Hendred Vineyard: An Award-Winning Boutique Producer in the Oxfordshire Countryside
Hendred Vineyard: An Award-Winning Boutique Producer in the Oxfordshire Countryside
Tucked into the sloping ground to the west of the picturesque village of East Hendred, just twelve miles south of Oxford city centre, Hendred Vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in England. Family-run for over half a century and consistently producing high-quality still and sparkling wines, this boutique Oxfordshire vineyard has earned a string of regional and national awards - yet remains firmly committed to selling its wines locally, hand in hand with the surrounding community.
History and Heritage
Hendred Vineyard was originally established in 1972 by the pioneering McKinnon family, placing it at the very beginning of the S-shaped curve of English vineyard numbers that has since grown to well over 943 vineyards and 209 wineries. The original vines flourished under the guidance of Sicilian viticulturist Biagio Grillo, who continues to generously offer help with the vines and orchard he helped establish. Over the decades, the site has been nurtured by different hands - and since January 2014, Eileen and David Bell and their family have continued to develop the vineyard with Philippe Desaint, originally from the South of France, who brings dedication and creativity to maintenance and improvement projects.
The Bells moved to the vineyard on a freezing 3rd January, knowing they wanted an outdoor life and a connection with nature. They quickly discovered that the learning curve of growing grapes and producing good wine is as convoluted as it is a fine art, and since then they have worked hard on optimising soil conditions, mitigating the extremes of British weather and developing a really good relationship with their wine-maker. They have created a tasting room, a shop and developed outbuildings - and now, ten years on, hope the vineyard will continue to grow with the same appetite for trying new things.
Location and Terroir
East Hendred is one of the spring-line villages in the Vale of the White Horse, with a south-facing aspect that provides good sunlight throughout the day and a gentle slope from east to west. The vineyard sits on nutrient-rich topsoil over a chalky subsoil, providing excellent drainage while retaining water several metres down, with a natural spring flowing from below the vines into the brook all year round. The chalk makes the soil alkaline, encouraging the vines to produce sap and grape juice with high acid content - perfect for sparkling wine production.
The elevation and open site result in good ventilation, meaning the vineyard is far less susceptible than others to mildew and botrytis. The main climatic risk is late frost in April and early May, when new buds can be obliterated - a problem the team have tackled with everything from frost fleece held in place by hundreds of clothes pegs to mini fires at -4 °C and polymer sprays, before becoming early adopters of a novel sprinkler frost-protection system powered by solar energy and drawing water from springs and a natural pond.
The Grape Varieties
The vineyard covers approximately three acres and is planted with four grape varieties, each chosen for its ability to thrive in the English climate:
- Pinot Noir - the Burgundy red wine grape and one of the three classic Champagne varieties, used in the Hendred Brut, the still rosé and the sparkling rosé.
- Seyval Blanc - a hybrid grape produced by crossing Seibel and Rayon d'Or, which grows well in cool climates and is disease-resistant. A key component of the sparkling wines.
- Madeleine Angevine 7672 - an experimental hybrid first propagated in the UK in the 1950s, distinct from the French table grape of the same name. It flowers late and ripens early, making its short growing season ideal for the British climate.
- Bacchus - the offspring of a Silvaner and Riesling crossing with Müller Thurgau, a hardy variety that ripens early. Planted at Hendred in 2021 and harvested for the first time in 2025.
In any given year, the vineyard will harvest between two and five tonnes of grapes, producing between 2,000 and 5,000 bottles of wine. The critical factor in this wide range is frost in May when buds are developing. The Madeleine Angevine is usually harvested towards the end of September, with the Pinot Noir and Seyval Blanc in mid-to-late October.
The Wines
Hendred currently produces five wines - two sparkling and three still, with a red wine on the horizon. All are produced using no animal products and are vegan friendly. The wines are made by expert wine-makers who press the grapes and conduct primary fermentation in individual tanks. Sparkling wines are produced using the traditional method, with secondary fermentation in the bottle, taking several years to reach full maturity.
Hendred Brut (2021 harvest)
A crisp, dry sparkling white wine guaranteed to enliven the spirits, with flavours of citrus, green apple and cherry and a subtle essence of brioche. Made from Seyval Blanc and Pinot Noir and aged on the lees in the traditional way to develop complexity, it is a consistent award-winner. In a blind tasting against Bollinger Special Reserve, twelve out of fourteen experienced tasters thought the Hendred Brut was the wine they would pay £49 for. Earlier vintages have won the coveted 'Best Sparkling Wine' trophy in the regional Thames and Chilterns Vineyards Association competition (plus gold and silver medals) and a silver medal in the national WineGB competition.
Hendred Brut Rosé (2022 harvest)
A sparkling rosé wine with subtle hints of peach and rose petal and a dash of crisp citrus. Elegant with fine persistent bubbles, it is made from Pinot Noir (seen at the harvest here) and Seyval Blanc. The 2022 vintage was recently replenished after selling out, and it is already highly regarded amongst customers.
Hendred Rosé (2024 harvest)
A tantalisingly fruity yet dry still rosé with the essence of summer berries, especially strawberry. Made from Pinot Noir grapes. Previous vintages were awarded 'Best Rosé' at the T&C Vineyards Association competition twice - in 2019 and 2023 - and gold medals at the competition. The 2021 harvest won a gold medal.
