JoJo's Vineyard: A Boutique English Winemaker in the Chiltern Hills Above Henley-on-Thames
JoJo's Vineyard: A Boutique English Winemaker in the Chiltern Hills
Tucked into the south and south-west facing chalk slopes of the Chiltern Hills AONB, high above the market town of Henley-on-Thames, JoJo's Vineyard is one of England's newest and most quietly ambitious boutique producers. The site at Russells Water, six miles from the centre of Henley, is small - 9,000 vines planted in 2019 - but the team behind it has packed it with more precision technology, regenerative experimentation and winemaking intent than vineyards many times its size.
Three wines make up the range: a still white Bacchus-Seyval Blanc 2022, a zero-dosage Sparkling Premier Cuvée 2021, and a Sparkling Premier Rosé 2021. No fining, no filtration and no shortcuts are the watchwords of the cellar, with indigenous yeasts doing the work and the fruit of the Chiltern Hills doing the talking. The result, in the words of Jancis Robinson MW, is "rather intriguing aroma. Punchy, tense fruit with a hint of elderflower. Slightly spritzzy? It works!".
The Setting: Chalk Soils Above Henley-on-Thames
JoJo's sits on Lewes Nodular, Seaford and Newhaven Chalk formations, laid down in shallow tropical seas during the Cretaceous period between 72 and 94 million years ago. The chalk is biogenic in origin, formed from the compressed carbonate shells of microscopic marine organisms called coccoliths - the same material that gives Champagne its character. It is close to the surface, free-draining, and forces the vines to work hard for every drop of water and nutrient they can find. That struggle, the team argues, is what produces grapes with concentration, taut minerality and brightness that you simply cannot manufacture.
BBC Countryfile visited JoJo's to explore what makes this corner of Oxfordshire so quietly remarkable for English wine. The episode, "The Chalk of the Chilterns" on BBC iPlayer, features JoJo's as its final segment.
The Story: From a Horse Paddock to 9,000 Vines
In July 2015, Ian and Tessa bought what they hoped would become a vineyard. In those days it was not a vineyard at all - it was a horse paddock with a weed-infested lay, littered with ragwort. Horses were never the long-term ambition. The vines were. The pair, both of whom came from agricultural and scientific backgrounds, spent two years testing and improving the soil, marking out the rows and preparing the ground before planting day arrived on 9 May 2019. Three years of planning became real in a single afternoon.
The vineyard takes its name from JoJo, the family's pedigree mongrel whose mother was rescued in pup from Ireland and adopted through Many Tears rescue centre. Freedom-loving, free-spirited and full of joy, JoJo inspired the name and the spirit of everything grown and made here. Her sister Hattie, a golden Labrador, was a gentler soul happy to let JoJo take the limelight. Both have since passed - Hattie in August 2025 and JoJo in January 2026 - but their spirit lives on in every vine. The vineyard's new dog Paddy has since lent his name to the pop-up vineyard bar.
JoJo's is operated by Chiltern Hills Farm Ltd, with the registered office at The Cottage, Russells Water, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 6ER. The trading name is JoJo's Vineyard.
The Founders: Ian and Tessa Beecher-Jones
Ian is a farmer with a passion for sustainability and precision viticulture. He consults to farmers in different parts of the world and has been instrumental in trialling drone spraying, sprayer shut-off control, soil acoustics, robotics and a range of data-driven vineyard management tools at JoJo's. Tessa is a scientist with a passion for the quality of the wine and the winemaking community. Together they have created a vineyard that is as much an open-air laboratory as it is a place to grow grapes.
The Team
- Tommy Grimshaw - Winemaker. Head winemaker at Langhams Winery in Dorset, Tommy brings many years of experience making award-winning wines. His philosophy of natural winemaking, blending and layering drives the JoJo's style.
- Ed Mitcham - Viticulture. Ed learned his trade in New Zealand before working on vineyards across the UK. He runs his own vineyard in Didcot and is an integral part of keeping JoJo's vines in the best possible shape throughout the year.
- JoJo's Helpers - A community of volunteers who help with pruning, tucking in, leaf stripping and harvest, contributing just two hours of their time when they can.
Vine Tech: Precision Viticulture at JoJo's
JoJo's is, in many respects, a technology testbed as well as a vineyard. The team has been involved in pioneering work across sensing, robotics, drones and regenerative viticulture. Below is a snapshot of the projects underway or under evaluation.
