Who we are
Forty Hall Vineyard (FHV) is London's only commercial scale vineyard, reintroducing wine production to the city for the first time since the Middle Ages. We are also a Social Enterprise, delivering health and wellbeing benefits to local people and making seriously good, award winning, certified organic wine.
Our 10 acre vineyard contains 13,500 vines that are largely looked after by a group of dedicated, local volunteers who tend the vines throughout the year; come rain or shine. FHV has been given the rarely awarded status of "Garden of Sanctuary", recognising the restorative benefits of being within our green space.
Where we are
Our vineyard is set in the historic grounds of Forty Hall Estate, on Capel Manor College's Forty Hall Farm, in Enfield, North London.
Why volunteer with us
FHV offers teams of up to 40 people, an opportunity to get together in a restorative environment for a rewarding, nature-connecting and team bonding experience. Teams also benefit from an opportunity to put something back into the local community and to work together on a unique project, outside of their usual day-to-day responsibilities. These sessions also help organisations meet their corporate and social responsibility targets.
Team days help us with the essential practical work needed to maintain our vineyard so that we can produce a high yield of grapes to make our wines. Income from the wines and team days provides vital funding to pay for the resources needed to maintain our vineyard so that we can deliver health and wellbeing activities for local people. Your team day will really make a difference to our project.
FAQ's
What does FHV offer corporate groups? Outdoor Team Building and horticultural volunteering at London's only commercial vineyard.
Where is the vineyard? In a beautiful rural setting in North London, overlooking the City. Accessible by train from the city or car, via the M25 or A10 from East and Central London. Postcode EN2 9HA. There's plenty of free parking on the Estate. For more information see Find Us.
What time of year do you offer team days? From March until August.
How many people can we bring? Up to 40 people.
What are the times for the team days? We can be flexible, but recommend the following:
Option 1: 9.15am - 1.30pm: A working session in the vineyard
Option 2: 9.15am - 3pm: Working session, lunch and wine tasting
What tasks will we be undertaking on the day? Outdoor vineyard activities. Typical (and essential) tasks are mulching, weeding, applying feed, shoot thinning, trellis wire moving. Basic training/demonstrations will be given on the day.
Is lunch included? No it isn't but you can bring a picnic or we can put you in touch with a great local bakery or there is a pub close by. Some teams have ordered in pizzas.
How much does a team day cost? £30 per volunteer (plus VAT).
Why do you charge for these sessions? This is essential funding for us and any income is put back into our mental health and wellbeing projects.
Is wine tasting available? Yes, we can provide tastings at extra cost. We recommend 1 bottle per 15 people of each wine for tasting. Wines are available to purchase at the end of the Team Day. As an aside, for individuals, we run tours and wine tasting sessions on the 2nd Sunday of the month from April until September.
What will we need to bring? Comfortable clothing for outdoor pursuits, sturdy walking boots or wellies (no heels or sandals), trousers (rather than shorts, to protect against nettles), waterproofs if forecast to rain, a sun or rain hat, sun tan lotion, water, snacks, picnic blanket and hand sanitiser. Gloves and all tools will be provided.
Are there rooms available for hire? There may be rooms to hire from Forty Hall Farm, subject to availability.
Do you offer activities for those with back injuries? Yes, we can arrange for more gentle activities.
Is the vineyard wheelchair accessible? Unfortunately not.
Do you provide a risk assessment? We will provide a risk assessment that covers general guidelines for teams attending the farm and vineyard. We will also talk to you about your own safety measures as an organisation so that we can work together to minimise risks.
If needs be, can we reschedule at short notice? Yes, in extenuating circumstances, such as train strikes or extreme weather conditions.
To book or for more information, contact us.
