Astley Vineyard is one of the oldest in the UK. Planted in 1971, we produce roughly six thousand bottles of boutique wine per year.
THE VINEYARD
Established in 1971, there were originally four vineyard plots on our ten acre estate. At the time, Astley Vineyard was widely regarded to be the most northerly vineyard in the world. Today, just the best single five acre plot remains, from which we make all of our boutique and award winning wines.
Details:
- Planted on Triassic sandstone loam
- Eastward sloping
- 95m above sea level
- Relatively exposed site
- Rows oriented to maximise airflow
- Deep adjacent valley
- Half a mile away from River Severn
- Nearby ancient woodland
- 100ft from our winery & shop
“Wine is made in the vineyard, not the winery“
OUR GRAPES
KERNER
The pride of Astley Vineyard.
Planted in 1971, this uncommon vinifera cross of Riesling & Trollinger is rarely found in the UK. Late ripening (mid October onwards), this rare variety produces steely, elegant wines that often improve with bottle age. When picked early, it has a simple elegance that is similar to Riesling or Pinot Blanc. When ripe, or picked late, it is far more opulent, rich and aromatic; like Chenin Blanc or Viognier.
Due to its immense vigour, Kerner is managed differently in our vineyard. The crown is raised high, and the growth is trained downwards to expend excess energy. Each unique Kerner vine takes significantly more time to manage than all our other varieties.
These unique vines are featured on the global Old Vine Registry.
BACCHUS
Planted in 2007, Bacchus is one of the UK's premier still white wine varieties. A cross of Sylvaner x Riesling, with Müller-Thurgau, it displays fresh green apple and grass when picked early, and more elderflower and richness as it ripens. A highly approachable, drinkable, and reliable variety.
MADELEINE ANGEVINE
Planted in 1979, Madeleine is a cross of Madeleine Royale and Précoce de Malingre. Early ripening, it is a soft, delicate variety that produces fresh, floral wines. Madeleine is a fantastic blending component, and shows some promise for ageing. Featured on the global Old Vine Registry.
SIEGERREBE
Planted in 1996, Siegerrebe is a notoriously hard-to-establish variety that seems to thrive in our vineyard. A cross of Madeleine Angevine and Gewürztraminer, it is a blush, early ripening variety that is immensely aromatic. When picked early, it shows lychee and passionfruit. As it ripens (and with extended maceration) it shows strawberry and potpourri.
We can also leave this variety on the vine, and pick it extremely late to make our Late Harvest (when the vintage allows)
We also grow small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Noir.
Recent vintages
2018
The Golden Year for English wine. Perfect in every way // Yield: 5/5 //Quality: 5/5
2019
A frustrating followup to 2018. A good year, ended by poor harvest weather // Yield: 4/5 //Quality: 3/5 (mixed)
2020
The dreaded year of frost. Struck by a 1 in 35 year event. But followed by a good rest of year // Yield: 1/5 //Quality: 4/5
2021
A battle for ripeness. No Spring at all. Saved at harvest // Yield: 2/5 //Quality: 3.5/5
2022
The year of drought. Pockets of disease, but excellent overall. // Yield: 2.5/5 //Quality: 5/5
2023
A wet year where diease was a challenge. A warm second half to harvest // Yield: 2.5/5 //Quality: 4/5
2024
Another challenging vintage, but successfully overcome. // Yield: 3/5 //Quality: TBC