John and Bridget Hemmant have diversified their family farmland in South Norfolk to plant a vineyard  on 5 acres in 2011. The land is tended using sustainable techniques that John learnt from his farming background plus knowledge and skills from attending the Plumpton College of wine and spending time with viticulturalists and winemakers in Europe. The permaculture on the vineyard helps sustain a diverse range of wildlife, from Bees, and other insects and birds to the occasional Hare. The hand picked grapes are taken a few yards to our new purpose built winery where they are pressed at cool temperatures to maintain flavours and aromas. Then the must (Grape juice) is fermented in stainless steel vats. The wine destined to become sparkling wine is fermented a second time in a bottle with yeast for a couple of years or more to develop the biscuity buttery flavours so distinctive of English Sparkling wines & Champagne. When the winemaker decides the time is right the bottles undergo riddling to separate the sediment towards the neck of the bottle which is then cooled,  the pellet of yeast disgorged and the bottle topped up with the "liqueur d'expédition". A further 10 acres of vines were planted in the last 3 years and the production of wines through our winery will expand as a result. The grapes from these newly planted vines are due to become ready for harvest in the next season around October 2020. We welcome visitors and groups on our tours which take 2 hours led by John who describes the techniques he uses to tend the vines and shows the various grape varieties. He then explains the wine making process in the new winery, demonstrating our state of the art equipment. This is followed by a wine tasting with charcuterie and cheese. We welcome people who wish to become more involved in the vineyard and to join the harvest in October. We have a wine club and offer the opportunity to Lease vines. We have a holiday cottage on the vineyard - The Vine House (sleeps 6).

Chet Valley Vineyard

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