Wickham Vineyard - A Taste of the Hampshire Countryside

The Vineyard


During the early 1980's some Roman wine containers were discovered on the site which was proof of wine production in this area during these time and was one of the reasons why Wickham Vineyard was created. So, in 1984 further investigation into the suitability of the area was carried out and 6 acres of vines were planted. This has now been increased to 18 acres in the 40 acre estate and further plantings are in the planning stage. We grow ten different grape varieties here which include Pinot Noir, Rondo, Triomphe and Dornfelder for the reds and Bacchus, Reichensteiner, Faber, Wurtzer, Schoenburger Seyval Blanc for the whites. Work in the vineyard continues throughout the year with pruning comencing straight after the harvest and maintenance needed to be carried out including pest and disease control. Its very hard work and labour intensive but the rewards are fruitful when the wine is finally ready for drinking.

During the early 1980's some Roman wine containers were discovered on the site which was proof of wine production in this area during these time and was one of the reasons why Wickham Vineyard was created. So, in 1984 further investigation into the suitability of the area was carried out and 6 acres of vines were planted. This has now been increased to 18 acres in the 40 acre estate and further plantings are in the planning stage.

We grow ten different grape varieties here which include Pinot Noir, Rondo, Triomphe and Dornfelder for the reds and Bacchus, Reichensteiner, Faber, Wurtzer, Schoenburger Seyval Blanc for the whites. Work in the vineyard continues throughout the year with pruning comencing straight after the harvest and maintenance needed to be carried out including pest and disease control. Its very hard work and labour intensive but the rewards are fruitful when the wine is finally ready for drinking.


The topogrophy of the vineyard consists of gentle south facing slopes. This is necessary in the northern hemisphere as it exposes the grapes to maximum sunlight which helps with ripening. The trellis system we use is the Geneva Double Curtain which was developed in the US during the 70's. This system is excellent for lower yielding vines as it is said to increase yield by up to 50%. The soil we have here is a mixture of chalk, gravel and clay. This mix is ideal for viticulture as it has excellent drainage and mineral content. Throughout the south coast of England where the majority of vineyards are situated, we have the same soil as the Champagne region in France making it perfect for wine production, particularly sparkling wine.

The topogrophy of the vineyard consists of gentle south facing slopes. This is necessary in the northern hemisphere as it exposes the grapes to maximum sunlight which helps with ripening. The trellis system we use is the Geneva Double Curtain which was developed in the US during the 70's. This system is excellent for lower yielding vines as it is said to increase yield by up to 50%.

The soil we have here is a mixture of chalk, gravel and clay. This mix is ideal for viticulture as it has excellent drainage and mineral content. Throughout the south coast of England where the majority of vineyards are situated, we have the same soil as the Champagne region in France making it perfect for wine production, particularly sparkling wine.

The Nature Reserve
The nature reserve consists of 7.5 acres of unimproved woodland and wetland. The area of marshy grassland supports a wealth of meadow flowers and a new pond was excavated in 1991 to provide additional habitat to the already rich wildlife area. You are welcome to visit the area at no extra charge where you will see amongst others the Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawks as well as many other smaller birds. Deer are also frequently seen in the area. If you do wish the visit it can get quite 'boggy' in the area so you may wish to bring wellies with you.

The Nature Reserve

The nature reserve consists of 7.5 acres of unimproved woodland and wetland. The area of marshy grassland supports a wealth of meadow flowers and a new pond was excavated in 1991 to provide additional habitat to the already rich wildlife area. You are welcome to visit the area at no extra charge where you will see amongst others the Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawks as well as many other smaller birds. Deer are also frequently seen in the area. If you do wish the visit it can get quite 'boggy' in the area so you may wish to bring wellies with you.