Malvern Hills Vineyards set date for inaugural wine festival

Foxbury Fields Vineyard co-founder Heather Williamson with the other members of Malvern Hills Vineyards, Jeremy Macklin from Marlbank Vineyard, Tim Wilder from Two Beacons, Martin Fowkes from Three Choirs, Rufus Ogilvie Smals from Chase End and Melissa <i>(Image: Foxbury Fields)</i>
Foxbury Fields Vineyard co-founder Heather Williamson with the other members of Malvern Hills Vineyards, Jeremy Macklin from Marlbank Vineyard, Tim Wilder from Two Beacons, Martin Fowkes from Three Choirs, Rufus Ogilvie Smals from Chase End and Melissa (Image: Foxbury Fields)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

A new wine festival is set to shine a spotlight on the growing English wine scene.

The Malvern Hills Vineyards Wine Festival will take place on Saturday, September 5, at Mathon Court in West Malvern, Worcestershire.

Six independent vineyards are taking part in the event, which celebrates English wine and viticulture with tastings, talks and entertainment.

Heather Williamson, co-founder of Foxbury Fields Vineyard and chairman of Hereford-based Wyevale Nurseries, said: "We're delighted to be collaborating with all these wonderful vineyards on this joint venture.

"The festival will take place on Saturday, September 5 and will bring together independent vineyards from Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire for a day dedicated to local wine, food, culture and vineyard expertise."

The festival is organised by the Malvern Hills Vineyards collaboration, which includes Foxbury Fields, Three Choirs, Chase End, Bromesberrow Place, Marlbank and Two Beacons vineyards.

Visitors will be able to sample award-winning wines and take part in a programme of talks and presentations on grape growing and winemaking.

Ms Williamson said: "The partnership was established to raise awareness of our area’s flourishing wine sector, promote wine tourism and highlight the distinctive terroir and winemaking heritage of the Malvern Hills region.

"Each vineyard has its own character and story, but we share a passion for viticulture and respect for the soils that nurture our vines.

"Winemaking has deep roots in the Malvern Hills, where grapevines were grown as far back as Roman times."

The festival will also feature live music, artisan craft stalls, food producers and outdoor entertainment.

Attendees will receive a commemorative wine glass and can meet vineyard owners and winemakers from across the region.

The event reflects the continued growth of English wine production and wine tourism, with the Malvern Hills area gaining recognition as a centre for quality winemaking.

Ms Williamson said: "English wine continues to go from strength to strength and we’re delighted to be part of a festival that showcases not only the quality of wines being produced in our area, but also the people, skills and passion behind them."

Tickets are priced at £25 per person and are available from www.malvernhillsvineyards.co.uk/wine-festival.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos