the thermometer for the next few days in case frost is cruel.

Stay at home with local Hendred wine

Fruit Blossom

The variety of over 30 apple, pear, plum, cherry and other fruit trees planted around 30 years ago all have name tags and are beautifully pruned. The blossom is just coming out and a grafted variety from last year coming on a treat, thanks to Biagio. These are visible on the right and left of the drive, with the vines on the far left as you drive down to the shop.

Bud burst!

The dormant vines have burst into action in the last few days. The delicate buds are susceptible to frost and the weather over the next few weeks has a great effect on the eventual size of the October harvest.

Sneaky fox looking for an Easter bunny

This night time prowler was caught looking for dinner in the woods by the brook at the vineyard. The wood is alive with wildlife including roe and mutjack deer, foxes, rabbits, pine martin, pheasants, wood peckers (green and spotted), owls and a variety of birds with beautiful song that are unidentified by us. We are looking out for the hendrill – a bird which apparently still lives here (its name is connected with the origins of Hendred); we’d love to hear from anyone who has seen one or has a picture. Do please visit and follow our new facebook page if you are interested in videos of the wildlife which we will post: https://www.facebook.com/hendredvineyard/.