Fairmile Vineyard

Fairmile Vineyard is owned by Jan and Anthea Mirkowski who realised that their local area, just north of Henley-on- Thames, was ideal for a vineyard. Like the South Downs, the Chiltern Hills have flinty, chalky marl similar to that in Champagne. In addition, the sheltered, steep slopes of the Stonor Valley are warm, sunny and generally frost-free and without excess humidity. So it was here, within the boundaries of Henley-on-Thames town, that in 2013 they planted 3 ha with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier vines using GPS guided machinery for optimal accuracy with planting. Good weather over the next three summers enabled them to produce their first wines in 2015. Sustainability is very important with plenty of trees around the vineyard, natural fertilisers used including compost from council green bin collections, and grasses and flowers left between the rows. The wines are made at Hambledon Vineyards and have been instantly successful in garnering awards, their first vintage beating many more established names in a Decanter Magazine tasting.