Featured Profiles
FEATURED PROFILE
Small, but perfectly formed
12th July 2024
Having grown 100 vines in their Norfolk garden, where they began their winemaking journey, Michael and Irene Rhodes moved to Suffolk in order to found Hawkswood – possibly the UK’s smallest commercial vineyard and winery – in 2019.
FEATURED PROFILE
Labour-saving innovations help Scottish grower in post-Brexit world
18th June 2024
Tim Stockwell, who farms 80ha of soft fruit in Fife, has invested in labour-saving tools to help the farm cope, not only with the cost of labour, but also lack of availability since Brexit – which he says has particularly limited the number of seasonal workers with managerial skills. Deputy editor Sarah Kidby spoke to Tim to find out more about the farm’s fruit growing enterprise.
FEATURED PROFILE
Blueberry diversification spreads risk for arable farmers
15th May 2024
In a bid to build a sustainable business for their children, arable farmers Peter and Zoe Mee diversified into growing blueberries in 2014 – and have since installed their own packhouse and introduced a range of blueberry products made from waste fruit. Deputy editor Sarah Kidby spoke to the family to find out more.
FEATURED PROFILE
A business built on sustainability, a respect for nature and a love of wine
16th April 2024
As a pioneer for English sparkling wines, Balfour Winery has a long and celebrated history. Editor Rachel Hicks caught up with Balfour’s head winemaker, Fergus Elias, to find out what it takes to win gold on the world wine stage.
FEATURED PROFILE
“A rising tide floats many boats”: Authenticity and collaboration are key for Somerset orchard
12th April 2024
Creating ciders with 100% fruit juice rather than imported concentrates is a point of principle for Dowding’s Apple Juice & Cider, based in Somerset. Deputy editor Sarah Kidby spoke to farm owner Oliver Dowding, on the challenges facing smaller producers, the importance of working with other local businesses, and how the organic farm uses innovative approaches to tackle pest and disease problems.
FEATURED PROFILE
A fresh approach to soft fruit growing
12th March 2024
Tenant farmer Sandy Booth is an innovator at heart, having launched a unique fruit snack to help tackle waste – as well as taking a novel approach to vine growing in the hopes of producing the UK’s first Merlot. Sarah Kidby caught up with Sandy to hear more about the farm’s history, key challenges and unique approaches.
FEATURED PROFILE
Producing quality wine using biodynamics and ‘eggs’
19th February 2024
After selling his IT business and taking early retirement, a chance meeting with Stephen Skelton at a conference convinced Nick Wenman that you could make great wine in the UK. In 2009 Nick planted Albury Organic Vineyard, finally fulfilling his dream of owning a vineyard and making quality biodynamic wine. Editor Rachel Hicks chatted with him.
FEATURED PROFILE
Growing blackcurrants amid increasing climate challenges
26th October 2023
With the UK’s climate shifting towards more extreme weather, growing blackcurrants is becoming increasingly challenging for sixth-generation farmer Nick Overy, whose family has been producing the crop under contract with Ribena for 30 years.
Vineyard Profile: Burnt House Vineyard
19th October 2023
Brother-and-sister team, Catherine and James Scarff are fourth-generation farmers, who have successfully diversified part of their arable acreage into a successful vineyard with a stunning tasting room; and they have even bigger ideas for the future.
Fruit Grower Profile: Belvoir Farm
11th October 2023
Nestled in the idyllic Vale of Belvoir in Leicestershire lies Belvoir Farm. At 60 acres, their organic elderflower plantation is the largest in the UK. Fruit & Vine met with owner Peverel Manners, alongside farm manager Keith Challen, at the start of their elderflower harvest.
Fruit Grower Profile: Hugh Lowe Farms
2nd October 2023
Having grown fruit since Victorian times, Hugh Lowe Farms has a strong sense of tradition embedded into its practices. However, owner and managing director Marion Regan believes growth is driven by moving along with time, as well as having an unrelenting passion for growing better fruit, year after year.
Tuffon Hall: Diversification is a key driver for family-run vineyard
15th August 2023
Nestled in the north Essex countryside, Tuffon Hall Vineyard has much to offer wine lovers thanks to its reputation for producing award-winning sparkling and still wines. More recently however, the estate has also become a popular staycation destination.