Understanding English terroir

We celebrated a significant milestone recently as we marked 10 years since our first vines were planted in 2016. Our vineyard was co-founded by Heather Williamson and Richard Baker whose shared love of the countryside and their passion for producing exceptional English wine inspired the venture. Heather , who is also Hereford-based Wyevale Nurseries’ Chairman, explains: ““Reaching our 10-year anniversary is incredibly special. What started as a shared idea and a passion for the land has grown into something we’re truly proud of. “Every vine we planted back in June 2016 has been nurtured with care and each bottle we produce reflects not just the character of the season, but the place we call home here in Herefordshire. It’s been an amazing journey so far and we’re very excited for what the future holds. “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be part of the English wine industry. According to our sector’s leading body WineGB, UK production rose by 39% in 2025, with one of the earliest and ripest harvests ever recorded thanks to the weather. “English wine is going from strength-to-strength and last year was particularly special for us with a WineGB Award for our 2023 Ortega. We’ve been fortunate to receive lots of recognition and awards during the last few years for our wines, but what matters most is seeing just how far English wine has come. All eyes are now on the 2026 season!” Last year, we joined five other independent vineyards in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire to pool their experience, expertise and reputation for growing great grapes and making excellent wines. Collectively, they are known as The Malvern Hills Vineyards and grow 14 grape varieties across more than 68 acres. Heather adds: “We’re very proud of the cultivation, land management and environmental practices we’ve implemented at our vineyard, as well as the award-winning wines we make and were delighted we celebrated our 10 th anniversary with friends, family and colleagues.”

English wine has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a little-known curiosity into a respected and celebrated industry. Today, it is recognised globally for its quality, particularly in sparkling and aromatic white wines, but this success has been decades in the making. Roman times Winemaking in England dates to Roman times, when vines were first planted to supply settlements. However, the industry struggled for centuries due to the country’s cool climate and unreliable growing conditions. It wasn’t until the mid-20 th century that modern English viticulture began to take shape, with pioneers experimenting with grape varieties suited to cooler climates. Early ripening varieties The real turning point came in the 1970s and 1980s, when growers started planting disease-resistant and early ripening varieties such as Bacchus, Ortega, and Müller-Thurgau. These grapes proved better suited to England’s shorter growing season, allowing producers to create fresh, aromatic wines with distinctive character. Sparkling wines In the 1990s and early 2000s, English wine began to gain wider attention, particularly with the rise of traditional method sparkling wines. The discovery that southern England’s chalk soils closely resemble those of Champagne, combined with a warming climate, led to a surge in high-quality sparkling wine production. English sparkling wines soon began winning international awards, helping to elevate the country’s reputation. Boom time Today, the English wine industry is thriving and still wines like ours are booming and over taking our sparkling companions. Vineyard plantings have expanded rapidly and producers, like us, are increasingly focused on quality and sustainability. English wine is no longer an emerging novelty – it is a serious player on the global stage. Its journey reflects innovation, adaptation and a deep understanding of terroir, making it one of the most exciting success stories in modern winemaking. Like to buy a bottle? Shop here .

