Yorkshire vineyard raises glass to bumper first year

A three-generation vineyard operator is toasting success after a bumper first year.

Helme Edge Vineyard has welcomed more than 1000 visitors in its opening 12 months.

And bosses say the venture is set for further expansion, with new tours and tastings set to complement increased stocks.

Nestled in the foothills of the Pennines at Meltham, near Huddersfield, the business is led by Alan Calder, his daughter Fiona Smith and her son Tom.

Producing a rosé and still and sparkling white wines, the company was born in 2017 with 70 vines before growing into a fully-fledged business following the pandemic.

Alan said: “When we launched the vineyard, we hoped people would enjoy coming here for tours and tastings.

“But to welcome 1000 visitors in our first year, with such overwhelmingly positive feedback, has been fantastic.

“We’ve also had a superb harvest in 2025, which means our wine stocks have increased massively, and it has been really encouraging to see so much enthusiasm for what we are doing.”

Tom, who took a brief hiatus in early 2025 to gain winemaking experience in Australia, added: “It’s been amazing to see how much people have taken to our little vineyard.

“From external tastings to adding charcuterie plates to our menu, we are always on the lookout for new ways we can grow our business and enhance our customer experience, so that visiting the vineyard feels like a real occasion.”

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