OpenTube

Is It Getting Too Hot to Farm? We’re Considering a Vineyard

Life At The Manor

45,852 views

Find out more about : https://www.dryhillwine.co.uk/

Could the changing climate mean the Cotswolds is becoming the perfect place to make wine?

More than 50 years ago, my grandfather was told that Chavenage had the perfect land for a vineyard south-facing fields, the right slope and potentially the right soil. At the time, planting vines on our Cotswold estate probably sounded like a slightly mad idea.

But half a century later, the climate is changing and English wine is booming… so was Grandad actually right?

In this episode of Life at the Manor, we head to Dryhill Vineyard to meet Nigel and discover what it really takes to create a successful Cotswold vineyard.

We find out how Nigel established Dryhill, what makes a piece of land suitable for growing grapes, how much work goes into maintaining a vineyard, the investment involved, and just how important our changing climate has been to the growth of English wine.

Most importantly, we want to answer one question:

Could we actually create a vineyard here at Chavenage?

And if we did… would you buy a bottle of Chavenage wine?

Welcome back to Life at the Manor following our family as we try to protect, restore and find a sustainable future for Chavenage, our historic family estate in the Cotswolds.

#LifeAtTheManor #Chavenage #Cotswolds #EnglishWine #EnglishVineyard #Vineyard #BritishFarming #CountryLife

Musicbed Lisence code : MB01F7RAG9TRNVF

Thanks for watching Life at the Manor!
We’re sharing the real story of what it’s like to live, work, and restore a historic family estate in the heart of the Cotswolds. From manor house renovations and family history to farming life and hidden gems—you’re invited along for the journey.

🎥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to follow our restoration and heritage story each week.
💬 Got a question or a story to share? Pop it in the comments—we love hearing from you!

🌿 Want to experience the estate for yourself?
🏡 Stay at Chavenage — book our woodland CABIN on Airbnb:
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/109060...

☕ Or come and visit our on-site café:
https://www.thebarnatchavenage.co.uk/

📍 Filmed at Chavenage House, Tetbury, Gloucestershire
📸 Follow us on Instagram & Tiktok : @chavenagestate

20 Comments

@tiffanystone7820 1 month ago

Amazing! I'd say yes. do a vineyard, wine tastings, and all! I would definitely love to visit again someday and have this experience at Chavenage ❤️🥂

@thizizliz 1 month ago

Oh what an interesting idea! I hope It will work out for you. It's really cool how you keep exploring such a variety of ideas so that one bad thing doesn't destroy the entire estate financially. Very wise.

@karenlaw2158 1 month ago

You mentioned Dry Hill is on an ancient Roman terrace. Has Chavenage ever been searched for archeological significance? That would be a great video, add to your profile and create new opportunities. Maybe Time Team could come out!!

@PeterSelde-gw5bd 1 month ago

In 1997, my cousin and a partner founded the eighth bonded winery in the Walla Walla Valley in Washington State. Initially, they had a very modest vineyard of their own And bought most of the grapes from nearby vineyards. This helped reduce the startup costs because they could start wine sales almost immediately. There are now 120+ wineries in the Walla Walla Valley and they grow most of their own grapes. Wine tourism is now one of the biggest employers in the area. Of you choose, I hope you have an equally satisfying experience

@beaniecat1980 1 month ago

What a great idea! My husband and I loved this video. We have our own small, non-commercial vineyard and orchard, so it really interests us. When we travel and also locally we love to go to vineyards, try the wine, relax in the beautiful scenery and buy some bottles to bring home. I think that it would be a great addition for Chavenage.

@JaneHealy1972 1 month ago

Yes, do it! A boutique vineyard would suit Chavenage. It's on my to-do list to visit for a coffee and perhaps a rosé too. ☕🍷

@nicholaschattaway8364 1 month ago

If you have the location on the property and the revenue to sustain until it can pay for itself, I say it is an awesome endeavor, not only for you, but for the Chavenage legacy. Not only would it be your mark that could expand the recognition of the manor and the tourism appeal, but it is something viable to pass on to the baby man and any future kids.

@JohnLindsay-z1x 1 month ago

An excellent idea. In combination with the other projects (glamping, the barn renovation, etc) This will provide income in the coming years. Yes, your grandfather was right.

@johnsmith-ht3sy 1 month ago

Australian wine Vineyards are closing from over production , market is shrinking. Therefore.
Stay a small English wino estate, with a unique Manor wine.

@wendylewis1520 1 month ago

Thank you James for taking us with you to learn about growing grapes and producing wine. Have you thought of an orchard and making cider, or having Time Team explore a part of your land? 🥂

@JanisPage-n8r 1 month ago

What a brilliant idea, I really hope it would work with your soil, wind, placement etc. Such a lovely man. Great to go to for advice! 😊

@lisawiggsmcminn4086 1 month ago

That vineyard is absolutely beautiful. And Chavenage would be a gorgeous, romantic setting for a vineyard. Run the numbers. Weigh the time, effort, and expenditures it would take before any income would be coming in from it. But the romantic in me, would probably jump at the chance to have my own vineyard. 🍾🥂🍷🍇 But I also love wine.
❤️🎉👏🏻

@lorassorkin 1 month ago

How marvelous to have not only your own personal vineyard, but the lovely community that helps it along!

@lindapeterson3613 1 month ago

Love the vineyard on an old Roman Terrace.

@robertrhead570 1 month ago

I look forward to the first Chavenage vintage.

@Jamesmaher-g1h 1 month ago (edited)

If you’re looking at producing wine, put in an irrigation system that slow releases water and do a late harvest, which intensifies the flavour of the wine. This process works for Mollydooker wines in McLaren vale Adelaide Australia. Every region around the world is different of course.

@crislo1071 1 month ago

Great idea on the vineyard. You can also plant a sunflower field next year for photo opportunities and picking. Coffee and sunflowers !!

@Sparkplug4712 1 month ago (edited)

There is 2 castles that Julie Montegue had visited on her shows where she showed how the estates had also turned their garden area into a winery. You should visit them as they made a beautiful transformation and it didn't seem to take them that long. I really believe you can learn a lot from them also. Also if you have fruit trees on your property they too can make wine as Julie's apple trees do

@carolinebennett9719 1 month ago

Wow that vineyard looks amazing. You should definitely go for it James.

@lisakingscott7729 3 weeks ago

Fantastic idea!
There's a lot of English white wines, but given this year's summer, I reckon a Chavenage Manor pinot noir or maybe even Malbec would be great!