Why adopting a vine is a perfect gift for wine lovers

Last year I was researching gift ideas for people who love wine and visiting vineyards. I came across some ‘adopt a vine’ packages and luckily dropped enough hints to my family so when my birthday came around I opened a smart black folder tied with gold ribbon to find my welcome pack, including Certificate of Adoption, from Kerry Vale Vineyard in Shropshire.

Whilst packages can vary, most include a plaque on the vine, a visit to the vineyard with tour and tasting, a bottle of wine and the opportunity to help with the harvesting of ‘your’ vine. At Kerry Vale you choose the grape variety you want to adopt. I opted for Phoenix which is used to make their traditional method sparkling wine (and blended in some of their still wines).

On my first visit in April there were already signs of bud burst.  It was a beautiful day for wandering around the vines and there’s an informative self-guided tour so you can explore at leisure and soak up the history of the site although you also have the option to book onto a guided tour. Included in my gift package was lunch in their contemporary cellar door café which focuses on locally sourced produce.      

I had hoped to visit regularly during the year which proved challenging for me because of distance but it was nice to know I was welcome to pop past anytime during opening hours. I kept in touch with photos of my vine as it flourished over the hot summer. By the end of September it was ready to harvest. Anyone who has helped with grape picking knows it is a fun and rewarding experience and I had a lovely day joining other harvest volunteers. Owner Russell showed me how he tested for sugar content, and I learnt that Phoenix has lower levels than other grape varieties used to make wine.

The ’adopt a vine’ package was such a great way to feel connected with the vineyard and the grape-growing cycle. I would highly recommend it as a gift idea or just treat yourself.

There’s a number of vineyards around the country offering similar packages including Ryedale Vineyards in Yorkshire, Hanwell Wine Estate in Nottinghamshire, White Castle Vineyard and The Dell Vineyard in Monmouthshire, Beacon Down Vineyard, Oastbrook Estate Vineyard, Rowfant Vineyard all in Sussex.