Wishing you a Merry Christmas from Poulton Hill Vineyard
Another year is drawing to a close and we would like to start by wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy New Year.
December is a busy time for vineyard sales, but we are also getting the vineyard ready for winter pruning, which we usually start in January. We must make sure that the vineyard is clear of foliage from leaf drop. If any of the vines have been affected by diseases that affect the leaves, such as downy or powdery mildew, the pathogens can survive the winter on the fallen leaves and affect the vines next year. We are continuing to maintain and replace old supports and wires. We have done a preliminary prune, getting rid of leaves that remain on the vines.
Our vines are now dormant above ground, but the roots are still working hard, burrowing down to take on and retain nutrients. The trunks themselves are storing carbohydrates ready for the new growing season in the spring.
Festive food and wine
In the Cellar Door, we are working hard fulfilling orders from our stockists and from customers. We have also been giving some thought to which wines to pair with festive food.
Our Sloe de Vie is a fantastically refreshing aperitif before the Christmas lunch. Our Bulari sparkling white wine is a great match with a smoked salmon or trout starter (check out our sister company Bibury Trout Farm  for your festive fish), and it will even pair well with your Christmas turkey or goose.
For something a little different, why not try our Arlington Red wine with your festive lunch? It is medium bodied with soft tannins, so will not overpower the turkey, and its berry notes should pair well with cranberry sauce.
Obviously, our Cotswold Brandy is wonderful with mince pies and Christmas pudding, as well making a perfect addition to mulled wine and brandy butter.
And for your New Year celebrations, there is nothing better to add a little fizz to proceedings than our Bulari sparkling white wine.
Whatever you have for Christmas, we hope that you enjoy your time with family and friends.
