Fleur Fields Vineyard: Award-Winning English Wines from a Northamptonshire Hillside
Introduction to Fleur Fields Vineyard
Perched on a south-facing hillside overlooking the tranquil waters of Pitsford Reservoir in Northamptonshire, Fleur Fields Vineyard is one of England's most charming boutique wine estates. Founded in December 2000 by Bill Hulme and his wife Flora, this family-run vineyard has spent over two decades crafting still and sparkling wines that capture the essence of the English countryside. With its motto of "Wines of Distinction," Fleur Fields has earned a reputation for quality, collecting an impressive haul of awards including two gold medals, thirty-seven silver or bronze medals, and nineteen trophies across prestigious competitions.
The vineyard's philosophy is built on a simple but powerful idea: life's not a rehearsal. Every bottle is crafted with the intention of bringing sunshine, laughter, and a sense of celebration to those who share it. Whether enjoying a glass on a sun-drenched afternoon or hosting friends for dinner, Fleur Fields wines are designed to make every moment feel special.
The Story Behind Fleur Fields
Fleur Fields Vineyard was born from a holiday in Tuscany. After exploring the rolling hills and sun-drenched vineyards of Italy, Bill and Flora Hulme returned home inspired, determined to bring a little piece of that Mediterranean magic to Northamptonshire. They found the perfect spot: a south-facing meadow at the top of a hill, offering stunning views over Pitsford Reservoir. With the help and support of friends and family, the vines were planted on the 26th of December 2000.
The vineyard's name is a tribute to Flora, whose name literally means "flower" in Latin. "Fleur" is the French equivalent, and "Fields" represents the open meadows where the vines flourish. Together, the name embodies the natural beauty and elegance that defines this remarkable estate.
As Bill Hulme himself says: "We have bottled the sunshine and laughter into both still and sparkling wine for everyone to taste and enjoy."
Vineyard Practices and Winemaking
Every member of the Fleur Fields team is trained and qualified through Plumpton College, one of the UK's leading centres for viticulture and wine education. This professional foundation ensures that every aspect of the winemaking process is carried out with expertise and care.
The Growing Year
The annual cycle at Fleur Fields follows the rhythms of the English seasons:
- Pruning (before end of March): The most important activity of the season, setting the stage for healthy growth and quality yields.
- Bud-burst (end of April): A critical moment when the team hopes for no late frost, which could destroy the tender green shoots.
- Tucking in: The vines are carefully tucked into the wires to prevent them from reaching the ground, where disease can spread, and to keep the canopy tidy.
- Spraying: Throughout the summer, the vines are sprayed every 10 days with Bicarb (the same baking soda found in kitchens) and a small amount of sulphur - a gentle, sustainable approach to vine protection.
- Grass cutting (end of July): As flowering begins, the grass between the rows is managed to maintain vineyard health.
- Harvest (end of October): Grapes are tested for sugar and acidity levels throughout September, with picking taking place once the perfect balance is achieved.
Winemaking at Three Choirs
As a small boutique vineyard, Fleur Fields doesn't have its own winery equipment. After harvest, the grapes are transported by truck to Three Choirs in Newent, where their professional equipment is used to destem, press, and ferment the grapes. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is tasted, bottled, and shipped back to Fleur Fields, where it is labelled, boxed, and sold directly to customers.
This collaborative approach allows Fleur Fields to focus on what they do best - growing exceptional grapes - while benefiting from the expertise and infrastructure of an established winery.
Award-Winning Wines
Fleur Fields belongs to GB Wine (Midlands and North) and regularly enters their prestigious annual competition. The vineyard's track record speaks for itself: two gold medals, thirty-seven silver or bronze medals, and nineteen trophies, including numerous Wine of the Year and Best Vintage awards.
The range is divided into two distinct tiers: the Fleur Fields collection of accessible everyday wines, and the premium Champs D'Amour range. All are available to purchase through the Fleur Fields online shop.
The Fleur Fields Range
- Fleur Fields White - £14.75: A crisp, fresh wine with elderflower undertones and a melon and honey top note. Winner of 1 Gold, 4 Silver, 1 Bronze, and 4 Trophies including Wine of the Year.
- Fleur Fields Solaris - £14.75: A refreshing wine with hints of peach, melon, and citrus, finishing with a fabulous floral note.
- Fleur Fields Phoenix - £14.75: An exotic dry white that fulfils all its early floral promise. Winner of 1 Gold, 4 Silver, 1 Bronze, and 4 Trophies including Wine of the Year. (Currently out of stock.)
