Vines were first planted in this area of Bedfordshire in medieval times by monks at the Cistercian Abbey of Warden. There was no evidence of grape-growing after the abbey was surrendered to the Crown in 1537, until Lady Whitbread replanted part of the Vineyard in 1986. The Whitbread family produced award-winning wines right up until their final vintage in 2008. Since 2010 Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity has leased the vineyard and developed it as a resource for the local community.
At the open day we joined a guided tour and learned about the varieties of grape that are grown and how they are tended by volunteers throughout the year. There was also an opportunity to taste and buy the wine that is produced.
There were a number of stalls selling locally produced food and drink as well as entertainment from Letchworth Morris Men.
It was a nice afternoon out and hopefully we'll visit again when they next have an open day or other event.
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