Celebrating Lokkelebery's First Open Day

On the 3rd and 4th of September 2022, we welcomed over 110 visitors to the young Lokkelebery Vineyard for the first time. It was a very special moment for the team at Lokkelebery, who had been working hard to create a memorable experience for our visitors as they got up close to the vineyard at this unique stage in its life.

As visitors arrived, they were welcomed to site and readied for the special tour of the vineyard. The tour was conducted by vineyard manager Hannah, who took visitors through every stage of the vineyards progression, from wheat to wine. Following this in-depth tour and many wonderful visitor questions, we headed back to the vineyard discovery marquee to explore all that English wine and Lokkelebery has to offer.

Among the exhibitions were the ‘Story of Lokkelebery’, ‘History of English Wine’ and a flavour profile teaser to hint at what we might taste in a future Lokkelebery drop! Our lovely volunteers also provided some kind comments about their experience of Lokkelebery as part of our volunteer display. In addition, visitors were able to walk around our special project vehicles and machinery, which certainly proved a great conversation starter for what the future may hold for Lokkelebery. Finally, an illustrated map by local artist Sally of Sally Ann Designs, beautifully demonstrated the future vision for Lokkelebery and its hospitality area.

And how could we forget the selection of delicious homemade cakes, which went down a real treat with fresh hot and cold drinks! One lucky visitor from each group also walked away with a Lokkelebery goodie bag, which they won as part of the ticket raffle.

We would like to thank all of the wonderful visitors who came to support us at this early stage of the vineyard’s development, and hope to welcome them and many more visitors to future events. Some of their kind comments are below which we are very grateful for. We hope that visitors may continue to follow us on our journey, as we progress towards our first harvest and then bottles of wine.

Also a big thank you to our open day helpers, who helped the days run very smoothly and with plenty of cake!

Stay tuned as Lokkelebery vineyard will be opening its doors for its next event in the not to distant future, with more ways to discover the new Hertfordshire Vineyard established by farmers.

'My wife and I went on the Lokkelebery Vineyard tour on Saturday 3 September. It was a super experience for any wine lover and/or community supporter. The welcome was very warm and parking was ample. The views were a real bonus! The tour started with a lively display about the whole project of viticulture over 15 acres on this beautiful Welwyn farm. We were then taken around the burgeoning vines tour by Hannah, project director. She was very informative, enthusiastic and open to lots of questions. Hannah took us from early planning of soil conditions (away from traditional wheat) to the planting of 25,000 vines of four varieties and all the instalment of substantial metal supports and wiring for the vines. It was fascinating to hear of the extensive use of technology, especially of GPS, in the viticulture. The vines had clearly thrived since the May planting! There were even some grapes in view. Hannah finished the tour by looking to the future of production of 30,000 bottles in 2025 and outlined options for working with English wineries. It was clear from the superbly detailed planning, the engagement of external viticultural expertise, the extensive investment and the sheer enthusiasm of the project managers that Lokkelebery has a tremendous future. Those who toured with us were at one with that great sense of expectation, even before they were treated to delicious home-made cake and refreshments to finish the tour!'

'The tour of the Lokkelebery vineyard was absolutely fascinating. We never imagined there was so much expertise required to grow vines. The in-depth introduction to the site was given by Hannah, the charming and informative vineyard manager, who took us around the long rows of young vines on a hill in the rolling countryside. She kept our interest the whole way round and the one and a half hour tour whizzed by. This arable farm has diversified and with the help of outside expertise, science and the latest technology now has the addition of sustainable viticulture. The whole atmosphere of this area is redolent of a vineyard in Provence. The second part of the tour took place in a marquee where the history of the family, the farm and the evolution of the vineyard was described in a poster presentation over a beverage and cake. We really recommend a visit if this opportunity arises in future.'

'What a fascinating visit to this new vineyard; Hannah told us the story of its implementation from an idea through to where we stood, on this ideal slope with rows of thousands of young vines stretching into the distance. Can’t wait to sample the Lokkelebery wines in a few years time.'

'What an informative tour we had on Sunday... How amazing we could not believe how much they have grwon and even a bunch of small grapes.. Hannah our guide was fab and ready to answer any questions we had... And finished off with fab homemade cakes and drinks. Someone even won a lucky bag! Can't wait to see the next stage.'

'We received a very warm and friendly welcome when we arrived at Lokkelebery Vineyard. Hannah conducted the tour in an informative, professional manner. The attention to detail was obvious, and it was clear that the team had worked very hard to make sure there was lots to see and do. A fantastic morning and we look forward to returning!'

'The tour with Hannah was excellent. I knew very little about vineyards beforehand and she was informative, engaging, and answered everyone's questions brilliantly. The delicious homemade cake at the end was an added bonus! I can't wait to watch the Lokkelebery journey over the next few years, and to try some wine when it's ready!'

'We were very impressed from the start by the warm and friendly welcome and attention to detail given by Liz and her husband, Hannah and the helpers. So much thought had gone into the marquee, with its pictures, historical information, decorations, games and spread of fresh and yummy homemade cakes. The walking tour with Hannah through the grapevines was extremely interesting and educational. She is a natural guide and insightful spokeswoman for her family’s new endeavour and her passion shines through. The wander through the vines was relaxed and it was nice to be able to ask questions along the way and get very detailed answers. It’s such a beautiful location and wandering around afterwards looking at the vintage vehicles that are to be the workhorses of the future wine business was fun. A most lovely way to spend the morning. We wish them the very best and success in this great project and look forward to drinking the results in a few years time!'

Celebrating Lokkelebery’s First Open Day 7 Sep 2022

Lockley Farm

Rental Properties

Legal

Connect