Setting the benchmark for red wine in Shropshire

As we approach the end of the October Harvest there is no time to rest on our laurels. Vinification is a demanding process and after the picking, pressing and eventual bottling of our wine we can enjoy and share the fruits of our labour with others.

November 29th sees the launch of our first Hencote Estate Red from 2018. Winemaker Gavin Patterson and his team have worked tirelessly to produce a wine that is a carefully crafted blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Précose and Rondo; components of which are representative of the estate and history of the property.

The seamless integration of all three brings a crucial element to the texture and flavour of the wine. Pinot Noir is the backbone, while the Pinot Noir Précose provides flavours of black cherry and additional cranberry notes leading on to the deliciously savoury palate which finishes with gentle persistence.

The Rondo, while only a small percentage of the overall trilogy, still plays a large part and adds the colour component which gives the wine its dark and brooding nature. With twelve months of quiet oak maturation, the result is a wine that will set a high benchmark for red wine produced in the UK that others will be inspired to follow.

 

Deciding on a name for our wine is just as important as the vinification process itself. With this latest addition to our selection of estate wines, we have not only drawn inspiration from our family but from the dedication and passion to produce a wine that is befitting of the area and heritage.

We would like the public to join us as we ‘mark’ the occasion with our launch event which will be hosted by Hencote Estate General Manager Mark Stevens and Winemaker Gavin Patterson.

It has always been the vision of our family to produce a red wine since planting the vineyard, and now all the years of hard work and nurture have led us to this defining moment for the estate and vineyard.

If you would like to find out more about the event as well as book your table you can get in touch with the Hencote team here or email [email protected]

Glamping in Shropshire this winter

The idea of camping during the winter is not always met with enthusiasm. The thought of wrapping up in layers of clothing or trying to stop an ice-cold draft coming into the tent can put people off an outdoors style adventure – but all that has changed.

If you have heard of the term Hygge which is pronounced “hoo-ga,” then you’ll know that this Danish concept encompasses a feeling of relaxation and fulfilment. It’s also about well-being and enjoying the simple things in life, such as curling up in front of the fire with your favourite book.

With the current glamping trend sweeping the nation luxury glamping is a unique way to escape to the outdoors without the hassle of pitching a tent. Even those who hate the idea of spending time outside under a thin layer of canvas will be surprised to learn just how relaxing glamping can be.

So if you’re looking for a winter break then check out our guide to make sure you get the most out of your winter glamping trip.

Heating

When it comes to glamping things are more modern nowadays. Most glamping locations will supply some form of heating during your stay. This could be radiators or better still, a wood-burning stove. If you’re really lucky then you could find a bathroom which has underfloor heating – just like we do here at Hencote; meaning you’ll never have to experience stepping on cold tiles after a hot shower.

 

Clothing & bedding

Winter in Shropshire can be cold, so wrap up warm and bring those essentials you’ll need for braving the outside. Of course, there is plenty to keep you warm at Hencote including wood-burning stoves and hot tubs. All our beds come complete with duvets and pillows to provide you with comfort, and above all else, warmth.

 

Hot tub

What could be more luxurious than sitting in a hot tub on a chilly winter’s day looking out across the South Shropshire hills? Glamping and hot tubs are the perfect combination and using them during winter is a unique experience not to be missed. At Hencote each one of our glamping lodges come complete with your own personal hot tub. We’ll even get it ready for you, so all you need to do is pour yourself a glass of our estate wine and relax.

 

Wood burner

Wood burners pack plenty of heat once they get going and they will be enough to heat the entire lodge. If you don’t have one at home then experiencing a wood-burner during winter is a must. Each lodge has a fully functioning wood-burning stove and we will provide you with everything you need to get a roaring fire going. Then it’s just a case of curling up on the sofa with a good bottle of red and escape your busy day-to-day life.

 

You will also be able to enjoy the delights of The View Restaurant and Bar which is just a short walk from the comfort of your lodge. Here you can sample the food created by our team of dedicated chefs who have produced a stunning menu to match our great selection of estate wines.

If you would like to know more about the accommodation available at our luxury glamping village and The Grange, then get in touch with one of the Hencote team who will be happy to help.

Easter Opening Times

You’ll be delighted to know that we are open over the bank holiday weekend, from Good Friday through to Easter Monday.

Our Easter opening times are as follows;

Good Friday: 12pm-12am

Saturday: 12pm-12am

Easter Sunday: 12pm-12am

Easter Monday: 12pm-7pm

Easter is the perfect time of the year to relax and enjoy a long weekend with several glasses of wine to hand. Spend your weekend the right way, basking in the beautiful Shropshire Hills, experiencing all that Hencote has to offer.

This bank holiday weekend come and visit our beautiful estate, overlooking our magnificent vineyard and acres of Shropshire’s natural beauty. Dine in our exclusive restaurant, The View, and enjoy a delicious selection of locally and nationally sourced food, exquisite wine and stunning views.

Discover the secrets behind the vision for our award-winning wine on one of our insightful wine tours. Led by one of our wine specialists, our tours are perfect for all the family to enjoy. Our Wine tours are still available over the bank holiday period, so don’t forget to book.

Make sure Hencote is a destination for you this weekend.

Visit the Hencote Estate & Vineyard in Shrewsbury on Saturday 25th August!

We have so many new and exciting developments to announce this year. To share them with you, we will be opening the Hencote Estate & Vineyard in Shrewsbury on Saturday 28th April and every Saturday after for an afternoon of vineyard tours, wine tasting, live music and hot food.

Welcoming you to the Hencote Estate & Vineyard

After a cold, wet winter and the Beast from the East bringing surprising March snows, we’re now hoping for a good run of warm weather to herald the beginning of new life on the vineyard.

2018 is shaping up to be a defining year for Hencote. Having taken our first harvest last October (from which we hope to have our first wine available soon, watch this space!), we are now looking to expand production tenfold in 2018 to upwards of 30,000 bottles.

At the same time the construction of our new winery, restaurant and wine bar began onsite in March. In just a few months’ time, we will be proud to say we’ll be producing Premium Shropshire Wine in our state-of-the-art winery and serving local produce and English wines in our new restaurant.

Until then, we will be opening the Estate to the public every Saturday from the 28th April so that everyone can learn more about the work taking place throughout the year and enjoy the spectacular views over Shrewsbury from our marquee and veranda.

Saturdays at Hencote

From 12pm every Saturday until late, the Hencote Estate will be open to all. We will be running tours of our commercial vineyard followed by wine tasting of five English wines, which very soon will include our own. Relax and stay the entire afternoon in our marquee and covered veranda as we’ll be serving a hot lunch, providing a licensed alcohol bar and live music.

Why not bring your kids to meet our farm animals? In our new petting zoo they will get to meet our miniature donkeys, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens.

For more information about prices please see our page Saturdays at Hencote and to enquire about booking your spot on a vineyard tour please email [email protected]

We hope to see you there.

Visit the Hencote Estate & Vineyard in Shrewsbury on Saturday 28th April!

We will be opening the Hencote Estate & Vineyard in Shrewsbury on Saturday 28th April and every Saturday after for an afternoon of vineyard tours, wine tasting, live music and hot food.