Our Story

In 1793, engineers started work on what was to be the longest tunnel in England, on the Grand Union Canal. They spread the ironstone rock from the tunnel on the field above the entrance, and created Stonyfield.

Being so stony meant that regular ploughing was almost impossible. Our grandfather tried, but moved over to free range pigs instead. Our parents then grew wild flowers for their seed, and were proud to play a major part in saving the harebell and cowslip in England. Satisfying, but incredibly hard work and not scaleable.

Belinda’s husband, Michael, loved wine and vineyards and always said the field should be turned over to vines. When he died in 2010, it seemed a perfect memorial to plant a vineyard and see his vision through. We cleared the ground at the end of 2010, planted in 2011 and gathered our first harvest in 2013.

It turns out that a south-facing field, with well-drained shingle soil is perfect for vines.

We have had some bumper harvests, and some lean years. So much depends on the weather and one late frost can wipe us out. But the hard work is a joy and the journey continues.