Simon spotted the site for the vineyard while at a friend's party (Jack who lives on Stopham Estate). The site had been fallow for over 10 years, undesired by other farmers due to its awkward size and shape, trees, acidity, poor soil, slope and rabbit infestation. For vines, however, this sandy low fertile free draining soil is ideal, although nutrients need to be routinely added.

We have planted 21,000 vines. The majority are the Alsatian white varieties of Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, meaning that the bulk of our production will be still white wine. However the varieties we have planted will also give us the opportunity to make rose and sparkling.

We need 3 years to nurture the vines (to begin to produce quality grapes) before wine making begins. This includes pruning, bud-rubbing and training which are mainly done by Simon and Tom. During this time, we also have to fight off animals, weeds and disease, for example, by weeding and spraying. This year we have also trellised the field.

We hope to plant a nearby second field (as shown below) next year in 2009.