Hendred Furlong (2024 harvest)
A still white wine created from Madeleine Angevine grapes, subtly fruity with essence of lychee on the palate and a floral aroma. The term 'furlong' - originally used for measuring a distance of field ploughed - has an association with horse racing, reminiscent of East Hendred's history, and the link path between East and West Hendred is locally known as 'the furlong'. This is the first pure Madeleine Angevine wine produced at Hendred in over ten years. The previous vintage was awarded a silver medal at the WineGB competition and was the highest scoring Madeleine Angevine in the country.
Hendred Bacchus (2025 harvest)
The very first vintage of this variety from a superb crop, and a wine that has been worth the wait. Citrus and exotic fruits dance on the tongue amid enticing elderflower aromas. The vines grew strong after a few years of hard pruning under Philippe's nurturing hand, and everyone who kindly helped harvest is mentioned by name on the label.
Awards and Recognition
Hendred wines are consistent award-winners even though they are seldom entered for competitions. The regional Thames and Chilterns Vineyards Association incorporates over 25 vineyards, many producing superb wines, so it is an honour to be recognised among these. Highlights include:
- 2016 - Hendred Brut 2015 vintage triumphed with the 'Best Sparkling Wine' trophy and gold medal in the regional competition.
- 2019 - Hendred Rosé won 'Best Rosé' in the regional competition.
- 2020 - Hendred Brut 2015 brought home the 'Best Sparkling Wine' trophy.
- 2023 - Hendred Rosé won 'Best Rosé' for a second time.
- 2025 - Hendred Furlong (Madeleine Angevine) won a silver medal in the national WineGB competition and was the highest scoring Madeleine Angevine wine in the country.
Earlier vintages of Hendred Cuvée (sparkling white) won silver medals at the regional competition, and Hendred Spring (made from Madeleine Angevine, Seyval Blanc and Phoenix) won bronze medals in 2021 and 2022.
Wildlife and Sustainability
The vineyard site is a natural habitat for an astonishing variety of wildlife. A brook runs alongside the vines, supporting kingfisher, heron, egret, otters, water birds and frogs, while the surrounding land hosts roe and muntjac deer, fox, rabbit, badger, stoat, mink and bats. Birds of prey - kestrels, buzzards and red kites - are regularly seen overhead, and the team have even captured footage of a fierce otter attacking two foxes. The vineyard has installed solar panels on the out-building roof, planted a wildflower meadow and more trees, and uses a mechanical weeder in line with reducing chemical use. The frost-protection sprinkler system is powered in part by solar energy. The vineyard is maintained using hands rather than machines where possible, and minimal chemical sprays are required.
How to Buy Hendred Wines
Hendred wines can be ordered online, with the following fulfilment options available:
- Collection from the vineyard - book a time slot at checkout (earliest collection is one day after ordering; if you need your wine sooner, the team can be contacted by phone to see if it is possible).
- Local delivery - free of charge for orders over £30, delivered to the Hendreds, Ardington, Lockinge, Ginge and Harwell.
- Courier delivery - a £10 flat rate for 1 to 12 bottles to most mainland UK addresses, usually taking 2 to 4 days.
Payment can be made by credit card, debit card or PayPal, and an order confirmation is sent upon payment (check junk email). For both collection and delivery, the wine recipient needs to be over 18 and may be asked for ID.
Gift Options
The green Hendred Vineyard gift box is available with click-and-collect purchases, while a gold-coloured presentation gift box with courier-safe white box can be purchased for single-bottle gifts. Gift cards can be purchased online and either collected or delivered free of charge to the chosen address, with details for the recipient to contact the vineyard and arrange a collection time. A complementary hand-written note is included if a message is added in the order comments at checkout.
Local Retailers
Wines are also available from a small number of select local stores:
- Hendred Stores, East Hendred
- QGardens Farm Shop, Milton Hill
- Millets Farm, Frilford
- Oxford Grazing Co & Deli, Abingdon
Visiting the Vineyard
Hendred Vineyard is a boutique operation and does not offer tours or tastings. The shop is open for wine collections ordered in advance only. The vineyard is visible from the A417, just after a steep downwards slope from the easterly (Rowstock) direction. From the westerly (Wantage) direction, look for a sign saying 'East Hendred' and a speed camera, then turn right into Allin's Lane; the vineyard is the first gate on the right where a 'Hendred Vineyard' entrance sign will be seen.
The Hendred Team and Community
The vineyard is maintained by a small, dedicated team. Biagio Grillo, originally from Sicily, continues to offer his expertise and initiated a vine nursery to preserve and rejuvenate the particular variety of Madeleine Angevine vines that produce a distinctive flavour. Philippe Desaint, from the South of France, brings a wealth of experience and has creatively engineered a path through a wooded and brook area beside the vineyard alive with woodland creatures. Family members David, Eileen, Michael and Naomi all play their part, and the harvest each year is brought in by a wonderful band of local volunteers - 'picking virgins' taking their first bunch alongside seasoned regulars.
The vineyard's motto might well be 'keeping it local': the team hope Hendred wines remain accessible for local people to enjoy, and for as long as they continue to sell out season to season, they aim to remain a local producer selling exclusive wines primarily to their local community.
Photography and Galleries
The vineyard maintains an extensive library of photo galleries covering three subject areas: wildlife in and around the vineyard, work in and around the vineyard, and the village of East Hendred. The very latest photographs and videos are posted on the Hendred Vineyard Facebook page and the YouTube channel, where hidden-camera footage captures the hive of activity around the vineyard.
Contact Details
- Address: Hendred Vineyard, Allin's Lane, East Hendred, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 8HR
- Telephone: 01235 834770
- Email: info@hendredvineyard.co.uk
The winery is active on Facebook and Instagram, sharing the latest harvest reports, wildlife sightings and news from one of England's oldest and most charming vineyards.