The vineyard that grew with the Fenwicks

Paul still splits his time between a weekday job in London and weekends in the vines, while Hester manages life on the land and within the East Brabourne community. “We’re a proper team,” Hester says. “Everyone mucks in – whether it’s compost spreading, bud rubbing or welcoming visitors.”

The children – all teens now – are frequently roped in to lend a hand, from grape picking at harvest to taste-testing soft drinks for the visitor fridge. Even the animals are family: the rescue dogs, cats, ducks and hens all add their charm (and occasional chaos) to the Brabourne experience.

It’s this hands-on, homegrown approach that shapes the vineyard’s welcoming feel. No two tours are ever the same, and visitors often leave with the sense they’ve spent time not just at a vineyard, but in someone’s garden.

"It may take a village to raise a child," says Hester, "but it also takes a community to pick eight tonnes of grapes in a day."

Pop by, pull up a chair, and feel part of the family: brabournevineyard.co.uk