In the picturesque village of Meltham, near Huddersfield, a historic family has embarked on a new venture – a boutique vineyard. For three generations of the same family, the passion for wine and the joy of working outdoors have come together to create a unique and inviting destination. The Helme Edge Vineyard, as it will come to be known, is a testament to the family’s dedication to their craft. With over 3.2 acres of land, the vineyard boasts an impressive array of grapevines, carefully tended by Alan Calder, his daughter Fiona Smith, and her son Tom Smith. The trio has been working tirelessly to bring their dream to life, and their hard work is finally paying off.
A Passion for Wine
The love affair with wine began many years ago, when Alan Calder first started experimenting with winemaking. As a winemaker for decades, Alan had always dreamed of creating his own vineyard. With the support of his family, he finally made the decision to take the plunge and turn his hobby into a business.
- Alan’s journey into winemaking began with a simple experiment in 2017, planting 70 vines on his land.
- Over time, the vineyard expanded, and the family continued to experiment and refine their techniques.
- By 2020, they had harvested their first vintage, which was met with great enthusiasm from family and friends.
A Family Affair
The Helme Edge Vineyard is a true family affair. Fiona Smith, Alan’s daughter, and her husband Duncan are also heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the business. While Tom Smith, Alan’s grandson, is the youngest member of the team, he brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience from his time working at a large winery in Australia.
- Tom’s experience in the Australian wine industry has given him a unique insight into the production process.
- With his grandfather’s guidance, Tom was instrumental in planting the original vines and has since helped with the expansion of the vineyard.
The Future of the Vineyard
As the Helme Edge Vineyard prepares to officially open its doors, the team is excited to share their passion for wine with the local community. With a focus on tourism, the vineyard will offer tours and wine tasting events in a purpose-built tasting building.
| Tour Options | Description |
|---|---|
| Tasting Tour | A guided tour of the vineyard, including a wine tasting and education on the production process. |
| Harvest Tour | A behind-the-scenes look at the harvest process, including grape sorting and wine production. |
| Wine Tasting | A selection of the vineyard’s finest wines, including still and sparkling whites and rosé. |
Visiting the Vineyard
The Helme Edge Vineyard is open to visitors, offering a unique and immersive experience. With its stunning location and picturesque setting, the vineyard is an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts and those looking to explore the beauty of West Yorkshire.
“With our outlook on the Pennines, we couldn’t have a better location to do this and with wine being in the DNA of the family, we’re very excited to share the vineyard and our passion for wine with others.” – Tom Smith
Key Highlights
• The Helme Edge Vineyard is a boutique vineyard located in Meltham, near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. • The vineyard is owned and operated by three generations of the same family. • The vineyard features over 3.2 acres of land, with a variety of grapevines. • The vineyard offers tours and wine tasting events, as well as a purpose-built tasting building. • The team is committed to sustainable practices and reducing their carbon footprint. • The vineyard is open to visitors, offering a unique and immersive experience.
Definitions
• **Boutique Vineyard**: A small, family-owned vineyard that produces high-quality wines. • **Still Wine**: Wine that is not carbonated and has a static consistency. • **Sparkling Wine**: Wine that is carbonated and has a lively consistency. • **Rosé**: A type of wine made from red grapes that have been allowed to oxidize, resulting in a pink color and flavor.
Conclusion
The Helme Edge Vineyard is a true gem, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts and those looking to explore the beauty of West Yorkshire. With its stunning location, picturesque setting, and commitment to sustainable practices, the vineyard is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves wine.