The Rutland Vineyard team are getting ready to host their annual pick your own (PYO) sunflower event.

Since they opened in 2021, the team have hosted a range of community-focused events and fundraisers, including their PYO sunflower event, which will be going into its third year this summer.

Located on top of a narrow ridge between the rivers Welland and Chater, 70m above sea level and facing south Rutland Vineyard is located in a prime part of the county, on the border with Stamford.

160 million years ago, the land would have been England's south coast, meaning that it is made up of jurassic soils and minerals, creating a distinctive taste and stunning scenery, great for growing not only grapes, but sunflowers too.

As such, the team host their annual PYO sunflower event to raise the profile of the young business and to support local charities. This year, the are fundraising for Don't Lose Hope, a local mental health charity.

The Bourne-based charity offers a professional counselling service for all members of the community aged four and up.  This is a free service for families and individuals receiving certain state benefits, and is affordable to others.

The service is delivered by a team of qualified and experienced counsellors, in private fully equipped counselling rooms. The team rely on fundraising to ensure that they can continue to provide support within the local community.

PYO sunflowers at Rutland Vineyard on 9 September 2023. Image credit: Nub News.

Rutland Vineyard will be hosting their £10 all-you-can-pick fundraising day in support of the group.

While the event normally takes place over the August bank holiday weekend, this year's challenging weather and replanting has delayed the harvest.

As such, the team will be hosting the event on 9 September from 11am until 6pm.

The tasting barn will be open, and visitors are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, as the popular event is usually a busy one.

All you need to do is bring your secateurs and £10, and the team will provide everything else you need to pick as many sunflowers as you can carry!

Check out our What's On page for more local events, fundraisers and community projects.

Find Rutland Vineyard at:

Barrowden Road

Ketton

PE9 3RJ