Forty Hall Vineyards

Forty Hall Vineyard has put the unlikely location of Enfield, North London on the map when it comes to organic English wines. 

This is the only commercial scale vineyard in London, the first in the capital since the Middle Ages in fact. And they’re doing great things besides making top-quality still and sparkling wines too. 

Based at Capel Manor College, Forty Hall Vineyard is primarily volunteer-led. That’s because an ecotherapy project is woven into the production of their wines, which all profits help support. 

Volunteers immerse themselves in the horticultural activity of the vineyard, get out in a beautiful green setting and keep active – all of which can give mental and physical health a boost. It’s an opportunity for people to make new connections too – another positive for the local community’s wellbeing.

Among the grape varieties grown on Forty Hall Vineyard’s 10-acre south-facing plot are Bacchus and Ortega. These find their way into two distinctive single variety still dry white wines.

And to create the award-winning London Sparkling Brut, they use Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir and follow the traditional Champagne method, allowing fermentation to happen in the bottle. 

Sustainability is a priority too. Forty Hall Vineyard crafts their wine using eco-friendly farming and organic vine-growing practices, with as little intervention as possible. So if natural wines and supporting good causes are your jam, give these a try.