Drone Spraying
JoJo's was the first vineyard in the UK to test drone spraying. Steve Frost from SandS Land Services obtained the OSC licence required to apply product from a drone in August 2023. Drones are unlikely to replace conventional spraying for main-season fungicide work - canopy penetration is the limiting factor - but they have a clear role early and late in the season when ground conditions are too wet to travel. They also cause no soil damage. Read more about JoJo's drone spraying work.
Real-Time Plant Sensing
JoJo's works with Vivent Bio Signals from Switzerland, using cutting-edge electrophysiology technology to monitor the electrical flow through the plant. Calcium, nitrogen, potassium, phosphate, iron, manganese, plant balance, water status, mildew and temperature are all tracked in real time, allowing the team to treat vines much faster and reduce disease pressure. Read more about JoJo's plant sensing.
Sprayer Shut-Off Control
JoJo's was one of just six vineyards globally to trial the TopCon automatic section control system, which shuts off and restarts the sprayer precisely at the start and end of each vine row. The team estimates it reduced water and spray use by around 10% by improving the accuracy of turn-on and turn-off timing.
Soil Acoustics
Using bio-acoustic soil sensors, JoJo's can record and analyse the sounds made by worms and other soil-borne creatures to build a picture of what is living underground - and what that tells them about soil health. As AI improves at identifying species from sound, the potential is enormous.
The S-Rex Direct Drill
JoJo's designed a brand new direct drill to plant cover crops between the vine rows, working with Matt Robson from Harrow & Hope Vineyard in Marlow. The S-Rex plants cover crop seeds and applies liquid fertiliser in a single pass, subsoiling at 150mm depth with a working width of 1.8m. Read more about the S-Rex.
Mini Rhizatron
Developed at the University of Reading, the Mini Rhizatron allows the team to look deep into the soil profile without disturbing it. Tubes are left permanently in the ground, enabling year-on-year comparisons of how the soil ecosystem is developing in response to regenerative work.
Robotics
JoJo's partners with Autodiscovery (based at Harwell in Oxfordshire) to test the Bunker Mini and Agile X robots for mowing, logistics and AI-driven grape monitoring. Robots pair with drones to transform the speed and efficiency of data gathering in the vineyard. Read more about vineyard robots.
The VISTA Project
JoJo's is the lead vineyard for the VISTA Project (Vineyard Information System for Technology and Automation), a Defra- and UKRI-supported open-source initiative to create a digital mapping standard for commercial vineyards. The consortium includes Agri-EPI Centre, Outfield Technologies, Antobot, Vinescapes and the University of Lincoln.
The Wines: Three Bottles, One Small Vineyard
JoJo's produces three wines from its own hand-picked grapes, fermented in a mix of French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. All are single-estate, made with natural techniques and minimal intervention.
Still White - Bacchus-Seyval Blanc 2022
The one that tastes like an English summer afternoon. A blend of 85% Bacchus and 15% Seyval Blanc, fermented in French oak and stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, no filtration and no fining. On the nose, apple blossom, elderflower and ripe pear with a fresh grassy edge and a slight flinty reduction. On the palate, kiwi and echinacea tea give way to intense pineapple and ripe grapefruit before a saline finish.
- Vintage: 2022
- Style: Still white, dry
- ABV: 11.5%
- Serve at: 8 - 10°C
- Food pairings: smoked salmon, soft goats cheese, grilled sea bass, Thai green curry
Single bottle price: £22.00 via the JoJo's shop. Read the full Still White 2022 tasting notes or Jancis Robinson's review.
Sparkling White - JoJo's Premier Cuvée 2021
A zero-dosage quality sparkling wine grown in the Chiltern Hills. The blend is 48% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir (including some Pinot Meunier) and 16% Pinot Blanc, fermented separately in French oak and stainless steel. The wine is aged on its lees in bottle using the traditional method and released on 7 June 2025.
On the nose, apple strudel, white peach and a whisper of linseed oil. On the palate, broad and fruit-forward with stewed orchard fruit, toasted sourdough, ripe peach and a hint of guava. The finish is long, clean and citrus-bright. Lower pressure than industry standard gives the mousse a finesse and creaminess that has drawn praise from Masters of Wine.
