Grape expectations as volunteers dig in to produce ‘Downton’ bubbly
DOWNTON Abbey’s real-life setting is a hive of activity – but instead of servants, volunteers are descending on Highclere Castle to help make high-calibre wine.
And unlike the fictional Earl and Countess of Grantham, the Countess Carnarvon is getting her hands dirty, too, by weeding the vines herself. And Lady Fiona, 59, who is married to George, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon – the late Queen’s godson – looked all too happy to push a wheelbarrow about, while being chased by her pet dogs Isla and Poppy.
The custodian of the magnificent country pile, built in 1679 and renovated in 1840, hopes to bottle the first vintage of Château Highclere sparkling wine from grapes in the 2.5-acre Hampshire vineyard next year.
She sought advice on the project from champagne house Perrier-jouët who told her the chalky soil would be ideal. Lady Fiona explained: “I’m not asking people to volunteer for nothing. I’m offering them a guided tour of the castle and its grounds in the afternoon. I’m learning how much we can achieve in a couple of hours.
“I’ve got to sit down and design the Château Highclere label next.”
Among the volunteers at the first vineyard weeding morning were pensioners Jim Stark, 80 and his wife Carolyn, 75, who came with Melissa Koffman, 51 and Amy Davis, 46. The group were all from Tennessee, US, and on holiday in the UK.
All huge fans of the Downton Abbey show and films, they were happy to do a few hours’ work.
The youngest volunteer was Phoebe Russell, 13, who came with her mother Natalie, 39, from Wednesbury in the West Midlands.