June 2025 : Sunshine, Vines & Award-Winning Wines
What a time to be in the vineyard! June is one of our favourite months here at Giffords Hall Vineyard — the vines are lush and full of energy, the wildflowers are blooming along the rows, and the days seem to stretch on forever (in the best way). There’s a real sense of anticipation in the air, and a good bit of excitement too… more on that in a moment!
The Vines Are Blooming
Right now, we’re in the middle of flowering, a key stage in the growing season. It’s when the tiny grape flowers appear, and if the weather behaves, they’ll soon become this year’s grapes. It’s a delicate time — warm, dry conditions are ideal — so we’re all keeping our fingers crossed.
The vineyard team is out every day:
- Tucking in shoots so they grow nice and straight.
- Thinning leaves to let air and light reach the grapes.
- Keeping an eye out for any signs of mildew (it’s not all sunshine and roses!).
There’s a lot of careful work going on behind the scenes, but it’s all worth it when you walk through the vines and feel the place humming with life.
Medal News!
Now for the exciting bit — we’re delighted to share that two of our wines have just picked up medals at the 2025 Independent English Wine Awards.
🥇 Gold for Bacchus 2024
Our Bacchus 2024 has been awarded a Gold Medal, and we couldn’t be prouder. The judges described it as “how Bacchus should be – lovely nose, juicy, mouth-watering, with nice weight.”
Made from our 30-year-old vines and gently fermented to keep things fresh and aromatic, it’s bursting with elderflower, lime, and green apple. It’s dry, crisp, and seriously refreshing — exactly what you want on a sunny afternoon. Pop it in the fridge and enjoy it chilled in the garden, or wherever! Available online and from the Cellar Door Shop from 21st June.
🥈 Silver for Pinot Noir 2023
And that’s not all — our Pinot Noir 2023 picked up a Silver Medal, and we’re just as excited. This one’s light, fruity, and full of character. Think cherries, ripe plum, sweet spice, and those earthy undertones that Pinot lovers adore.
It’s made in small batches from hand-picked Burgundy clone grapes, aged in French oak for ten months, and it’s smooth as anything. Perfect with lamb, duck, or just a quiet evening in.
Available online and from the Cellar Door Shop.
🥉 Bronze for Rosé 2024
And let’s not forget our Rosé 2024, which picked up a Bronze Medal – and we’re absolutely delighted. The judges picked out fruity pear drops and banana on the nose, with a palate that’s clean, soft, and super approachable.
It’s the kind of rosé you’ll keep coming back to – fresh, easygoing, and perfect for sunny afternoons, lazy lunches, or just when you fancy something light and lovely.
Available soon from the cellar door and online – keep an eye out!