- Fleur Fields Rosé - £14.75: A refreshing rosé with a delicate nose and a well-balanced long finish. Winner of 5 Silver, 3 Bronze, 1 Commended, and 6 Trophies including Wine of the Year.
- Fleur Fields Roman Red - £14.75: A satin-smooth red berry wine, slightly creamy with a hint of spice. Bright and easy drinking.
- Fleur Fields Saxon Red - £14.75: Rich and complex with red fruit flavours and a hint of spice - the perfect partner for good food. Silver medal winner.
The Champs D'Amour Range
The Champs D'Amour ("Fields of Love") range represents the premium tier, offering more complex and elegant expressions:
- Champs D'Amour White - £28.00: A light, delicate wine with a balanced and refreshing fragrant bouquet, good fruit structure, and a clean finish. Winner of 5 Silver, 1 Bronze, and 7 Trophies.
- Champs D'amour Rosé - £28.00: A vibrant rosé with a complex fruity nose and a long, dry finish. Winner of 1 Gold, 5 Silver, 4 Bronze, and 5 Trophies.
- Champs D'Amour Red - £28.00: A signature cuvée that is round with a vibrant, romantic character and a fine fruity finish.
- Champs D'Amour Solaris - £36.00: A truly elegant wine showing fine complexity and a long aromatic finish. Bronze award winner.
Tasting Experience and Vineyard Tours
One of the highlights of visiting Fleur Fields is the Tasting our eight wines and tour experience, priced at £30.00 per person. Guests are greeted with a glass of sparkling wine before being taken on a guided tour of the vineyard. The tasting then continues through the remaining sparkling wines, the white wines, the rosé, and the red wines. Visitors are welcome to bring their own nibbles to accompany the tasting.
The new wine room at the vineyard can accommodate up to 40 people, making it an ideal venue for group bookings, celebrations, or corporate events. Vouchers can be purchased online and delivered by email, or collected directly from the vineyard to avoid a delivery charge. For further information and block bookings, the team can be reached on 01604 880 197 or 07940 917 521.
Buying Wine: Mix and Match Discounts
Fleur Fields offers a generous mix-and-match discount of 20% when buying six bottles. This applies across the entire range, allowing customers to create their own selection of whites, rosés, reds, and sparkling wines at a reduced price. For those interested in the mix-and-match deal, the vineyard recommends calling directly to arrange the order, ensuring the discount is applied seamlessly.
Individual bottles and mixed cases can be purchased through the online shop, with delivery available to mainland UK addresses.
Delivery Information
Fleur Fields dispatches orders twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The standard delivery cost is £10, with tracking provided via a 24-hour courier. For next-day delivery, customers can leave a message, call, or email the vineyard directly. Orders of 24 bottles or more should also be arranged by phone or email to ensure the best service. At present, delivery is available only to mainland UK addresses, but customers are always welcome to collect their orders directly from the vineyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions asked by visitors and customers include:
- What does PGI mean on the labels? PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) is a quality designation for regional products.
- Can I order a mixed case of wine? Yes - the mix-and-match discount allows you to build your own selection of six bottles at 20% off.
- Can I come and pick the grapes at harvest time? Yes, the team welcomes volunteers during harvest. Contact them directly to arrange participation.
- Do you use any non-UK grown grapes in your wine? No - all grapes are grown at the Fleur Fields vineyard in Northamptonshire.
- What grape varieties are used? The vineyard grows varieties suited to the English climate, including Solaris and others.
- Why do you use screw tops? Screw caps preserve freshness and are practical for the style of wines produced.
- Are Fleur Fields wines organic? The vineyard uses minimal intervention with Bicarb and sulphur sprays, reflecting a sustainable, gentle approach.
- Can we pick up wine directly from Fleur Fields Vineyard? Yes, collection is available directly from the vineyard.
Visiting Fleur Fields Vineyard
Set against the stunning backdrop of Pitsford Reservoir, Fleur Fields Vineyard offers visitors a quintessentially English wine experience. The vineyard's location in the rolling Northamptonshire countryside makes it easily accessible while feeling a world away from the bustle of everyday life. Whether booking a tasting tour, collecting a mixed case, or simply passing through, the Hulme family and their team are known for their warm hospitality.
For bookings, enquiries, or to arrange a visit, contact Fleur Fields Vineyard on 01604 880 197 or 07940 917 521.
Conclusion
Fleur Fields Vineyard stands as a shining example of what small-scale English winemaking can achieve. From its humble beginnings as a post-Tuscany dream planted on Boxing Day 2000, it has grown into a multi-award-winning estate producing still and sparkling wines of genuine distinction. With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and the simple joy of sharing good wine with good company, Fleur Fields continues to bottle sunshine and laughter - one vintage at a time.