Background

Dr. Hugh Tripp is the owner and winemaker at Avalon Vineyard.  He originally trained in biological research, but then changed direction to pursue the "good life" in the country.  The idea of planting  a vineyard only germinated with purchase of a half acre plot of land.  Vines were planted in 1981 and we were soon blessed with bountiful crops that produced some award-winning wines.  This encouraged a phase of expansion through the late1980's when we planted not only more vines, but a cider orchard and soft-fruit. We also built our winery, shop and semi-underground cellar.

Cider production has continued fairly steadily throughout.  However, there has been a steady increase in the production of fruit wines and mead.  From the outset, we intended to grow everything completely naturally, without using sprays or other chemicals.   Hugh has been helped in all this work by his wife, Hilary, and by many volunteer workers, known as "WWOOFers"* and so the vineyard has gone from strength to strength.  Our land, planted with vines, fruit trees and soft fruits covers 6.5 acres(2.7ha).  Additional, outlying orchards on our organic licence almost double this area.

    *WWOOF originally Working Weekends On Organic Farms, then Willing Workers On Organic Farms, now World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms.  For more information, visit www.wwoof.org               

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