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Saturday 24 August 2013

The beautiful Holmfirth Vineyard


Yesterday we spent a wonderful afternoon at Holmfirth Vineyard for our 5th wedding anniversary.


I'd heard about the vineyard from a friend who had been on one of their wine tasting tours. At the time I was desperately looking for ideas for a birthday present for my husband (who is a nightmare to buy for as there is nothing he needs or wants yet would be highly offended if I didn't get him anything!). After googling the vineyard I decided to book us onto a winetasting tour and afternoon tea. Hubby loved it! Phew!

Our journey to Holmfirth was slightly fraught, after the hubby managed to scrape his car against a car park wall and then we didn't have the satnav so managed to get lost about five times. But as we approached the vineyard via a steep winding hill our stress levels quickly evaporated as we took in the stunning beauty of the Peak District hills before us.




The vineyard itself is also set on a pretty steep hill and the first stop on the tour is a walk around the vines with our tour guide Al. There are probably about 20 of us on the tour - couples of all ages, families and a few groups of girlfriends. Al knowledgeably tells us the history of the vineyard and talks us through the different grape varieties. His down to earth Yorkshire approach makes it feel fun and its easy to ask him questions without feeling silly!

Then its into the winery to discover how the picked grapes are turned into wine and bottled. And then the bit I think everyone was waiting for... the testing!! We try three different varieties all produced on site; each has a really fresh, clean taste and are very easy drinking. It feels really good to be drinking English wines.

Once all our questions are answered we move into the sleek restaurant for our afternoon tea. The room also takes in the stunning views through large windows. A glass of sparkling wine arrives first, followed by a selection of finger sandwiches and cakes and a pot of tea. All of which is delicious and we feel truly relaxed and spoilt.

We buy a bottle of wine (I let the hubby choose his favourite of the ones we tasted) to take home.

The tour and afternoon tea for two is what I think a bargain price - just £29.99. Our bottle of wine to take home is £14.99. There are other nice little gift ideas as well, including the chance to "adopt a vine"!

If you get the chance, go, its a very lovely way to spend the day!!



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