Tips on creating a festive foliage wreath

Winter preparations in our vineyard Vineyards are usually associated with summer in Europe, with neat rows of leafy vines and grapes hanging in the warming sunlight. However, this is not the picturesque image by winter. Instead, the gloomy skies and cold weather provide a very different activity for us. Busiest times While the vineyard may appear to be resting during the winter months, it’s actually one of the busiest times of the year for vine management. Once the leaves have fallen and the vines become dormant, our focus turns to preparing them for a healthy and productive growing season ahead. Pruning One of the most important jobs is pruning. Careful winter pruning helps us control the shape and size of each vine, encourages strong growth in spring and ensures the best possible fruit quality for future harvests. By removing unwanted wood and selecting the strongest canes, we help the vine direct its energy where it is needed most. Infrastructure Winter is also the ideal time to inspect our trellis systems, replace damaged posts and wires, and ensure the vineyard infrastructure is ready to support the vines once growth begins again. Health check We take the opportunity to do a health check and inspect for any signs of disease, remove debris and keep weeds under control, helping to create the healthiest possible environment. For those growing vines at home, Heather’s top tips are simple: • Prune while the vine is dormant, usually between December and February. • Remove any dead, damaged or diseased wood. • Tie in healthy canes to support future growth. • Keep the area around the base of the vine free from weeds. • Avoid over-feeding during winter, as vines need time to rest. Lay the foundations Although winter may seem quiet, every task completed now helps lay the foundations for the next harvest. The care and attention given during these colder months will influence the quality of the grapes and, ultimately, the wine in your glass.  So, while the vines sleep through winter, we’re hard at work ensuring everything is ready to burst back into life when spring arrives.

Choosing the right wine for your wedding can feel like a daunting task, but with a little planning, it can become one of the highlights of your celebration. The key is to find wines that suit your guests, complement your menu and fit comfortably within your budget. How much wine do you need? As a general guide, most guests will enjoy between half and one bottle of wine during the meal. For a wedding breakfast lasting several hours, a good rule of thumb is to allow around one bottle for every two guests. If you’re also serving a drinks reception and toasting wine, you’ll need to factor these into your calculations.  It’s always wise to order a little extra. Running out of wine is every couple’s nightmare, while any unopened bottles can be enjoyed after the big day. Pairing wine with your menu Traditional sit-down meals often make wine selection straightforward. White wines, like ours, pair beautifully with chicken, fish and vegetarian dishes, while red wines complement beef, lamb and richer flavours. If you’re hosting a buffet-style wedding, flexibility is key. Rather than trying to match every dish, choose versatile wines that work across a wide range of foods. Crisp white wines and light-to-medium-bodied reds are generally crowd-pleasers and can handle everything from savoury pastries to roasted meats and salads. Working to a budget You don’t need to spend a fortune to impress your guests. Many couples find that choosing high-quality English wines offers a memorable talking point while supporting local producers, like us. Consider serving one white and one red wine rather than multiple options, helping to keep costs manageable without compromising quality. Serving tips for success Serve white wines well chilled and reds slightly below room temperature for the best drinking experience. Ensure wine is readily available on tables and that staff are briefed on topping up glasses throughout the meal. Most importantly, choose wines you genuinely enjoy. Your wedding day should reflect your personality, and sharing a favourite bottle with family and friends is one of the simplest ways to make the celebration even more memorable.