- Vintage: 2021
- Style: Sparkling white, Brut Nature - zero dosage
- ABV: 11.5%
- Serve at: 7 - 9°C
- Food pairings: oysters, pan-fried scallops, lemon roast chicken, triple-cream brie, fish and chips
Single bottle price: £39.00 via the JoJo's shop. Read the full Sparkling White tasting notes. Richard Bampfield MW called it "beautifully made and remarkably polished for a first vintage from vines only planted in 2019" with an "almost Burgundian character" and "unusual, and highly pleasurable, creaminess for English sparkling wines".
Sparkling Rosé - JoJo's Premier Rosé 2021
A serious, rich style of rosé that is still pretty and delicate in its own right. Pinot Noir and Seyval Blanc are blended together as a white wine to give the perfect rosé base, before a small addition of Pinot Noir Précoce red wine adds colour and character - a traditional assemblage technique.
- Vintage: 2021
- Style: Sparkling rosé, off-dry (2.5g/l dosage)
- Blend: Pinot Noir 44%, Pinot Noir Précoce 7%, Seyval Blanc 49%
- ABV: 11.5%
- Serve at: 7 - 9°C
On the nose: wild strawberry and rhubarb and custard, with freshly baked fruit scones. On the palate: wild strawberry and cranberry leading to red berry compote, toasted wholewheat bread and granola. Single bottle price: £39.00 via the JoJo's shop. Read the full Sparkling Rosé tasting notes.
Gift Sets and Bottle Decorations
- JoJo Trio - all three wines in one box. £100.00. Buy the Trio.
- JoJo Duo - both sparkling wines. £78.00. Buy the Duo.
- Bottle decorations - hand-crafted crocheted and knitted hats and neck sets, in Light Pink, Pink or Purple. £20.00 each. The neck decoration doubles as a hair scrunchie. Light Pink · Pink · Purple.
Experiences: Tastings at JoJo's
There are two ways to enjoy the vineyard - a relaxed, seated guided tasting or a visit to Paddy's Wine Bar, JoJo's pop-up vineyard bar named after the new vineyard dog.
Guided Wine Tasting
A relaxed, guided tasting of all three JoJo's wines, seated overlooking the vines, led by Ian or Tess. No wine knowledge is needed - just curiosity and an open glass.
- Price: from £25 per person
- Optional cheese & charcuterie board: £20 per person
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Time: 12.30pm
- Fully seated, easy parking
Guided tastings run on Saturdays and Sundays across the season. Larger groups or private bookings can call Ian on 07967 637 985. Book a tasting via Ticket Tailor.
Paddy's Wine Bar
On selected days through the season, the team opens the gate, pours the wine and lets the Chilterns do the rest. Booking ahead is essential - under the vineyard's licence, walk-ups cannot be welcomed. Sit at your own table among the vines or bring a picnic blanket. Well-behaved dogs are always welcome.
- Daytime slots: Saturdays and Sundays, two-hour arrival slots (12pm, 2pm, 4pm)
- Sundowner sessions: Thursdays, 6pm - 9pm
- Optional charcuterie board (booked in advance)
Book a daytime session or a sundowner session via Ticket Tailor.
Gift Vouchers
A JoJo's gift voucher is redeemable against any experience or wine - a guided tasting with Ian or Tess, or a glass at Paddy's Wine Bar among the vines. Available in any amount. Buy a gift voucher.
Events at JoJo's
The vineyard calendar fills the summer with food, fire and wine. Booking is essential for every event.
Vineyard Afternoons
A slow afternoon among the rows. JoJo's wines by the glass or bottle, food pre-ordered, views included. 12 noon to 6pm, selected dates. Dogs welcome on leads. Book an afternoon.
Sundowners
Golden hour with a glass of JoJo's as the sun drops over the valley. The best hour of the day, in the best seat in the Chilterns. 6pm to 9pm, selected evenings. Book a sundowner.
Wine & Pizza Evenings
The vineyard after hours, with JoJo's wines and artisan stone-baked Neapolitan-style pizzas fresh from the Pizza Please horsebox. Founded during lockdown, Pizza Please is run by Tom and is a familiar face at some of the best venues in the Chilterns. Book a pizza evening · Pizza Please on Instagram.
