Merry Tom Vineyard: A New English Estate Rooted in Northamptonshire Heritage
Nestled in the rolling Northamptonshire countryside near the village of Brixworth, Merry Tom Vineyard is one of England’s newest single-estate wineries. Planted in 2019 and commercially launched on 21 June 2025 - the first day of English Wine Week - the estate is a quietly ambitious family project producing still and sparkling wines that are, in their makers’ own words, “unmistakably British.”
The vineyard trades as Merry Tom Wines under Croxford Wine Estates Limited, and is led by fifth-generation farmer Will, whose instinct for building and bringing ideas to life drives the project. The estate’s debut release - a vibrant Bacchus - marks the beginning of what the team hopes will be a multi-generational legacy on this historic stretch of English countryside.
A Name Carved in Local History
Merry Tom is more than a brand name - it is a story of land, legacy and family. The vineyard takes its name from a noble horse once owned by the 5th Earl Spencer. Merry Tom thundered across the very fields where the vines now flourish, and a weathered stone monument believed to honour him still stands proudly at the entrance to the vineyard - a quiet sentinel linking past to present.
Beside the monument, almost concealed by time and undergrowth, lies an old stone trough. Once a vital watering stop for horses making their way through the undulating Northamptonshire hills, it served as a place of rest and refreshment. Though no longer in daily use, the trough remains a poignant reminder of the land’s equestrian past. The surrounding landscape is threaded with beautiful walking trails, including the Merry Tom Lane to Brampton Valley Way Circular, which links the vineyard to the wider countryside.
The Land: Ironstone Soils and South-Facing Slopes
Merry Tom sits on distinctive ironstone soil, renowned for its excellent drainage and mineral richness - qualities that impart depth, structure and complexity to the wines. The vines are planted on south-facing slopes that capture the gentle warmth of the English sun, encouraging a slow, steady ripening process and enhancing the nuanced flavours that define every bottle.
Exceptional wine begins in the vineyard, and at Merry Tom that principle is uncompromising. The estate’s first harvest in 2023 marked the start of a new chapter, and the wines released from that harvest - together with the 2025 vintage now available as a pre-order selection case - are designed to express both the terroir and the cool English climate in equal measure.
Rooted in Tradition, Guided by Innovation
While the estate’s roots are grounded in traditional farming values, the approach is practical, innovative and forward-thinking. Merry Tom embraces machine harvesting to protect the integrity of the fruit during crucial harvest windows - an essential advantage when working with Britain’s famously unpredictable weather. This modern approach also allows the team to selectively harvest only the grapes at optimal ripeness, ensuring quality at every step.
Crafted With Care, Created to Celebrate
At Merry Tom, every detail is overseen - from soil to cellar - to craft wines of distinction and character. Just five minutes from the vineyard, the estate’s own winery allows the team to preserve the freshness and finesse that define their wines, with complete control from first pressing to final bottling. Only estate-grown grapes are used, so every bottle is a true expression of the soil, the climate and the team’s commitment to quality. The result: wines that are pure, elegant and unmistakably British.
The Varietals
Each grape variety at Merry Tom has been thoughtfully chosen to flourish in the unique character of the English terroir. The estate cultivates:
- Bacchus - an aromatic variety widely regarded as the signature white grape of English wine.
- Chardonnay - the world’s most famous white variety, prized for finesse and ageing potential.
- Pinot Noir - a classic red and sparkling-wine grape.
- Pinot Noir Précoce - an early-ripening Pinot variant ideally suited to cooler seasons.
- Solaris - a hardy, early-ripening variety used here for sparkling wine production.
These exceptional varietals allow the team to craft both still and sparkling wines that embody the purity, balance and craftsmanship that define the Merry Tom estate.
The Wines
The current Merry Tom cellar features an elegant line-up of still and sparkling wines, all available to buy directly from the estate’s online shop with free collection available from the vineyard.
