Wine tasting

A visit was organised by Rotarian Ian Birrell to the Three Sisters Vineyard at Claxby for Rotarians and partners on Monday 17^th June.

The weather during Monday was somewhat poor but the evening turned out to be  very pleasant with late sun and some warmth.

We were met by David Lofthouse (owner of the vineyard)who gave us a conducted tour.He is an industrial chemist by training but decided on a career change by owning a vineyard. Having made the decision it took him two years to find suitable land,location and a property.The site (in claxby)is sheltered from the cold north and east winds by the Wolds  and has a gentel slope.The soil is generally light and free draining.

In 2002 they began planting vines and now have 1675.There are 6 varieties and all suitable for this region.

They fruit at different times ,which makes harvesting easier,and they produce white,pink and red wines.The vinery was quite tiny and the juice is feremented in plastic barrels.It is only put into bottles when necessary.

After the tour we had Lincolnshire cheese with biscuits and we tasted  four wines.(three whites and one red).A number of bottles were purchased.

President Nigel thanked David and his wife for a very informative visit and a pleasant evening.