English Sparkling Wine Book

Ancient Land, Pastures New: The Unfiltered Journey Behind England’s Top Sparkling Wines

Written by Christopher Cooke, Ancient Land, Pastures New takes readers on an intimate journey through the demanding world of creating a boutique English vineyard. Blending personal diary entries, viticultural insights, and humorous anecdotes, Cooke’s narrative sheds light on the gritty process of organic wine production. As an ex- chairman of one of England’s wine regions, Cooke offers a well-informed perspective on the burgeoning English wine scene. His tale is one of persistence, partnership, and the unyielding ambition to cultivate excellence.

“This book is at its best when you read it as a diary – chatty, informative, sometimes quite private, sometimes positively philosophical. And always honest. As Christopher says, “Life in the vineyard would not be the same without the regular existential crisis.” And so it proves as Christopher battles frosts, pests, the English weather and Brexit.” – Oz Clarke, OBE

For anyone who has ever dreamed of owning a vineyard or wondered about the journey from grape to glass, Christopher Cooke’s new book, Ancient Land, Pastures New, offers a compelling and authentic view of the English wine industry. With ten years of hard-won experience, Cooke recounts his and his partner’s dedication to crafting exquisite English sparkling wine on a small yet vineyard in West Berkshire. From bitter frosts to golden harvests, Cooke takes readers through the annual rhythms of vineyard life, sharing both triumphs and challenges with humor and heart. This is a tale of passion, persistence, and the art of winemaking against all odds.

Can You Share With Us One Of The Most Memorable Experiences You’ve Enjoyed With A Glass of Bubbly?

“As those who have planted a vineyard from scratch will know, one has to have the patience of Job… and a strong back. It was three years before we could take our first crop (a very small one) and then another 2 and a half years before we could pop the cork on our first vintage. There were sleepless nights and plenty of worries that the results might be undrinkable. When we tasted the first glass it was a sense of great relief that it was not too bad!” – Christopher Cooke – Author of Ancient Land, Pastures New & Founder of Winding Wood Vineyard

In Ancient Land, Pastures New, Cooke reflects on the highs and lows of cultivating vines in an unpredictable English climate. Told in monthly chapters, the book combines diary entries with thoughtful commentary on organic practices and regenerative viticulture. As one of England’s most experienced boutique wine producers, Cooke captures the painstaking attention required to grow healthy grapes while balancing the whims of nature. From the humble beginnings of a hobby vineyard to producing sparkling wines for the country, Cooke’s story is a masterclass in patience, skill, and the resilience needed to achieve greatness in English wine.

“An invaluable insight into the rigours and near obsession needed to produce healthy grapes and distinctive wines. This book will either inspire you or put you off having a vineyard.” – Hugo Stewart, Domaine Hugo

If You Could Choose A Person In The World, Past Or Present, To Have A Glass of Bubbly With; Who Would It Be And Why? What Would You Drink And Why? What Would You Discuss?

“If I had to choose it would narrow to a shortlist between Winston Churchill (1987 – 1965) and Madam Clicquot (1777-1866): one who drank a huge quantity of champagne throughout his long life and the other who built a great wine business in the face of huge obstacles from her male counterparts. Both would be great dinner companions. Churchill enjoyed his wine and said famously that “Champagne is the wine of civilization and the oil of government.” I feel sure that if he lived today he would be a great supporter and imbiber of English sparkling wine, not only as a patriot but as a man who resided at Chartwell in Kent. Throughout his life his brand of choice was Pol Roger. Perhaps today he would enjoy a glass of Winding Wood produced by one of his distant relatives!” – Christopher Cooke – Author of Ancient Land, Pastures New & Founder of Winding Wood Vineyard

Ancient Land, Pastures New is available from all good bookshops or directly through Winding Wood Vineyard’s website at £17.50. Visit Winding Wood Vineyard for more details on the book and Cooke’s award-winning wines.

What Future Plans Can Enthusiasts of Winding Wood Vineyard Look Forward to In The Coming Years?

“The future is looking rosy. 2024 was a landmark year for us when we won two top English trophies for our brut rosé 2020 against strong competition and 5 gold medals. We will finally become a certified organic producer at the end of this year having converted to regenerative and biodynamic viticulture in our boutique vineyard for the last 3 years. The results are impressive. Out of the 1000 vineyards in England and Wales, only 30 or so are organic; and of those 30, only a handful are biodynamic. In 2025, we will release our brut 2020 and our brut rosé 2022. The following year we will release our first blanc de noirs and blanc de blancs.” – Christopher Cooke – Author of Ancient Land, Pastures New & Founder of Winding Wood Vineyard

About the Author: Christopher Cooke is a respected figure in the English wine industry, known for his passion, expertise, and dedication to organic viticulture. With over ten years of experience in cultivating a boutique vineyard in West Berkshire, he has established Winding Wood Vineyard as a producer of English sparkling wines. You can buy his book on the Winding Wood Vineyard website here.