Lifting wires and thinning fruit: hot work but no need for water
The really very hot June and July has been incredible for the growth in the vineyard, although we have to say a huge thank you to Diogo and the vineyard team for their work in heat. The team is now lifting the growing wires and tying down arms to allow the vines to space out rather than straight up. This allows air to permeate the canopy and the sun to ripen the fruit. We are also undertaking some fruit reduction. While we love a bumper crop, we want quality over quantity. By reducing the amount of fruit, the vine can direct its energy and nutrients into the remaining grapes, allowing them to develop deeper flavours.
Although the weather has been very hot, we have not had to water the vines. Watering the ground around the roots is a waste of water as in very hot weather it evaporates before it reaches the roots. Our vines have very deep roots and are able to reach groundwater. In fact, if we did water the vines it could trick them into growing shallower roots, meaning would have to continue to water them regularly or the roots would dry out in the heat.
August at the Bulari Bar
July brought the heat, the sunshine and so many wonderful Friday evenings at the Bulari Bar. Thank you to everyone who joined us for chilled drinks, great food and those golden Cotswold sunsets. With fingers firmly crossed for more warm weather, we’re moving into August with a fantastic line‑up — including live music from Chloe Marie on Friday 21st August.
The Bulari Bar opens from 5pm to 9pm each Friday, serving Poulton Hill wines, cocktails, local beers and ciders and a range of soft drinks. We have covered and uncovered seating or bring a picnic blanket to sit with your family and friends. Dogs on leads are also welcome.
August Food Vendors
Friday 7th August: Sri-Licious
Friday 14th August: Taste of Punjab
Friday 21st August: Cotswold Cattle Co. + live music from Chloe Marie
Friday 28th August: Gurt Wings
Unwind among the vines: Tours & Tastings
If you wish to learn more about our vineyard and our wines, why not book in for a Tour and Tasting? We have three Saturdays in August (1st, 8th and 14th) where you can join us for a relaxed tour around our vineyard. We will take you through our history and the growing of grapes, then head into our Cellar Door for a guided tasting sampling a selection of our wines.
If you wish to spend more time among our vines, you can book a delicious picnic to enjoy at the vineyard. Each picnic includes a range of quality produce from Saltpig Curing and The Fine Cheese Co, and a selection of crackers, olives and accompaniments. Picnics must be ordered in advance when you purchase your tickets for the Tour and Tasting.
Book your tour and add a picnic at poultonhillestate.co.uk
Stock up for the Bank Holiday
Whatever the weather, we are looking forward to Bank Holiday Monday at the end of the month. It is a great chance to rest before the build-up to harvest. If you are planning a get-together, why not stock up on some wine from Poulton Hill Estate. Pop along to the Cellar Door and you can pick up your bottles or cases at special Cellar Door prices. We also sell wines by the glass at the Cellar Door, so you can sip while you shop.
Help out with harvest
Last year’s harvest was record-breaking, and the signs are looking good for 2026. We would love to welcome you to help us to bring the harvest home. We provide clippers and instructions, just wear some sturdy shoes and some tough gloves, as the clippers are very sharp and the grape juice is sticky! You can help for a few hours or an entire day. Snacks, tea and coffee and a harvest lunch will be provided. Although we cannot give precise dates for the harvest yet, we will contact volunteers nearer the time. Drop us an email with your name and contact details to info@poultonhillestate.co.uk, with the subject line Harvest 2026. There is no obligation to help if you ask to be put on the harvest helpers list.
