Rare Cheshire vineyard heading for a bumper crop
One of Europe’s most northerly commercial vineyards is aiming to produce close to 10,000 bottles of wine from what is hoped will be its best harvest in years.
The three-acre Carden Park vineyard, in the grounds of the luxury hotel, golf resort and spa of the same name, near Chester, has gone from strength to strength since its revival in 2006 following a six year break. The vineyards were re-established when property entrepreneur Steve Morgan bought back the hotel he had previously sold to De Vere.
Last year the vineyard produced nine tonnes of Seyval Blanc grapes, equating to around 8,000 bottle of sparkling white wine.
This year’s crop will be harvested at the end of October when their sugar content is at the perfect level for transforming the fruit into wine.
Estates manager Peter Pattenden said: “We’re hoping for a bumper crop this year following four years of hard work to bring the vineyards back to their best.
“Seyval Blanc is particularly well suited to the British climate and produces a light, nutty and crisp sparkling wine.”
Peter and an 18-strong team will pick the grapes over four days. The fruit will then be transported to Halfpenny Green Vineyards in Staffordshire, where it will be pressed before beginning the fermentation process using champagne yeast in a classic process called "methode champagnois", which gives the wine its sparkle.
The drink will be bottled in spring next year and then matured for a further nine months before the delicious vintage – called Carden 'Old Gold' - can finally be purchased.
Carden 'Old Gold' is named after the famous 'Old Gold' of Wolverhampton Wanderers and is exclusively sold at Carden Park and Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, also owned by Steve, who is executive chairman of UK housebuilder Redrow Homes.
Winemaker Clive Vickers, who owns Halfpenny Green Vineyards with his father Martin, said: “It’s a process that takes 18 months from picking the grape to producing a wine that is ready to drink. We’re expecting to produce up to 10,000 bottles for Carden Park this year, which will be our best batch yet.”
Since 2006, the estates staff at Carden Park have worked tirelessly to revive the fortunes of the vineyard, which was originally planted in 1988, but subsequently ceased production in 2000. May to September is the main growing season, but it requires year-round care to keep the vines in peak condition and free from disease. From a humble first harvest in 2008, which produced 560 bottles, to this year’s record-breaking crop, the hard work has paid off.
But not ones to rest on their laurels, the Carden Park team have introduced a red grape to the vineyards. Peter added: “This vine was planted in May this year and will eventually yield a fabulous Pinot Noir grape, which we’re hoping will produce a Rosé wine in about three years time.”
Part of the 1,000 acre estate, which is also home to the four star Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa, the vineyards are situated to the rear of the hotel on the south-west facing slopes and are open to visitors. Hotel guests can sample the 2008 vintage currently on sale.
The beautiful Cheshire estate, privately-owned by Steve Morgan and managed by De Vere Hotels & Resorts, is home to a hotel with 196 rooms and suites, 18 conference rooms, a luxury spa two Championship golf courses and a range of outdoor activities including the ‘Kong’ aerial ropes course.
For more information about facilities at Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa visit: cardenpark.co.uk
