Fairmile Vineyard
Outstanding sparkling English wines from the foothills of the Chilterns at Henley on Thames
About the winery
Fairmile Vineyard is unusual in lying within a town boundary - about one mile from Henley's famous Regatta rowing course, hence walking distance of a historic town centre and train station. It lies in the foothills of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visitors enjoy tasting sparkling wines at the top of the vineyard where they can admire the stunning views, and often look down on red kites circling below. As a vineyard only; picnics can be delivered on request, or visitors sometimes follow up with a meal in one of Henley's many fine pubs, cafés, and restaurants.
Learn more about Fairmile Vineyard and their facilities at:
Location
Oxfordshire
History & Geography
In 2011, local couple Jan and Anthea Mirkowski recognised that the foothills of the Chilterns on the outskirts of Henley would provide the ideal terrain and microclimate for viticulture. The steep south-facing slope helps vines capture the most sunlight – in fact 30% more sunlight during late summer, when the grapes are ripening, and the sun low on the horizon, than if the vines were planted on level ground. Fairmile Vineyard lies on the same flinty chalky marl that stretches across South-East England to the white cliffs of Dover, then under the Channel into Northern France. In 2013 they planted the same three grape varieties which traditionally go into the world’s greatest fizz – Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. The first wines - sparkling Rosé and Classic Cuvée went on sale in 2018, and have won regional and national awards.
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