Open Fire Banquet
In partnership with Wildfired Events, specialists in open fire cooking. A fire-cooked feast prepared by a guest Wildfired chef over seasoned hardwood, paired with JoJo's wines and served under the Hurlingham stretch tent. Every guest arrives to a glass of JoJo's sparkling. Maximum 50 places. Book a banquet.
Out and About
JoJo's also appears at off-vineyard events across the Chilterns:
- Peterley Manor Farm - 25 June
- Watlington Fayre - 27 June
- Lords Fragrance House - 18 July
- Henley Show - 12 September
Upcoming Events Calendar
All events take place at JoJo's Vineyard, Russells Water, RG9 6EU. Booking is via Ticket Tailor.
- Thu 13 August, 6pm - 9pm - Sundowners
- Sat 15 August, 12 noon - 6pm - Vineyard Afternoon
- Thu 20 August, 6pm - 9pm - Sundowners
- Sat 22 August, 12 noon - 6pm - Vineyard Afternoon
- Sun 30 August, 12 noon - 6pm - Vineyard Afternoon
- Thu 3 September, 6pm - 9pm - Sundowners
- Sat 5 September, 12 noon - 6pm - Vineyard Afternoon
- Fri 11 September, from 6pm - Open Fire Banquet
Partner Experiences: Explore the Chilterns
JoJo's works with a small group of trusted local partners to offer experiences that go beyond the vineyard. Booking for these is directly with the partners.
- Walk Works - Seasonal events and destination walks combining scenic guided walking with vineyard tours, tastings, wine pairings and education. Their Henley Vineyards Trail is a perfect way to discover the Chilterns wine region on foot.
- Chiltern Safari - Boutique wine tours giving access to local producers and breathtaking vineyards across the Chilterns. JoJo's features on their Henley Wine Tours launching in 2026.
- Langhams Winery - Tommy Grimshaw's home winery in Dorset, where JoJo's wines are crafted.
Visiting JoJo's
Address and Finding the Vineyard
JoJo's Vineyard is at Russells Water, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 6EU. The vineyard sits next door to the pond featured in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the (now closed) Five Horseshoes pub - both useful landmarks when navigating the Chiltern lanes. The What3Words reference is ///spare.wonderfully.configure.
- By car: A scenic drive through the Chiltern Hills. Free parking on site.
- By train: Henley-on-Thames station is 6.4 miles away. A taxi costs approximately £18 - 23 and takes around 12 minutes.
Opening Times and Booking
JoJo's welcomes visitors on selected days throughout the week. As a small boutique vineyard with limited seating, all visits are by advance reservation. This allows the team to provide every guest with a relaxed, personal experience and to remain within their licensed visitor capacity. If you are already nearby and would like to visit, please call Ian on 07967 637 985 or Tessa on 07969 621 504 - if they are there and have space, they will do their best to welcome you.
Accessibility, Dogs and Children
- The vineyard is fully level from the car park to the tasting and bar area - no steep paths or steps.
- Well-behaved dogs on leads are always welcome (the vineyard is named after JoJo and the bar after Paddy).
- Children are welcome. Under-18s do not need a ticket but will not be served alcohol.
- Suitable robust footwear is recommended - it is a working vineyard.
JoJo's Community
JoJo's is more than a vineyard - it is a community. The JoJo's Helpers WhatsApp group keeps friends of the vineyard connected and informed, and welcomes volunteers for two-hour slots across the season. Activities include pruning, tucking in, leaf stripping and harvest. Join the WhatsApp group.
Newsletter subscribers receive updates on new releases, events and vineyard news - the team only emails when there is something genuinely interesting and exciting to share.
Contact
- Email: hello@jojosvineyard.co.uk
- Ian: 07967 637 985
- Tessa: 07969 621 504
- Address: Russells Water, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 6EU
- Registered office: Chiltern Hills Farm Ltd, The Cottage, Russells Water, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 6ER
- Website: jojosvineyard.co.uk
The team aims to respond to all messages within 24 hours. For urgent bookings please call Ian or Tessa directly. Private group bookings (10+ guests) can be arranged through the same contacts.
Responsible Drinking
JoJo's Vineyard supports Drinkaware and the responsible enjoyment of alcohol. Under-18s are welcome to visit but will not be served wine. Online orders require an adult signature on delivery.