Can you imagine packing up your life as you know it, in the land locked midlands, to run a vineyard on a tiny island in the Atlantic, that you had visited once? That is exactly what James and Holly did! I am sharing a conversation with this inspiring couple to find out more about their experiences of becoming islanders, viticulturists and winemakers.
James was (and still is!) an ecologist doing lots of plant, bat and other protected species surveys (to name just a few of his jobs) and Holly worked as a project manager for John Deere. Their combined skills and passion are reflected in St. Martin’s Vineyard which has such a wonderful energy. The vineyard is teaming with wildlife and a hive of activity. James and Holly make wine, beer, cider and apple juice, alongside building and running their gorgeous shepherds’ huts.
How did you find yourselves buying a vineyard and moving to St. Martins?
It’s a funny story really! We came on holiday to Scilly in 2018 – it was our first time on the islands and we totally fell in love! We visited the vineyard on a day trip to St Martin’s and got chatting with Val & Graham who established the vineyard in the mid-90’s. They mentioned that they were thinking of retiring, did we know anyone who fancied taking on a vineyard… I think we both instantly knew that this was too good a chance to miss! It was a total departure from anything we’d ever done before (although we had made a lot of homebrew!) but we took a leap and couldn’t be happier.
Despite moving to Scilly in lockdown, you seem to have taken to island life in such a positive way! What have you discovered about island life that has surprised you?
I think we were initially bowled over by just how friendly and welcoming everyone was, and how everyone really looks out for each other here. We’re both from small villages but the sense of community here really is something special.
Is there anything about mainland life that you miss?
I think the only thing we really miss are family & friends back in Nottingham, although they do seem to enjoy coming to visit…! Otherwise, it feels like this is where we were always supposed to be.
You have both been working super hard at the vineyard and learning lots of new skills along the way. What have been your main priorities with the vineyard?
The vineyard has always been managed sensitively, but our first priority was to take this to the next level and transition towards a more regenerative style of management which is now really paying off in terms of vine and soil health. We also wanted to broaden our offering for visitors too, so we’ve started making lots of other things alongside the wine, such as apple juice, cider, beer and now traditional Cornish Shrub – so there really is something for everyone!
We think of the vineyard very much as an ecosystem in its own right, and we want everything that lives here to thrive, not just the vines. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do; we try to tread as lightly as we can on the land, so we don’t use any chemicals (no pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or synthetic fertilisers), and all of our equipment is battery powered (mostly from our own solar panels) so we’re now 100% fossil-fuel free. We chip and compost all our prunings so that we can put that organic matter back into the soil, and we package the vast majority of our products in reclaimed bottles saved for us by our island neighbours. All these little things add up; we were able to sequester over 12 tons of carbon on the vineyard last year – and you can see the impact that makes when you walk around, there is so much life here - insects, birds, plants & all the small critters like the Scilly shrew… We really love sharing this with our visitors and hope that people might take away some ideas on how to bring a bit of wilderness to their own gardens!
I know people would love to know if they can visit your vineyard? (*spoiler, you can even stay there!)
Of course! We’re open for tours and tastings all summer from April through to October, and everything is self-guided so people can take their time and enjoy their tour and tasting the wines at their own pace. If you’re not a wine-fan, you can always try a beer tasting flight, a cider or apple juice, and you’re very welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy between the vines! Tours are free every Friday in 2024 too – just take a look at our website for opening times before your visit. And if you wanted to spend a little longer on the vineyard, we have two shepherds huts available year round, in their own private meadow just a stones throw from Par beach. You can find out more on our website, www.stmartinsvineyard.co.uk .
When you aren’t working hard, what is your favourite way to spend a day off on the islands?
Nothing beats a good walk, lunch at one of the amazing eateries on the island, followed by an afternoon on the beach – and we’re so lucky to have the white sands of Par beach literally seconds from our door! If we get chance, exploring the other islands still feels like a bit of a novelty for us – I’m always amazed at how different each island feels when you step off the boat, and with so many talented crafts-people, makers and growers on the islands, we always come home with a bagful of goodies!
Finally, do you have a favourite P & P product?
I love all the P&P products, but for me the Facial Oil is indispensable! The nature of our work means we spend a lot of time outdoors in all weathers, so the extra nourishment is really great for my skin & stops me looking too weatherbeaten! I love that you use the seaweed from our shores so whenever I travel, I can take a little bit of St Martin’s with me.
James and Holly thank you so much for your time, I am looking forward to my next vineyard visit already! And if you would like to visit, just check their website here for opening times.
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