The mid-20th Century vineyard revival in the UK owes much to the pioneering work of the English viticulturalist Gillian Pearkes. A founder member of the UK Vineyard Association, she published two influential books - Growing Grapes in Britain (1969) and Vinegrowing in Britain (1982) - as well as giving popular lectures and courses. And nowhere is her legacy more keenly felt than at Yearlstone Vineyards which she established in 1976.
A keen traveller and avid experimentalist, she planted Yearlstone with a mix of cultivars on a 0.5 ha site. After she died in 1993, the estate was bought by Roger and Juliet White who have replanted the original vineyard and expanded the plantings which now extend over 3 ha. White cultivars include Bacchus, Madeleine Angevine, Reichensteiner, Seyval Blanc and Siegerrebe, while Dornfelder, Pinot Noir and Rondo are the main black grapes.
Wines are produced under the direction of Plumpton-educated Juliet, at the modern winery established in 2002.
Vineyard tours and a licensed cafe are available with seasonal opening.
Yearlstone Vineyard