We would like to invite you to our award-winning vineyard for a series of tours and tastings as part of English Wine Week 2026 in June (Saturday, June 20 to Sunday, June 28). The events are being hosted by us on June 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24 and 26 to raise awareness of regional wine producers and wine tourism opportunities. Behind-the-scenes tours Heather, who is also Chairman of Hereford-based Wyevale Nurseries, co-founded our vineyard alongside her partner Richard Baker and says: “English wine is going from strength-to-strength, so it’s fantastic to be able to offer behind-the-scenes tours and give people the opportunity to sample some of the wonderful wines we produce here in Herefordshire during English Wine Week 2026. Extraordinary 2025 harvest “Across the industry, we’re reflecting on an extraordinary 2025 harvest, which has been described as one of the most impressive in recent British viticultural history. These results are a real testament to the potential and resilience of UK winegrowing, making it a particularly exciting time to visit vineyards like ours. We’re delighted to share our experiences and insights with visitors on our tours.” English Wine Week English Wine Week is organised by WineGB, the national association supporting the sustainable growth of the English and Welsh wine industry. Tour & tasting dates ×s To help celebrate the week, we will be holding tour and tasting events on June 17 at 5pm, June 19 at 5pm, June 21 at 5pm, June 22 at 7pm, June 24 at 6pm, and June 26 at 2pm and 6pm. Heather continues: “My background in horticulture, through my work with Wyevale Nurseries, has given me a deep understanding of plants, soils and the importance of working in harmony with nature. Establishing the vineyard was a natural extension of that experience and it continues to shape how we care for our vines today. Our standards & awards “We’re incredibly proud of our vineyard, the cultivation and land management practices we’ve implemented, and of course the award-winning wines we produce. Over the years, we’ve received regional and national recognition, with accolades ranging from highly commended to silver and bronze awards. Most recently, we were delighted to receive a WineGB Award for our 2023 Ortega. “It’s always a pleasure to host tours, giving people a real insight into what we do, showcasing our vines and wines, and celebrating the growing success of British wine. We’d love to welcome both returning and new visitors.” Tour details & how to book Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes a guided tasting. Tickets are £15 per person and must be booked in advance to guarantee a place. Heather adds: “Our tours offer visitors the chance to explore the vineyard, which is nestled at the foot of the Malvern Hills and surrounded by wildlife. Each visit includes a guided walk through the vines and finishes with a tasting of our signature wines, including our classic English Bacchus and wonderfully perfumed Ortega.” Tickets can be booked here .

To celebrate English Wine Week 2026 (Saturday, June 20 to Sunday, June 28), we’re delighted to invite wine lovers and the vine‑curious alike to join us for a special series of ‘Taste of Herefordshire’ vineyard tours and tastings. Set at the foot of the Malvern Hills, our multi‑award‑winning vineyard in Bromsberrow will be opening its gates on several dates from May and through June, offering visitors the chance to go behind-the-scenes, learn how English vines are managed and sample some of our acclaimed Herefordshire wines. Discover our vineyard Founded by Heather Williamson and Richard Baker, our vineyard has become a proud part of the growing English wine story. Heather, who is also Chairman of Hereford‑based Wyevale Nurseries , explains: “We’re delighted to once again be hosting these behind‑the‑scenes tours just before and during English Wine Week 2026, which is organised by our industry body, WineGB. Get a Taste of Herefordshire “These events, which we’re calling a ‘Taste of Herefordshire’, give visitors the opportunity to find out how a vineyard runs and works, while enjoying some of the wonderful, award‑winning wines we produce here.” English wine continues to go from strength to strength. According to WineGB, UK wine production surged by 39% in 2025 compared to 2024, thanks to exceptional growing conditions. The year delivered the earliest and ripest harvest ever recorded in the British Isles, marking a standout moment for British viticulture. Award‑Winning wines, grown with care At Foxbury Fields, these national successes reflect what we see in our own vines. The 2025 harvest was one of the most impressive in recent memory, and 2024 also marked another special achievement for us, with a WineGB Award medal for our 2023 still white Ortega. “We’ve been incredibly fortunate over the years,” Heather adds. “We’ve received regional and national recognition since 2017, with awards ranging from bronze and silver medals to highly commended wines. It’s a real privilege to share these with visitors.” Guests on our tours will have the opportunity to taste a selection of our signature wines including our classic vintage English Bacchus and our wonderfully perfumed Ortega. Part of the Malvern Hills Vineyards Foxbury Fields is also proud to be part of a collaborative group of six independent vineyards across Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, collectively known as The Malvern Hills Vineyards. Together, the group grows 14 grape varieties across more than 68 acres, pooling expertise, experience and a shared commitment to producing high‑quality English wines. What to expect on a ‘Taste of Herefordshire’ Tour Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes a guided walk through the vines, insight into vineyard management and winemaking, and a tasting of our award‑winning wines, with time to enjoy the peaceful, wildlife‑rich setting of the vineyard. Heather says: “No two visits are ever quite the same. The vineyard is a magical place, alive with wildlife and birdsong, especially around the Summer Solstice.” This year’s English Wine Week is made even more special as Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice both fall on June 21, making our tours an ideal seasonal treat or gift. Tour dates and booking information ‘Taste of Herefordshire’ tour and tasting dates: May May 21 at 6pm June June 17 at 5pm June 19 at 5pm June 21 at 5pm June 22 at 7pm June 24 at 6pm June 26 at 2pm and 6pm Price: £15 per person Booking: Advance booking is essential via our online store here . The vineyard is approximately a 15‑minute walk from Russell End Farm. If you have any mobility concerns and would still like to attend, please contact us before booking and we’ll be happy to discuss how we can help. How to find us or get more information Foxbury Fields Vineyard, Russell End Farm, Bromsberrow, Herefordshire, HR8 1PB. Telephone: 07974 793367

