We are a boutique, organic vineyard situated in the beautiful west corner of Berkshire between Hungerford and Newbury. The vines are planted on free draining loam over flint and chalk. Our wine is made from the classic champagne varieties and undergoes the traditional method of making with two fermentations: first in oak barrel and second in the bottle. We age our wines for a minimum of 24 months before disgorging, followed by 6 months resting on ‘cork’ before release. The watchword is always : fruit first over long lees ageing.

We are entering our third year of ‘conversion’ towards becoming a certified organic vineyard, hand-in-hand with embracing a biodynamic approach towards both the land and vines. This means using regenerative methods at all times: no tilling under the vine, striving to improve soil content at all times, employing no synthetic chemicals; and using plants that contain medicinal properties to make teas for spraying over our vines. The goal: to build up the vine’s resistance to disease.

First the vines, then the wine… and now the book!

Ancient Land, Pastures New: The Creation of a Small English Vineyard

Launched 6th September.

In Ancient Land, Pastures New, Christopher Cooke offers a monthly account of the trials and tribulations he and his partner experience planting a boutique vineyard from scratch on ancient pasture in a beautiful part of West Berkshire; the ups and downs of nurturing its development over ten years; the descriptions of the passing seasons in the vineyard as they grapple with a chaotic climate; and the huge pleasures provided by the helpers, friends and charming visitors who come to visit or lend a hand. And, not forgetting, of course, the joys of producing English sparkling wine in a cool climate.

Quote from a reviewer below:

“This book is at its best when you read it as a diary – chatty, informative, sometimes quite private, sometimes positively philosophical. And always honest. As Christopher says, “Life in the vineyard would not be the same without the regular existential crisis.” And so it proves as Christopher battles frosts, pests, the English weather and Brexit.”

Oz Clarke, OBE

WineGB Awards 2024 – gold medal and Trophy Best Sparkling Rosé for our Rosé 2020, Gold Medal for our Brut Reserve 2018 (now sold out)

IEWA (Independent English Wine Awards) 2024 –Gold medal and Trophy Top Sparkling Wine in competition.

Winner of a gold medal in the Independent English Wine Awards 2022 for our 2018 brut rosé and a gold in the WineGB 2020 for our 2016 classic cuvée brut.

When, back in 2013, we planted our vines, we committed ourselves to the production of sparkling wine made in the traditional champenoise method, reflecting the unique terroir and character of our small Berkshire vineyard.

Our soil is ideal for English fizz as we are planted on free-draining loam over flint and chalk on gentle southeast slopes — good for catching the morning sun which dries the vines leaves. Each vintage we make consists of only grapes from that year’s harvest. Grapes painstakingly grown, lovingly nurtured and then meticulously picked by hand.

The Winding Wood Brut Reserve 2018 is made from a blend of the two classic grape varieties: pinot noir and chardonnay. We also offer a demi-sec and a sparkling rosé as part of our range.

Our wine is made for us by Daniel Ham of Offbeat Wines. Daniel is a marine biologist by training. Having re-qualified at Plumpton College, he started his wine-making career at Ridgeview under the legendary Mike Roberts, then became head wine maker at Langhams in Dorset before embarking on his own at Offbeat. He makes his own biodynamic wines and also wine for a number of producers like ourselves.