White Heron Estate

White Heron Estate, known locally as 'The Whittern' (from old Herefordshire dialect meaning 'White Heron'), comprises 700 acres of arable land, woodland, and pasture in North Herefordshire. Home to the Green family since 1863, this historic estate has evolved over five generations to embrace modern viticulture while maintaining its traditional Herefordshire farming heritage.

White Heron Estate: Site and Grape Varieties

The estate is renowned as the home of British Cassis, an acclaimed blackcurrant liqueur crafted from fruit grown on the farm with over 140 years of expertise. British Framboise, made with Herefordshire raspberries, showcases the estate's commitment to capturing the full intensity of local fruit flavours. These liqueurs are produced in small batches at the on-site cassiserie.

The exciting addition of vineyards to White Heron Estate has been enabled by the warming climate, with around 30 acres now planted following extensive land and soil surveys. The south and southeast-facing slopes maximise light and drainage, with panoramic views stretching from the Clee Hills to the Black Mountains providing a stunning setting for the vineyard table.

White Heron's sparkling wine is crafted using the Charmat method from Seyval Blanc, Madeleine Angevine, and Reichensteiner grapes. The result is an easy-drinking wine with floral elderflower notes and an essence of Herefordshire hedgerow that beautifully captures the local terroir.

Visiting and Staying at White Heron Estate

The estate offers luxury accommodation and guided walking tours, allowing visitors to discover the history of the property, experience the biodiversity schemes, and enjoy off-grid dining overlooking the vineyards. Food farming remains in White Heron's DNA, practised as sustainably as possible with extensive areas of wild planting for birds and insects.