Halfpenny Green unveils limited-edition red wine in memory of late founder

As the Staffordshire vineyard prepares to welcome up to 20,000 visitors across December, the finishing touches have been applied to its MCV Reserve, which will represent the focal point of a veritable grotto of festive products.

The red wine, taken from the 2022 harvest of Rondo grapes, is the estate’s biggest tribute to Martin to date, with the idea first being mooted shortly after his death in September 2024.

Bursting with blackberry, plum and forest fruits, the wine also boasts a gentle warm spice, with only a limited number of bottles being available.

Martin’s legacy is deeply rooted in the region. In 1983, alongside his son Clive, he planted 400 vines on a small patch of their family farm. Today, that same patch has grown into a thriving 30-acre vineyard, producing hundreds of thousands of bottles each year.

His passion for the industry extended beyond the estate, even supporting the planting of a new vineyard at Harper Adams University in Shropshire to help train the next generation of viticulturists.

Clive, daughter-in-law Lisa and grandchildren Imogen and Emily described Martin as a much-loved dad, grandad and friend whose “forward thinking and indefatigable spirit” shaped everything the estate has become.

Special December

Alongside the release of the MCV Reserve, December is set to be the estate’s busiest month in recent history. Visitors are expected to flock to its gift shop, butchers, deli and restaurant for some festive inspiration ahead of Christmas Day.

Clive Vickers said: “This is shaping up to be our biggest December ever, and releasing a wine in dad’s honour makes it especially meaningful for us as a family. We’re incredibly grateful for the support we continue to receive from visitors across the region.”

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