A little update

Friday, 12 June 2020

What a few months it has been! Despite all that has been going on in the world, work in the vineyard and winery has continued as usual during this time.

We experienced some very late frosts at the beginning of May and we were out lighting fires in the rows at night in an effort to save the vines.

Luckily, we came away with very little damage and as we write in mid June, the vines are looking very healthy. We’re really excited to see what this vintage will bring!

We’ve been selling our wines and cider direct from the vineyard and have been overwhelmed with the support from our local customers. Thanks to everyone who has called in for everything from cases of wine to a couple of bottles of cider or apple juice mid-cycle ride or dog walk! We’ve loved seeing all of you (in a socially-distanced way).

Our vineyard shop is now open daily for wine, cider and apple juice and we are taking bookings for our holiday cottage from 1st July. Do get in touch if you’re interested in a break away in the quiet Somerset countryside!

We’ll also be at the Wells Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays from this week.

See you soon.

COVID-19: A message from us at Fenny Castle Vineyard

Friday, 27 March 2020

We would like to thank you all for your continued support at this unprecedented time and we hope that you and your families remain well.

We are still open for wine collections from the vineyard - just select ‘collect from vineyard’ at the checkout. Please ring ahead and we will ensure it is contact-free.

**We are providing free delivery for all local orders (within 15 miles), as well as free delivery for UK orders over 6 bottles of wine.**

Please do get in touch on 07970 162798 if you have any special order requirements, we will do our best to help you!

We’ve launched our Fenny Castle Wine Club!

December 2019

We’re thrilled to have launched our Wine Club at last!

Joining the club is an exciting opportunity to get involved with what we’re doing as a boutique, family-run wine producer. As we craft our wines in small batches, each vintage is of limited release. Becoming part of our wine club entitles you to an allocation of 12-bottles of special release wine each year, as well as invitations to members only events, a tour voucher for you and a guest and a place on the Fenny Castle Harvest.

A brilliant opportunity to follow our journey and watch our wines and vineyard evolve at this exciting time for the English wine industry.

TWO GOLDS FOR FENNY CASTLE IN THE IEWA 2019

We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that we’ve been awarded two gold medals in the 2019 Independent English Wine Awards (IEWAs), the prestigious annual English wine competition held at The Rummer Hotel in Bristol on 23rd March. Gold medals were awarded for our Sparkling Blanc de Noir and Classic Ortega.

The competition saw 132 English and Welsh wines blind tasted by a panel of 25 high-calibre judges, from winemakers to sommeliers and buyers, chaired by Bristol-based Master of Wine Liam Stevenson.

Considering the fierce competition and calibre of judges involved in the IEWA, we are chuffed that our wines were so well received. The judges’ praise is a real testament to the passion of our small team and winemaker James Cumming for producing exceptional quality still and sparkling wines from our vineyard in Somerset.

“We are really delighted with the two Gold medals. At Fenny Castle we craft vibrant, fruit-driven wines with complexity and weight with a distinctive sense of place” Our winemaker James comments. “It is such an exciting time to be part of the rapidly evolving English wine industry that is gaining recognition and respect worldwide.”

Extremely limited, with only 2000 bottles produced each year, our sparkling Blanc de Noir is produced from carefully selected Pinot Noir from our sunniest parcel of land, aged for over two years on the lees.  The wine is gold in colour with a delicate mousse and a rich nose of lightly baked brioche, lemon and crisp green apple and a complex, fruit-driven palate.

Our Classic Ortega is a delightfully rich and aromatic white wine, with a nose of ripe peach and apricot and a hint of tropical melon. Its refreshing acidity makes it perfect enjoyed on its own or with grilled fish or seafood pasta. 

Fenny Castle Ortega was described by the judges as having a “lovely rich nose of honeysuckle and tangerine with vanilla, honey and herbaceous notes on the well structured palate. Very long finish.”

Both wines are available to purchase from our from our online shop or from our cellar door shop at the vineyard, which is open daily (it is advised to call 01749 678900 ahead to ensure that a member of our team is there to greet you). The wines are also sold at Wells Market every Saturday.

Article in Vineyard Magazine! February 2019

Very excited to be featured in the February issue of Vineyard Magazine, the brilliant monthly magazine for the UK’s viticulturists. See below for the ‘In Conversation’ article as James talks about being the Winemaker and Vineyard Manager here at Fenny Castle Vineyard. A big thanks to Victoria Rose of Vineyard Mag!

Somerset Food Trail Events - July 2018.

We're delighted to be involved with the Somerset Food Trail (Friday 20th-Sunday 29th July) this year, run by Taste the Landscape. Aiming to showcase the best of Somerset's food and drink producers, focusing on small businesses and initiatives, this ten-day trail allows anyone to attend open days and talks at a whole host of interesting farms, gardens, vineyard and restaurants.

We're putting on two free Somerset Food Trail tours on Sunday 22nd and Sunday 29th July, with a tutored tasting and cream tea as optional extras. Tickets to be booked through the Shop for Wine and Tours.

 Here are some photos from the first tour on Sunday 22nd: 

Fenny Castle Sparkling Reception at Wells Cathedral 

We were honoured to serve our Blanc de Noir as a sparkling reception for a recent event with the Hong Kong Museum Society in the Chapter House at Wells Cathedral. Photos with kind permission of the Dean and Chapter of Wells.