English white wines are known for their freshness, crisp acidity, and delicate fruit flavours. Whether you’re enjoying a bottle from us on an autumn afternoon or pairing it with a special meal, proper storage and serving can make all the difference to your tasting experience. The ideal serving temperature for most English white wines is between 8°C and 12°C. Serving wine too cold can mute its aromas and flavours, while serving it too warm can make it seem less refreshing. Chilled As a general rule, place your bottle in the fridge for around two to three hours before serving. If it has been chilled for longer, simply leave it out for 10 to 15 minutes before pouring. Choosing the right glassware is equally important. A medium-sized white wine glass with a slightly tapered rim helps concentrate aromas and directs the wine to the right areas of the palate. While it may be tempting to use any available glass, proper wine glasses can significantly enhance both aroma and flavour. Storing When storing unopened bottles, keep them in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature. Avoid areas that experience frequent temperature fluctuations, such as kitchens, conservatories, or garages. If the bottle has a natural cork, storing it on its side can help keep the cork moist and maintain a good seal. Mistakes to avoid There are also a few common mistakes to avoid. Adding ice cubes can dilute the wine and alter its character, while serving straight from an ice bucket for extended periods may make it too cold to appreciate fully. Similarly, leaving an opened bottle exposed to air for too long can reduce its freshness.  We believe every bottle deserves to be enjoyed at its best. With the right storage, temperature, and glassware, you can experience the vibrant flavours and distinctive character that make English white wines so enjoyable. Cheers!

We believe that great wine starts with respect for the land. Sustainability is more than a buzzword for us. It is a commitment to making thoughtful choices that help protect our environment while producing exceptional English wines for our customers to enjoy. One of the most important aspects of sustainable winemaking is reducing food miles. By growing, producing and selling our wines in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, we minimise the distance our products travel before reaching your glass. Carbon footprint Supporting nearby suppliers and businesses wherever possible also helps strengthen the regional economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. We are equally focused on reducing waste throughout the winemaking process. From careful vineyard management to efficient production practices, we look for opportunities to use resources responsibly and avoid unnecessary waste. Sustainability journey Recycling materials where possible, reusing equipment where practical and ensuring that every stage of production is carried out with care are all part of our ongoing sustainability journey. In the vineyard, environmentally conscious practices help us maintain healthy vines and thriving ecosystems. Harmony with nature By working in harmony with nature, encouraging biodiversity and carefully managing the land, we can create a balanced environment that supports both grape quality and local wildlife. Healthy soils and healthy vines are essential for producing wines that truly reflect the character of our surroundings. Sustainability is not a destination but a continuous process of improvement. We are always exploring new ways to reduce our environmental impact while maintaining the quality and authenticity that define us. Protect the landscape When you choose a bottle from our vineyard, you are supporting a winery that values responsible production, local connections and long-term care for the countryside.  Together, we can enjoy great wine while helping to protect the landscape that makes it possible for generations to come.

One of the joys of wine is discovering how the right bottle can elevate a meal. At Foxbury Fields Vineyard, two of our most popular varieties, Bacchus and Ortega, are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with a range of dishes. Whether you’re planning a cosy autumn supper, a weekend lunch or a seasonal celebration, here’s our guide to getting the most from every glass. Bacchus: fresh, crisp and aromatic Often described as England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc, Bacchus is known for its vibrant aromas of elderflower, citrus and green apple. Its refreshing acidity makes it an excellent partner for lighter dishes. For everyday meals, try pairing Bacchus with grilled chicken, seafood, roasted vegetable tarts or fresh salads. It also works beautifully with goat’s cheese and light pasta dishes. As autumn arrives, Bacchus complements seasonal ingredients such as butternut squash, apple-based salads and herb-roasted vegetables. Its bright character cuts through richer flavours while keeping the palate refreshed. Ortega: richer, softer and fruit-forward Ortega offers a slightly fuller style, with notes of ripe stone fruit, honey and gentle spice. This makes it a fantastic choice for comforting autumn dishes. Pair Ortega with roast pork, creamy risottos, baked camembert or roasted root vegetables. The wine’s natural fruitiness also works wonderfully alongside dishes featuring apples, pears and seasonal herbs. For special occasions, Ortega can shine with a festive cheeseboard or as a partner to lightly spiced desserts, making it a versatile option for autumn gatherings. Celebrating the season Autumn is all about bringing people together around good food and drink. Whether you’re enjoying a simple weeknight meal or hosting friends for a harvest-inspired feast, Bacchus and Ortega offer plenty of pairing possibilities. The best food and wine combinations don’t have to be complicated. Start with fresh seasonal ingredients, choose a wine that complements the flavours on the plate and don’t be afraid to experiment.  After all, the perfect pairing is the one you enjoy most.

