About
Yew Tree Vineyard is the project of Ed, Gem, and their wider family.
The 70 metres above sea level site has been in Ed’s family for four generations, taking many agricultural forms over the years.
After an inspiring trip to New Zealand in 2007, Ed decided its next chapter would be defined by long, neat rows of vines. Simple.
Well, not really! but after years learning all he could about viticulture through distance learning from Hawkes Bay Univesity and working on a range of vineyards in Essex, Ed's dedication and knowledge has resulted in what you can see today.
The 5 hectare site has 14,000 vines, split between 5 varieties; Ortega, Bacchus, Richensteiner, Seyval Blanc and Pinot Noir, all of which have been chosen for their versatility. The first phase was planted in 2015, with the second block planted in 2020.
The vineyard has been woven into the Mitcham family story ever since Ed and Gem met: from getting engaged at the gateway, to hosting their wedding just six months after the first planting, to providing an open space during the early days of parenthood.
Then came 2025. A summer of dry weather and blazing temperatures led to a harvest to remember. The stars aligned, and after years of selling grapes wholesale to wineries across the country, Yew Tree was finally able to fulfill its ambition—producing its very first own label wines.
So, let us introduce you to Bacchus, Ortega, and Rosé— a collection of English still wines for every palate.
Each hand-drawn design featuring on the labels is inspired by the life among the vines. The Bacchus label reflects the vineyard’s geology—chalk, greensand, and flint—while the Ortega features running hares, and the Rosé captures the chancers- magpies. Designed by Gem- an illustrator and creative practitioner, who is passionate about bringing the world of wine together with the arts. So watch this space on how these two worlds will intertwine further...
Although the journey began in 2015, this next phase feels like a new beginning as we bring our wines to the wider world.
So here it goes…
Yew Tree Vineyard is the project of Ed, Gem, and their wider family.The 70 metres above sea level site has been in Ed’s family for four generations, taking many agricultural forms over the years.After an inspiring trip to New Zealand in 2007, Ed decided its next chapter would be defined by long, neat rows of vines. Simple. Well, not really! but after years learning all he could about viticulture through distance learning from Hawkes Bay Univesity and working on a range of vineyards in Essex, Ed's dedication and knowledge has resulted in what you can see today.The 5 hectare site has 14,000 vines, split between 5 varieties; Ortega, Bacchus, Richensteiner, Seyval Blanc and Pinot Noir, all of which have been chosen for their versatility. The first phase was planted in 2015, with the second block planted in 2020.The vineyard has been woven into the Mitcham family story ever since Ed and Gem met: from getting engaged at the gateway, to hosting their wedding just six months after the first planting, to providing an open space during the early days of parenthood. Then came 2025. A summer of dry weather and blazing temperatures led to a harvest to remember. The stars aligned, and after years of selling grapes wholesale to wineries across the country, Yew Tree was finally able to fulfill its ambition—producing its very first own label wines. So, let us introduce you to Bacchus, Ortega, and Rosé— a collection of English still wines for every palate.Each hand-drawn design featuring on the labels is inspired by the life among the vines. The Bacchus label reflects the vineyard’s geology—chalk, greensand, and flint—while the Ortega features running hares, and the Rosé captures the chancers- magpies. Designed by Gem- an illustrator and creative practitioner, who is passionate about bringing the world of wine together with the arts. So watch this space on how these two worlds will intertwine further...Although the journey began in 2015, this next phase feels like a new beginning as we bring our wines to the wider world.So here it goes…