Ortega is one of England’s quiet success stories – a grape that thrives in our cool climate and produces beautifully expressive, aromatic wines. Here at Foxbury Fields, Ortega has become a firm favourite, thanks to how naturally it suits our Herefordshire terroir and the style of wines we love to make. Originally developed in Germany, Ortega was bred to ripen early, making it ideal for cooler regions. Generous aromatics In English vineyards, it comes into its own, offering generous aromatics while retaining a fresh, balanced character. Our local climate and soils help Ortega develop gently, allowing its natural qualities to shine without being overpowering. Hedgerow blossom So, what does Ortega taste like? Typically, you can expect delicate floral notes, hints of elderflower and hedgerow blossom, alongside soft stone fruit flavours such as peach or apricot. There’s often a subtle richness on the palate, balanced by refreshing acidity, making Ortega approachable, elegant, and wonderfully versatile. It’s a wine that feels bright and uplifting yet comforting at the same time. Food pairing When it comes to food pairing , Ortega is a real pleasure. Its gentle aromatics work beautifully with lightly spiced dishes, grilled chicken, herby salads and creamy cheeses. It’s also a lovely match for fish, Herefordshire asparagus , which is in season now, and seasonal vegetable dishes – perfect for relaxed lunches or informal dinners shared with friends. Understated elegance Ortega reflects what English wine does best: understated elegance, freshness, and a strong sense of place. It’s a variety that responds thoughtfully to our vineyard, producing wines that are expressive yet restrained.  Whether you’re new to English wine or already a fan, Ortega is a wonderful example of why our vineyards are worth celebrating. Like to buy a bottle? Shop here .

As the new growing season is now fully underway, vineyards like us, across the UK, are reflecting on an extraordinary milestone: the 2025 grape harvest, which was confirmed as one of the most impressive in recent British viticultural history. For producers like us, these national results set a powerful tone for this year, highlighting both the potential and the resilience of UK winegrowing. Production surged According to WineGB, UK production surged by 39%, when compared to 2024, driven by a rare combination of early warm weather, a dry spring and four separate heatwaves in June and July across the south of the country. These conditions created the earliest and ripest harvest ever recorded in the British Isles. Alcohol levels rose Quality indicators also point to exceptional fruit maturity. Growing Degree Days reached 1051, notably higher than the five‑year average of 1008, while average potential alcohol levels rose to 10.48%, up from the long‑term figure of 9.47%. Meanwhile, tartaric acid levels fell slightly to 10.22 g/l, supporting balanced acidity in the final wines produced. Several key grape varieties outperformed expectations too: Bacchus, which we grow, reached an impressive 9.5 tonnes per hectare (vs. a 6.75 t/ha five‑year average). Solaris climbed to 7.2 t/ha, up from 4.20 t/ha. Pinot Noir, a cornerstone of many sparkling and still wines, increased to 5.90 t/ha compared to a 5.79 t/ha average.  Scale of the year’s results Alongside WineGB’s findings, the Food Standards Agency confirmed the scale of the year’s results, reporting 124,377 hectolitres of wine produced nationwide – equivalent to more than 16.5 million bottles, a remarkable 55% rise on the previous year. Successful year For us, these figures reflect not just a successful year for UK viticulture, which should be heartily celebrated, but are a powerful, positive reminder of what our changing climate can do that’s good and what our ongoing craft and commitment can achieve. While temperatures are up and this has a negative environmental impact too, these figures mean wines can be made and purchased in the UK, reducing the need to import them and the use of resources including fossil fuels to do this. With predictions of another good year weather wise, we look ahead to 2026 with boundless optimism and no small measure of excitement for what is to come. Will it be record-breaking again?

