Harvesting starts at Goose Beck Vineyard west of York

At the Goose Beck Vineyard between Tockwith and Bilton-in-Ainsty, picking began two weeks ago, which hopefully by next summer will lead to the first bottles available from the cellar door.

The family-run business was established in 2020 by Paul and Lisa Chasney, who bought the 44-acre Bilton Grange site in 2018.

As the Press reported earlier this year, the couple came up with the idea of the vineyard during the pandemic. They have been joined by their two daughters Antonia and Felicity.

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Last Friday, the family were picking Phoenix grapes, along with Solaris and Bacchus, helped by a group of volunteers.

Solaris and Phoenix will make a still white wine and Bacchus a sparkling white.

Paul said: “The harvest has been really good so far. Our vines are at the maturing stage, four or five years old mostly.”

Winemaker Antonia Chasney confirmed the weather has been good, which has also helped soft fruits, though some vines were lost in June frosts.

The family expect to pick about 1 to 1.2 tonnes of grapes from their 14,000 vines, 60 per cent of which are producing grapes. Those that aren’t producing grapes, such as those near the front of the property, are still too young.

Lisa Chasney enjoying the harvesting(Image: Darren Greenwood)

The family have produce a tiny amount of wine for their own use, but this year’s is the first crop that will be bottled for sale next year.

Pressing was to take place that Friday afternoon and evening, with the fermentation process starting in October.

Fermentation takes up to ten days and then wine is left to mature.

It is then blended to make separate varieties.

Paul said: “We aim to bottle for Easter, ready for next summer. Our aim is to do tours and tastings next June.”

In vineyards the volunteers, mainly family, friends and locals, had been busy.

Louise Munnoch from near Ilkley said she enjoying getting outside and the camaraderie with others.

Paul and Antonia Chasney with the vines(Image: Darren Greenwood)

She told the Press: “It’s a good form of exercise and learning a new skill.”

Dawn Kennett from Tockwith had come for the experience.

Dawn said: "It’s very pleasant to be involved in and one day you will be drinking the fruits of your work.”

Goose Beck is named after the Geese that often fly over, and the volunteers had seen many red kites.

Lisa Chasney said: “It’s nice for the community to get behind. It’s a good community activity. You get to know people and enjoy the fresh air.”

Lisa, Paul and the volunteers will be working under the instruction of Antonia, who has trained in winemaking.

Dawn Kennet of Tockwith is looking forward to her first drop of Goose Beck(Image: Darren Greenwood)

During lunch, Paul said he drinks English Wine as he likes to compare.

The UK is increasingly known for its wines, usually white but sometimes red.

And last week, an English sparkling wine was named the world’s best fizz by the International Wine Committee, beating rivals from across the Channel for the first time.

The Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs Magnum 2016 from Sussex costs £50 a bottle, but there are several cheaper alternatives.