Bacchus
The flagship debut wine. Aromatic and vibrant, it opens with notes of elderflower, citrus zest and green apple, leading to a crisp and expressive finish. The Merry Tom team recommends pairing it with delicate seafood such as sole or plaice, citrus-herb salads, Asian stir-fries, or simply enjoying a glass on its own. Serve cold at 7 - 12°C. ABV 11.5%.
- Bacchus | Single - £25.00
- Bacchus | Case of 6 - £150.00
Chardonnay
An elegant unoaked Chardonnay with crisp citrus, green apple and stone fruit notes, beautifully paired with seafood, roast chicken, creamy pasta, fresh salads and soft cheeses. ABV 12%.
- Chardonnay | Single - £25.00
- Chardonnay | Case of 6 - £150.00
Rosé
A delicate pink wine with notes of strawberry, peach, grapefruit, saline minerality and crisp acidity. Pairs beautifully with seafood, summer salads, soft cheeses and light Mediterranean dishes. Serve cold at 7 - 12°C. ABV 11%.
- Rosé | Single - £25.00
- Rosé | Case of 6 - £150.00
Sparkling Solaris
A delicate sparkling wine offering floral notes, orchard fruits and elderflower with fine bubbles and a fresh mineral finish. Pairs beautifully with oysters, seafood, sushi, goat’s cheese, light salads and citrus-led dishes. ABV 11%.
- Sparkling Solaris | Single - £35.00
Selection Case - 2025 Vintage Still Wines
For those who want to explore the full Merry Tom range, the estate offers a pre-order Selection Case of Merry Tom 2025 vintage still wines containing 2× Bacchus 2025, 2× Rosé 2025 and 2× Chardonnay 2025 - all for £150.00.
Visiting Merry Tom
Merry Tom Vineyard is currently open by appointment only, with the team welcoming guests to occasional Open Days and ticketed events throughout the year. The vineyard entrance is located directly beside the historic stone monument, and sat-nav visitors should use postcode NN6 9AA. The what3words reference is ///ideas.shirts.grabs.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at Open Days.
- Children: Children are welcome, accompanied by an adult; soft drinks are available for under-18s.
- Weather: Tours, events and Open Days run rain or shine - the vineyard has no indoor facilities, so guests are advised to dress appropriately. If events are cancelled due to extremely adverse weather, an alternative date is offered.
- Photography: Pictures are encouraged (tag @merrytomwines on Instagram or Facebook), but filming/video is not permitted on tours.
- Food & drink: Only food and beverages purchased at the vineyard may be consumed on site.
Private Events & Weddings
The estate hosts private events and weddings at the vineyard, with bespoke arrangements for ceremonies and receptions set among the vines and the historic stone monument.
Buying & Delivery
All Merry Tom wines can be purchased via the online shop or collected in person from the Vineyard Shop (Monday - Sunday, 9:00 - 17:00, postcode NN6 9AN - free collection is available at checkout). Standard UK delivery via DPD costs £8.00, with Royal Mail standard postage at £2. Delivery normally takes place within three working days, and a signature from an adult aged 18 or over is required. Returns, refunds and exchanges are handled via info@merrytom.co.uk.
Find Merry Tom
- Address: Merry Tom Vineyard, Northampton Road, Brixworth, Northampton, NN6 9AA
- Phone: 01604 969 189
- Email: info@merrytom.co.uk
- Web: merrytom.co.uk
- Instagram: @merrytomwines
- Facebook: merrytomwines
Final Pour
Merry Tom is a young estate with an unusually deep sense of place. By naming the vineyard after a horse who once thundered across these very fields, the team has tied every bottle - from the elderflower-bright Bacchus to the delicate Sparkling Solaris - to centuries of Northamptonshire heritage. With a winery on the doorstep, a portfolio built entirely around cool-climate English varieties, and vines rooted in ironstone soils, Merry Tom is an estate where every bottle carries a true sense of place.