Walter Espec, Lord of the Manor of Wardone, founded Warden Abbey on top of the Greensand Ridge in 1135, and the monastery was populated by an abbot and 12 who cared for the vineyard of 40 acres by the end of the 12th Century.
There was no evidence of grape growing after the Monastery was surrendered to the Crown in 1537 until Lady Whitbread replanted part of the vineyard in 1986 and then Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity leased the vineyard from 2010.
We will be treated to a tour of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours which includes a walk and talk around the vineyard discussing the history of the vineyard from its medieval origins to modern times, the varieties of vines and their care, the challenges of growing vines in our climate and the modern English wine industry, as well as the community vineyard project. The tour finishes with a wine tasting. There will be the opportunity to purchase wine.
Access to the vineyard is via a narrow track which can be navigated by a car. The address is Warden Abbey Vineyard, Bedford Road, SG18 9LS. The nearest village is Old Warden and Bedford Road runs from just outside of the village going towards Cardington. Meet in the car park no later than 10.45 for the tour at 11.00.
Contact Details:
See Group Contact.
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