On the 12 September a party of Romsey Abbey Friends visited Raimes Family Vineyard at Hinton Ampner where the Raimes family have been running the 720 hectares farm for five generations. They diversified into the vineyard when a French company asked to purchase a field from them to grow vines, so the family sensibly decided that what was good for the French was good for them too.
The group walked from the tasting barn up to the mature vines where Lauren the guide, gave a comprehensive chat about the growing and care of the grapes and massively increased the knowledge for all about not only the grapes but also about wine making. They are expecting a good harvest this year and the group saw some of the staff stripping leaves from around the bunches of grapes to allow air and sun to finish off the ripening process in time for the harvesting by hand in October.
Returning to the tasting barn, a little more was learned about the wine making process followed by the opportunity to try two of the Raimes sparkling white wines, made by the same process as champagne.
We then travelled to Hinton Ampner House NT and estate of the late Ralph Dutton, set in beautiful countryside. Visits were made to the House and grounds although it was disappointing the upper floor was not open but the opulence of the ground floor had to be admired and stunning views out to the grounds. Restoration of the house had taken place following a fire in the 1960’s and the work had been done with care and skill to restore the damaged parts to their former glory.
The gardens are lovely and their method of growing runner beans in an arch is fascinating, as well as the beauty of the flowers many of which were dahlias and gorgeous, sweet peas. The small Saxon Church of All Saints in the grounds has lovely, slim stained-glass windows, probably modern replacements and very beautiful. After a busy day, it was time to return to Romsey, the Friends had certainly enjoyed a varied day out.
You can find the photos in the gallery below
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