The Wyck Estate: A New Hertfordshire Vineyard Rooted in Five Centuries of History
Tucked into the rolling landscape above the Stevenage valley in Hertfordshire, The Wyck Estate is one of England's newest and most charming boutique vineyards. Founded by Andy and Charlotte Hammond, a couple whose leap of faith began as "honeymoon madness," the vineyard represents the meeting of two very different stories: a 21st-century passion for English wine and a piece of land whose human history stretches back almost a thousand years.
Across 17 acres of pasture, woodland and vines, The Wyck is quietly building a reputation as a small, thoughtful producer with a deep sense of place. There are no grand tasting rooms or sweeping visitor centres here, just a historic homestead, a few thousand carefully chosen vines, and a family learning the craft of winemaking from the ground up.
A Site with a Thousand-Year Story
The Manor of Almshoe, in which The Wyck sits, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, making it one of the oldest documented holdings in Hertfordshire. The Wyck itself, however, enters the historical record somewhat later, during the reign of Henry VIII, when legend has it the then-owner of Almshoe Bury Farm offered his best farmhand a reward of choosing his own plot of land. The farmhand selected the most spectacular location: open views across the Stevenage valley stretching west towards Preston and Poynders End.
The house that grew up on that site was originally built as a hall and has since been remodelled many times. In its five-hundred-year history it has been, at different points, a brewery, a pub, a cluster of farm workers' cottages, and a gentleman's country residence. Andy and Charlotte purchased the house and surrounding land in 2021, reuniting parts that had been split off during previous sales. The estate today comprises around 17 acres and roughly 10,000 square feet of dwelling and associated outbuildings, much of it dating back centuries, all of it carefully restored.
From Pasture to Vineyard
For at least a century before the Hammonds arrived, the land had been used as pasture. Transforming it into a vineyard was no small undertaking, and the work unearthed a remarkable bonus: a tangible archive of the people who had worked and walked this soil before them. After many approaches, the family allowed metal detectorists on site during the 2022 ground preparation, and the finds proved astonishing in both quantity and span.
The earliest object recovered was a 2nd-century Roman disc brooch, still showing traces of enamel though its pin had long since vanished. Other discoveries include:
- A 2nd-century Roman copper alloy coin (1st to 4th century examples have also been found).
- An Edward III silver coin dated 1250 AD.
- A "Shield of France" jetton from the reign of Charles VI in the late 14th century.
- A 17th-century Dutch cloth seal, indicating the site's connections to broader European trade.
- Musket balls dating from the 17th century.
- Shoe buckles, loom weights and a gilt livery button sill from later centuries.
The collection paints a vivid picture of a site that has, in turn, been a place of Roman influence, medieval agriculture, early-modern commerce, and more recent rural life. Work is ongoing to fill in gaps and, with any luck, to discover a hoard.
The Vines and the Wines
Not all Pinot Noir grapes are created equal. There are 48 officially recognised Pinot Noir clones, each with its own character, and The Wyck has made a careful selection of three:
Pinot Noir 777 - The Charismatic Narrator
The estate has planted 2,600 vines of clone 777. On the Wyck's well-drained slopes, this clone is expected to produce a wine with velvety black cherry notes and a touch of spice, offering depth and complexity to the estate's signature red.
Pinot Noir 115 - The Vibrant Counterpart
Another 2,600 vines of clone 115 join their 777 neighbours. Clone 115 brings its own distinct personality: aromatic, vibrant, with bright red fruit flavours reminiscent of raspberries and cranberries, intertwined with a floral elegance. Blended or bottled alone, it adds finesse and liveliness to the estate's portfolio.
Cabaret Noir - The Bold Soul
A thousand vines of Cabaret Noir complete the planting. This variety brings deep aromas of blackberries and plums, with an earthy hint that speaks directly of terroir. Whether enjoyed alone or used to add backbone to a blend, Cabaret Noir invites drinkers to explore its adventurous layers.
The objective is nothing less than "a formidable red wine," a wine that draws on the strengths of all three varieties and tells the story of the land it came from. The 2025 vintage will be available soon, with the Hammonds having now reached their third harvest in 2025.
There is more ambition beyond red wine alone. The Wyck team is exploring ventures into rosé and even whiskey, in a tongue-in-cheek nod to the estate's name. A glass of "Wycked Whiskey" may not be as far-fetched as it sounds.
The People Behind the Project
Andy and Charlotte Hammond are, by their own cheerful admission, not career viticulturists. The story goes that on honeymoon they decided it would be a great idea to start a vineyard. With little prior knowledge beyond a love of wine and a desire to produce something spectacular, they set about learning by doing: talking to a host of fabulous people in the trade, watching a great many YouTube tutorials, and acquiring a tractor that, inevitably, doesn't quite fit in the barn.
It is, in many ways, the most English of vineyard origin stories: two people, a romantic idea, a historic piece of land, and the willingness to learn in public.
Get Hands-On: Volunteering at the Wyck
One of the most distinctive things about The Wyck Estate is the openness of its volunteer programme. From January to October, the vineyard welcomes volunteers to assist with weeding, pruning, mowing and general gardening. No prior experience is required. The friendly team provides guidance and support, making it as much an educational experience as a working one.
Set in the Hertfordshire countryside, the vineyard offers stunning views and a genuinely tranquil environment, ideal for escaping the bustle of everyday life. As a thank-you, the estate hosts special events for its volunteers throughout the season, building a real sense of community. The Hammonds have suggested that, in years to come, volunteers may even get to share a glass of the estate's own wine as a token of appreciation. Volunteers can join the vineyard's WhatsApp group for seasonal updates.
Visiting and Contact
The Wyck Estate is based at The Wyck, St Ippolyts, Hertfordshire, SG4 7NR. The estate is a working vineyard and small family operation, so visits are by arrangement rather than on a fixed open-door basis. The team can be reached via:
- Phone: +44 7770 431 711
- Email: charlotte@thewyckestate.co.uk
- Post: The Wyck Estate Ltd, The Wyck, St Ippolyts, Hertfordshire, SG4 7NR
The estate is active on social media, where the team shares updates from the vineyard, the winery and the surrounding countryside. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news on harvests, bottlings and forthcoming releases.
A Vineyard to Watch
English and Welsh vineyards have been quietly producing some of the most exciting wines in Europe, and The Wyck Estate sits firmly within that new wave. With a heritage-rich site, three thoughtfully chosen varietals, and a family team willing to learn and adapt vintage by vintage, the estate is one to watch as its 2025 vintage and subsequent releases come to market.