If you’ve ever browsed a wine list or visited a vineyard and wondered whether there’s a difference between English wine and British wine, you’re not alone. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually mean different things. At Foxbury Fields, we believe enjoying wine starts with understanding it, so here’s a simple guide to the terminology. What is English wine? English wine is made exclusively from grapes grown in England. From the chalky soils of Sussex and Kent to vineyards here in Berkshire and beyond, English vineyards have flourished in recent years, producing award-winning still and sparkling wines. For a wine to be labelled as English, the grapes must be grown and harvested in England, and the wine must be produced according to strict regulations. This gives consumers confidence about the wine’s origin and helps showcase the unique character of England’s wine-growing regions. What is British wine? British wine is something completely different. Rather than being made from grapes grown in Britain, British wine is traditionally produced in the UK using imported grape juice or grape concentrate from other countries.  While British wine has a long history, it is not connected to the modern vineyard industry that has helped put England on the global wine map. In other words, British wine is made in Britain, but not necessarily from British-grown grapes. Why does the difference matter? Understanding the distinction helps consumers make informed choices. If you’re interested in supporting local vineyards, experiencing regional terroir, or tasting wines made from grapes grown in the British climate, look for the term English wine on the label. As the English wine industry continues to grow, it has earned international recognition for quality, particularly in sparkling wines that rival some of the world’s best. A final thought Next time you see the terms English wine and British wine, you’ll know they’re not the same thing. One reflects the vineyards and landscapes of England, while the other refers to wine produced in Britain from imported ingredients. Understanding the difference is a small detail that can make your next glass even more enjoyable.

We’re joining five other independent vineyards in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire to host the inaugural Malvern Hills Vineyards Wine Festival next month (September 2026). We and The Malvern Hills Vineyards, which collectively grow 14 grape varieties across 68 acres, are coming together on September 5 to celebrate English wine and viticulture. Wonderful vineyards Heather Williamson , who co-founded our Vineyard with her partner Richard Baker and is also Hereford-based Wyevale Nurseries’ Chairman, explains: “ We’re delighted to be collaborating with all these wonderful vineyards on this joint venture. The festival will take place on Saturday, September 5 and will bring together independent vineyards from Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire for a day dedicated to local wine, food, culture and vineyard expertise.” The festival will be held at Mathon Court, West Malvern, Worcestershire, home to Two Beacons Vineyard, from 12noon until 6pm. Grape growing Visitors will have the opportunity to sample award-winning wines from the participating vineyards while learning more about grape growing and winemaking through a programme of specialist talks and presentations. Heather continues: “The event is being organised by the Malvern Hills Vineyards collaboration, which includes our vineyard, alongside Three Choirs, Chase End, Bromesberrow Place, Marlbank and Two Beacons vineyards. Winemaking heritage “The partnership was established to raise awareness of our area’s flourishing wine sector, promote wine tourism and highlight the distinctive terroir and winemaking heritage of the Malvern Hills region. “Each vineyard has its own character and story, but we share a passion for viticulture and respect for the soils that nurture our vines. Winemaking has deep roots in the Malvern Hills, where grapevines were grown as far back as Roman times.” Varied programme As well as wine tasting, a varied programme is planned and will feature musicians, artisan craft stalls, food producers and outdoor entertainment. Festival-goers will receive a commemorative wine glass and will be able to meet vineyard owners and winemakers from across the Malvern Hills region. The event reflects the continuing growth of English wine production and wine tourism, with the Malvern Hills area increasingly recognised as an important centre for quality wine making. Celebration Heather concludes: “English wine continues to go from strength to strength and we’re delighted to be part of a festival that showcases not only the quality of wines being produced in our area, but also the people, skills and passion behind them. The Malvern Hills has a long association with grape growing and winemaking, and this festival is a wonderful opportunity to share that story with visitors while celebrating the achievements of vineyards across the region.” How to get tickets Tickets are available through the Malvern Hills Vineyards website here and are priced at £25 per person.

