Here is the fourth episode: it is about the Adgestone Vineyard! Run by Russ and Philippa Broughton, who took on the vineyard around ten or so years ago. The vineyard sits on a south facing slope in the rolling countryside in Brading. You reach the vineyard via a narrow single track road that runs along the base of the hill. From the main building on the site, there are commanding views of the island and the channel!
The vineyard came to the attention of the island and the rest of the UK earlier this year. In the Channel 5 programme, Isle of Wight Jewel of the South the vineyard had a featuring role. I had not seen the series when I contacted Russ and Philippa to do an episode of the podcast. I made up for that by watching the episode that featured them a night or two before meeting them. It was great to "meet" them virtually before recording our conversation!
It was an early sunny spring day when I arrived at the vineyard, and the view of the channel was stunning. I could see that the vineyard has a lot to offer from the shop, the bar, and the kitchen. I did not realise how much work is involved there during not only the summer but the entire year round. It is a full on project!
We sat around the table in the house and talked about life working in the vineyard. It was good of them to take the time, especially as they were getting ready to open to the public the following day. And as it always happens, there was an equipment issue that day as well which they were trying to sort out to prepare for opening!
Their enthusiasm, dedication, and enjoyment of what they have created and do at the vineyard is clear! They have faced challenges, made mistakes, but have always created solutions and taken advantage of things that have happened! Their appetite for hard work is obvious, when you consider how many vines they planted in the previous year!
The conversation with Philippa and Russ changed my preconceptions about winemaking. I have huge respect for what they do!
I hope you learn something new from the episode and enjoy the conversation!
You can find out more about the Adgestone Vineyard, by going to the website – Adgestone Vineyard
The next episode will be with Sarah Redrup and David Redrup of Grace’s Bakery, a family business based in Ryde, doing great things with bread, cakes, and treats!
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