If there’s one grape that has become synonymous with English still wine, it’s Bacchus. Often described as England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc, Bacchus has captured the attention of winemakers and wine lovers alike and for good reason. Fresh, aromatic and beautifully expressive, it’s a grape that truly shines in our cool-climate vineyards. Vibrant aromatics Bacchus originated in Germany in the 1930s, created by crossing Müller-Thurgau with Silvaner. It was originally planted to bring vibrant aromatics to cooler wine regions, but it wasn’t until the grape reached English soil that its full potential really emerged. Our long, mild growing season gives Bacchus the time it needs to develop delicate aromatics while preserving bright, refreshing acidity. The result? A grape that feels tailor‑made for the English countryside. Expressive notes What makes Bacchus so distinctive is its flavour profile. Expect expressive notes of elderflower, gooseberry, hedgerow herbs and soft citrus – flavours that seem to echo the very landscape around it. On the palate, it’s crisp yet elegant, with a clean finish that makes it incredibly food‑friendly. It pairs beautifully with lighter dishes such as grilled fish, soft cheeses, spring vegetables and fragrant salads. Growing conditions Bacchus thrives in English growing conditions because it prefers cooler temperatures, slower ripening and the gentle balance of sunshine and rainfall found across our vineyards. These conditions help the grape retain its natural acidity while developing the characteristic floral and herbal aromas that Bacchus is known for. Most celebrated Today, Bacchus has become one of the most celebrated still wine varieties in England and it continues to define the modern identity of English white wine.  For producers like us, it’s a grape that delivers not only exceptional flavour but a true expression of place – a taste of the English landscape in every glass.

Every vineyard has its own beginning, and for us, that story starts with our co‑founders Heather and Richard, whose shared love of the countryside and passion for growing exceptional English wine inspired the very first vines. Rooted in the rolling Herefordshire landscape, the vineyard was created with a simple belief: that the land here had everything needed to produce wines of real character, authenticity and place. Rhythms of the land Heather’s connection to horticulture runs deep. Through her long‑standing family and business links with Wyevale Nurseries , one of the UK’s most respected growers, she has spent years immersed in the rhythms of the land – nurturing plants, understanding soils and working closely with nature. Establishing the vineyard became a natural extension of that experience and expertise. You can read more here . Family‑run approach From the start, the vineyard was planted and cared for by hand, with the family‑run approach shaping everything from pruning to harvest. Heather and Richard chose to focus on two distinctive English varieties – Bacchus and Ortega – both beautifully suited to the cool climate, gentle slopes and long summer days of their patch of Herefordshire countryside. Craft small‑batch wines Their winemaking ethos is simple: craft small‑batch wines that truly express the season. Each reflecting the sunshine, the rain, the cool snaps and the warmth that shaped the grapes. It’s a slow, thoughtful approach that puts quality above quantity and celebrates the character of the land itself. Craftsmanship What began as a shared passion has grown into a thriving vineyard rooted in family values, craftsmanship and a deep respect for nature. And as Heather and Richard continue to nurture the vines, our story grows too – one harvest, one bottle, one shared moment at a time. Plus, we’ll be sharing some exciting developments later this year too!

More couples than ever are choosing to bring their own wine to their wedding, giving them greater control over flavour, style and budget. But once you decide to choose your own bottles, the next question is: how much wine do you actually need? And what else should you consider to keep your day running smoothly? How much wine should you buy? A simple and reliable guide is to allow half a bottle of wine per guest for the wedding meal and early evening. That usually covers one glass at the reception and two glasses with dinner. For sparkling wine or fizz, plan for one bottle per five-six guests, enough for welcome drinks and toasts. Of course, different weddings drink differently. A relaxed summer celebration may need more chilled white wine, while an evening reception with a cocktail bar may mean you can reduce still wine quantities slightly. Always round up rather than down-running out is something no couple wants. Choosing wines that complement your menu From our perspective, many couples find that choosing local, characterful wines adds a personal touch to their day. Our Ortega and Bacchus are particularly popular choices for wedding meals. Ortega’s soft fruit notes pair beautifully with chicken, fish and vegetarian dishes, while Bacchus offers a crisp, aromatic freshness that lifts lighter starters and summery mains. Selecting wines that complement your menu can elevate the entire dining experience. Practicalities: storage, service & glassware If you’re supplying your own wine, check with your venue about chilling space, corkage fees, serving arrangements and glassware. Make sure someone is responsible for opening and pouring, and that sparkling wines are kept properly chilled. Planning  With a little planning, choosing your own wedding wine can be enjoyable, cost‑effective, and wonderfully personal. Cheers!