Loading
Hencote
Book A TourBook A TableWine ShopWhat's On
+44 (0)1743 298 444
  • 0Shopping Cart
  • What’s On
  • The View Restaurant
    • Our Menus
    • The Balcony
  • Accommodation
    • The Grange
  • Wine Shop
    • Adopt a Vine
    • Gift Vouchers
  • Tours & Tastings
  • Weddings
    • Special Occasions
  • Corporate
  • About Hencote
    • Hencote Journal
    • Meet The Team
    • Join the Team
    • Contact Us
  • Hencote Wine Awards
  • +44 (0) 1743298444
  • [email protected]
  • Menu Menu

Hencote and The Art of The Amphora

11 March 2020/in blog

Vineyard and winery technology is always evolving, but traditionally the winemaking process has not changed in over 5000 years.

Wine is made when grapes are harvested and pressed, natural yeast transforms the mixture through the process of fermentation into wine which in turn further develops with maturation.

Ancient method

While there are many techniques used in winemaking, at Hencote we have embraced one ancient method which has allowed us to go back to basics in line with our philosophy of less is more.

The use of terracotta clay amphora as a winemaking vessel precedes the oak barrel and in recent times has not been considered in your conventional methods for making and storing wine but at Hencote we recognise the quality attributes from their use for our premium wines. After the grapes have been carefully sorted and processed our wines complete their fermentation in our amphoras.

What is interesting is that the egg shape of the amphora creates natural turbulence which can be worked with to rather gently guide the creation of the end wine.

Cycle of nature

Our view is that amphorae support the approach of understanding and working with the cycle of nature and takes the winemaker back to the original roots of winemaking – there is no need for modern technology.

Currently, the five amphorae we have contain premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines now resting in maturation from the 2019 harvest. The wine will eventually be disturbed after ten months in preparation for the rigorous bottling process during the last weeks before harvest in September.

Finally, each amphora must be cleaned, so to ensure that their unique individual character is maintained, they only get a thorough hot water rinse, which is a tough job in itself – just ask Gavin the next time you see him!

If you would like a tour of our winery and finish with a tasting of some of our Estate wines then you can email [email protected] or call 01743 298 444 for more information.

https://www.hencote.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/the-art-of-the-amphora.jpg 683 1024 admin@hencote https://www.hencote.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hencote-words-Logo-313-x-313-300x300.png admin@hencote2020-03-11 13:59:242022-02-15 14:04:12Hencote and The Art of The Amphora

Latest News

  • Tours, tastings, and telling stories.
  • The Evolution of Evolution: Our Regional Sparkling Wine Journey
  • Brian’s Blog: Pinot Noir
  • Vine to Wine: August
  • Vine to Wine: July
  • Vine to Wine: June
  • Meet The Team- Vivienne Stevens
  • Hencote Wins 3 Silvers at The International Wine Challenge Awards
  • The Hencote Hideout
  • Hencote Wines Awarded Silver and Bronze at Decanter World Wine Awards
  • Vineyard Update – Budburst, Frost Nights and the Start of the 2020 Vintage!
  • Vineyard Update – preparing the vines for the upcoming 2020 vintage
  • What makes a great sparkling wine?
  • New look online wine shop
  • Coronavirus Update
  • Hencote and The Art of The Amphora
  • Four great red wines for the colder weather
  • In The Vineyard – February
  • February events at Hencote
  • In The Vineyard

Address: Hencote, Crosshill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 3AB

Telephone: 01743 298 444

Email Us: [email protected]

RESTAURANT DINING TIMES

Monday & Tuesday  Closed
Wednesday to Saturday 9am – 10pm
Sunday 9am – 8pm (last food order 4:30pm)           

WINE SHOP OPENING TIMES

Monday 9am – 5pm                                                                                   
Tuesday – Sunday 9am – late

Useful Links

  • What’s On
  • Book A Table
  • Book A Vineyard Tour
  • Wine Shop
  • Weddings
  • Corporate & Private Hire
  • Blog
  • Join the Team

Site Support

  • Website Terms of Use
  • About Us
  • Meet The Team
  • History of Hencote
  • Shrewsbury Care Community – Associate Company
  • Careers
Gold Award- Bridebook

© 2025 Hencote. All rights reserved – Registered in England and Wales | Company No. OC396006

Terms & Conditions | Cookie Policy | Privacy Policy

Scroll to top
Create a new list