Nestled in the tranquil village of Fillongley, somewhere between the bustling cities of Coventry and Birmingham, Blabers Hall stands as a testament to the dreams of its owners. What once began as a family home transformed into a thriving vineyard estate, crafting exquisite English wine for the locals of Coventry.
Purchased in the autumn of 2013, the estate became more than just a residence for its owners. With backgrounds in civil engineering and education, the couple harboured a shared passion for the natural world and environmental stewardship. Little did they know, their journey would lead them to the world of viticulture.
Reflecting on their early days, one of the owners confessed, “We were quite naive; we had no prior knowledge of farming. When we bought the place, we thought it was just going to be a really lovely house with a big garden but didn’t realize the upscale.” Blabers Hall was destined for something more significant – a venture that would not only enrich their family life but also yield something extraordinary from the land.
Exploring various options, including mushroom farms, lavender cultivation, and blackcurrant production, the couple found their calling in grapes. The owner explained, “We looked at options such as mushroom farms, lavender farms, and blackcurrants, but all of the conditions kept coming back to grapes.”
With a modest understanding of the English wine scene and inspired by their visits to vineyards during holidays, the couple embarked on a journey of viticulture. Soil testing became the compass guiding them toward their vineyard dreams.
Yet, the journey was far from smooth. The owner identified the weather as the most formidable challenge, stating, “It’s something that is so out of your control that you can only plan for it. For us, it’s a learning curve every year.” Despite the highs and lows, the owners persevered, determined to create a flourishing vineyard.
Each passing year brings a unique set of challenges, with the unpredictable weather dictating the grape yield. The owner shared, “Every year, the amount of grapes can vary from 8 tonnes of grapes coming off the vine, which works out to be 8,000 bottles of wine.” The dedication to their craft shines through, emphasizing the resilience required in the face of nature’s whims.
The local community has warmly embraced Blabers Hall, revelling in the pride of having a thriving Wine Estate in their midst. “A lot of people in the communities love that we are producing something local,” the owner remarked, highlighting the significance of community support.
Blabers Hall is not merely a vineyard; it is a place where people can connect with the art of winemaking. The estate hosts events during the summer and autumn months, inviting enthusiasts to visit the vineyard and gain insight into the intricate process of wine production. The owner expressed, “Our absolute favourite days are when people are up at the vineyard enjoying it, and the most rewarding part is showing people that you can do it and seeing people enjoying it.”
For those eager to experience the charm of Blabers Hall first hand, the estate welcomes visitors for wine tastings and tours. The next open day is scheduled for Sunday, 26th May 2024, with the inaugural Wine Tasting and Tours commencing on the 11th May 2024.
If you fancy immersing yourself in the world of English wine and uncovering the secrets behind Blabers Hall’s exceptional vintages, mark your calendars and make your way to this hidden gem in the heart of Warwickshire. Indulge in the rich tapestry of flavours and stories woven into each bottle at Blabers Hall – a testament to passion, perseverance, and the beauty of English winemaking.