English wine has grown enormously in popularity during recent years and it’s easy to see why. From supporting businesses in your area to reducing food miles, choosing English wine offers benefits that go far beyond what’s in the glass. One of the biggest advantages is sustainability. By choosing wine produced in the UK, you’re helping to reduce the miles travelled between vineyard and consumer. Wine miles Imported wines often travel thousands of miles before reaching shop shelves, while English wines can be transported much shorter distances. For environmentally conscious wine lovers, buying local is a simple way to help reduce the carbon footprint associated with their wine purchases. Supporting English wine also means supporting local businesses. Many vineyards are independently owned and operated, with passionate teams dedicated to producing quality wines. Boosting local economies Every bottle purchased helps sustain rural businesses, creates employment opportunities and contributes to local economies. By choosing English wine, you’re investing directly in the future of British agriculture and winemaking. Another reason to buy English wine is the craftsmanship behind every bottle. English vineyards work within a challenging climate, requiring skill, dedication and careful vineyard management throughout the growing season. Labour of love From pruning vines during winter to harvesting grapes at just the right moment, winemaking is a true labour of love. This attention to detail is reflected in the quality and character of the finished wines. Freshness is another key benefit. Wines produced closer to home often reach consumers more quickly, allowing them to be enjoyed at their best. Crisp white wines, in particular, benefit from careful handling and shorter journeys from vineyard to glass. Keep it local At Foxbury Fields, we’re proud to produce our Bacchus and Ortega wines here in Herefordshire. Our wines reflect not only the character of our vineyard but also the growing reputation of English wine as a whole.  So next time you’re choosing a bottle, why not think about buying something that’s produced near you or a British or English wine? You’ll be supporting independent producers, reducing food miles and enjoying wines crafted with care, passion and a genuine sense of place. Like to buy a bottle of our wine? Please visit our store .

There’s something wonderfully relaxed about gathering friends around the table, sharing good food, great conversation and a bottle of English wine. If you’re planning a dinner party, why not make English wine the star of the evening? Our Ortega and Bacchus wines are ideal companions for a stylish yet effortless menu. Start the evening by welcoming guests with a chilled glass of our Bacchus. Known for its fresh, aromatic character, Bacchus offers vibrant fruit notes that make it a delightful aperitif. Nibbles & Bacchus Serve alongside simple nibbles such as olives, smoked almonds and a selection of cheeses sourced from nearby to get everyone in the mood for the meal ahead. For the starter, consider a light smoked salmon and cucumber salad. The crisp acidity and fragrant aromas of Bacchus complement the delicate flavours beautifully, creating a refreshing beginning to the evening. Easy to prepare For the main course, choose something that is easy to prepare but impressive on the plate. Herb-roasted chicken with seasonal vegetables is a perfect option. Pair this with our Ortega, a wonderfully fruity wine whose soft, rounded character works brilliantly with poultry dishes. Ortega’s gentle fruit flavours also pair beautifully with creamy sauces and lighter fish dishes, making it a versatile choice for the dinner table. Finish with a simple dessert such as apple tart or pear frangipane. Guests can continue to enjoy a glass of Ortega, as its fruity profile complements orchard fruits perfectly. Hosting hints & tips When it comes to hosting, keep things uncomplicated. Prepare as much food as possible in advance, chill your wines ahead of time and focus on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere rather than striving for perfection. A well-set table, soft lighting and thoughtfully chosen wine will do much of the work for you. With our Bacchus and Ortega on hand, your dinner party is sure to be memorable, showcasing the best of English wine while bringing friends and family together around the table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying an evening with friends, our wines provide the perfect accompaniment to good food, good company and great memories. How to get your wine Shop here .