'Juice is in the tank': Volunteer land army bring in the crops at Lincolnshire vineyard

For some members of the volunteer land army, the award-winning fine wine - which already grace the tables of Michelin restaurants - was more than just the perfect accompaniment for their lunchtime feast at Ovens Farm Vineyard - they were tasting the fruits of their labours from previous years.

Others were making new memories - the sisters who added grape picking to their bucket list after visiting the farm for a tasting, the young interior designer taking the opportunity to get to know her new 'neighbours' and the lady who still had a bottle of Ovens Farm 'pink fizz' at home after her plans to take it along on a trip to France for her 60th birthday were put on ice because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Everyone had a story - 2020 Bacchus and Pinot Noir was already destined to be created with laughter, hopes and dreams

Fifteen volunteers arrived at the vineyard in Harrington on the sixth and final day of harvesting for a prompt 9am start.

Vineyard owners Simon and Bridget White had been forced to limit numbers this year because of Covid-19 restrictions in spite of the five-and-a-half- acres of vines offering plenty of social distancing opportunityies. However, a popular part of the day was the meal and everyone had to be seated safely.

Seasoned pickers were already out in the vineyard as Simon went through the safety procedures to ensure we did not cut off our fingers while searching for grapes in the vines or accidentally drop the cutters in a bucket and cause wine production at the press to come to an abrupt halt.

A bonus of the early morning cool breeze was wasps would stay away - the only buzz in the .still country air coming later from Simon's forklift as he collected the grapes to take them to the press.

Our first job was to bring in the last of the Bacchus crops . "These grapes are not not pretty but the juice is delicious," warned Bridget.. "But we have a treat for you this afternoon when we bring in the Pinot Noir because they look amazing."

Armed with buckets, gloves and grape cutters, we were organised in pairs on opposite sides of the rows - and it soon became clear what Bridget meant.

The Bacchus crop had been ready to be picked the previous week but rain had halted the harvest and deterioration - just as with grapes when put out in a fruit bowl - happened quickly.

Only grapes without any signs of disease made the bucket - the rest were thrown on the ground.

Sisters Pauline Collet and Val Gray from Helpingham near Sleaford and Sue Brain from Melton Mowbray were more than up for the challenge - the day was an opportunity to tick picking grapes off their bucket list.

Their first visit to Ovens Farm had been for a tasting arranged by Pauline's daughter. With family in Australia, Sue, who went into lockdown in Lincolnshire and is now moving to be near her sisters, said it had been a dream to pick grapes in the Hunter Valley.

"We love the wine and when we found out the grapes were picked by volunteers we jumped at the chance," she said. "It might not be the Hunter Valley but today with the sunshine it's just as beautiful."

Alison Keegan has been a fan of the wine since first tasting it at Bar 11 in Woodhall Spa. Her second year picking, she said: "I came for a wine tasting and ended up volunteering to pick. I'm learning a lot about grapes and the different wines."

Another volunteer, interior decorator Rosalie Palmer of Sutterby, explained she ended up moving to the area during lockdown.

Now her own boss with a website, Rosebud Interiors, she jumped at the chance to get to know her new neighbours.

"My parents own a brewery and I've always been a country girl at heart," she said. "Picking grapes is a great way to meet people - and it is very therapeutic."

Roger Precious, of Goulceby, was there with his wife, Sue - and enjoying his third day picking.

"I've never done it before but am really enjoying being out in the fresh air - and the food is good," he said.

Enjoying her second year was Wendy Shelbourn, of Belchford. "I still have some of the 'pink fizz' which I've been saving for a trip on Eurostar to Lille to celebrate my 60th birthday," she said. "I haven't been able to go because of Covid-19 but I'm not sure it will last until I can go - the wine is so good."

There to support the pickers was Maureen Fountain, who works at the farm. "I've worked for the family for 15 years and have picked grapes here since the first harvest four years ago," she said.

"It's always a special time of year when the volunteers come to help pick the grapes. There is a good atmosphere, it's relaxing, the food is good - and there is wine."

The hours seemed to fly by and by mid-afternoon all of the grapes had been picked and the volunteers were back in the courtyard to catch the last of the day's sunshine and a final cuppa before collecting their prize - bottles of award-winning Bacchus and Solaris wine.

For Simon there were a few more hours in the winery before his day was over.

The press was feeding a pale pink juice for a sparkling rose into a tank as we spoke in the winery. Main varieties that will be produced there are Bacchus , an aromatic white wine; Solaris , which produces a still white and sparkling wine; Rondo, a medium-bodied, richly coloured wine with black cherry notes and Pinot Noir, used in both still and sparkling wines.

After challenging weather conditions for the vines, it is estimated the harvest will make 6,000 bottles. - half the number that might have been expected had the conditions been good.

"Yield is down - we had one of the wettest winters followed by drought, then just as everything was looking good we had a wet August.

"But the juice has an excellent flavour and we are really excited about the wine it will make. We would rather produce less bottles than a poorer wine."

Later, Simon contacted all of the volunteers to thank them.

"It has been wonderful seeing everyone again and great to meet some new people," he said. "Their efforts have been amazing especially in some testing conditions.

"This is the earliest we have ever finished and I am so pleased that the final day was at least a sunny one!

"I must admit to being quite relieved that all the juice is now in tank."

Although it will be next year before the volunteers can taste the first of the vintages from their efforts, bottles of Solaris, Baccus, Sparkling and Brut Rose are available to buy.with Pinot Noir expected before Christmas.

Visits and tastings are for the time being still on hold, but sales can be made online and by appointment.

Call Simon on 07919320290 to arrange a visit, or email to [email protected]