1. The Vineyard At Stockcross - California Winemaking In The
UK
Wine-making in the UK has a growing reputation, with some micro-vineyards producing very
respectable varieties. Read on and discover how Californian wines are blossoming in rainy Britain.
Introducing California Wine…
Now, a large number of people consider California to be in the new world category when it comes to
wine making. But that said, many also argue that it should be thought of as the ‘newest old wine
country’. This is due to the fact that California’s winemaking traditions date back to the late 1700’s –
the time when Spanish preachers introduced the skill of winemaking to California from Mexico.
This combination
of nearly 250
years of wine
making,
experience and
knowledge –
along with
modern-day
advances and improvement as well as the perfect climate to grow grapes, makes California one of
the best places in the world when it comes to making the most exquisite wine.
Europe’s Only Exclusive Wine Merchant
This brings us on to the Vineyard Cellars. Founded over a decade ago, the Vineyard Cellars are
Europe’s only exclusive Californian wine merchant – and specialise in small-production and high
quality wine.
Specialising only in California wines, the award winning cellars are part of the Peter Michael
collection - a family owned and managed group that also has the exquisite five star luxurious
‘restaurant with suites’ - The Vineyard at Stockcross, Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa, Donnington
Valley Golf Club.
Peter Michael’s Thirst For Wine

2. In 1982, the Vineyard’s owner - Sir Peter Michael - established the Peter Michael winery on a square
mile of rocky volcanic ridges in Northern California. Once he had his patch, he carefully started
putting together his collection to showcase his true passion for wine.
The Peter Michael Winery
currently produces 14 different
bottlings: 6 Chardonnays, 4 Pinot
Noirs, 2 wines from white
Bordeaux varietals, and 2 wines
from red Bordeaux varietals. With
the exception of our two barrel selection Chardonnays, all of these wines are vineyard specific.
The Perfect Retreat For Wine Lovers
Taking its name and inspiration from the winery in Northern California, guests staying at the
Vineyard at Stockcross will be able to see his passion for wine right away. From a wide-ranging wine
cellar to even the names of Vineyard’s lavish rooms and suites, wine is certainly at the forefront of
everything they do here. And, to really indulge their guests with their love for wine, there’s a range
of special events, breaks and offers centred round the drink in question, too.
The Vineyard at Stockcross is home to a staggering collection of over 2,500 wines, and the hotel still
sources new wines for the already impressive wine list almost every day! With their in house team
of friendly and knowledgeable sommeliers on hand, guests needn’t worry about the huge variety of
choice during their stay at the hotel. They’re there to happily offer suggestions when it comes to
choosing a vino that’s fit for any occasion.
On A Final Note
Andrew Lloyd Webber once said “If you have the remotest interest in wine, you must hasten to this
restaurant (at the Vineyard) immediately. If you really love wine, take a suite for a week.” Perhaps
you should take his advice on board and sample it for your very self?
And when you’re ready to get away from it all, I’d like to invite you visit The Vineyard at Stockcross,
specially selected by the luxury hotel experts at CrispWhiteSheets.com.