Welland Valley Vineyard Ltd

Welland Valley Vineyard stands as one of the East Midlands' best-kept secrets, a 2.5-acre research vineyard and cider orchard established by David and Jane Bates in 1991. Located on a south-facing slope just two miles southwest of Market Harborough, the vineyard benefits from well-drained loam over Jurassic clay, creating excellent conditions for vine growing in this often-overlooked wine region.

Welland Valley Vineyard: Site and Grape Varieties

The Bates' approach is distinctly experimental, growing a wide variety of both red and white French and German vine varieties to explore what works best in this part of England. This research focus enables them to produce different styles of wine, though their emphasis remains firmly on quality bottle-fermented sparkling wines aged in the English style, alongside light, fruity reds and rosés.

The small but well-equipped on-site winery allows complete control over the winemaking process, with grapes pressed, vinified, and bottled all in one location. This hands-on approach ensures that each bottle reflects the true character of the vineyard's unique terroir.

Alongside the vines, a traditional cider apple orchard produces award-winning still ciders. The dry cider 'Roundhead' takes its name from the Battle of Naseby in 1645, the decisive engagement of the English Civil War, while the medium cider 'King Richard III' honours the monarch born in Northamptonshire and killed at Bosworth.

Welland Valley champions sustainability and ecological land use, with most work done by hand using minimal heavy equipment. They actively trial disease-resistant varieties and minimise non-natural products while recycling and reusing all packaging.