THE Forest of Dean’s rich history has been honoured in a new range of local wines which will soon be available to enjoy.

Flaxley’s Kingsthorne Wine Estates is preparing to introduce wines which were inspired by the Forest’s extraordinary history, drawing on local stories to give each cuvée its own identity.

The wine range includes Earl Milo Solaris, White Monk Chardonnay, Iron Earth Pinot Noir and The Perverse Widow Rose.

James Cole, Sales and Marketing Manager for Kingsthorne Wine Estates said using names such as this and keeping heritage alive is critical.

He said: “It’s extremely important. We feel like we’re just the latest custodians of the land, and the one thing viticulture teaches you is you need to look after the land, the vines and everything around you. We’re taking all that heritage, continuing it and telling that story of the heritage through our wines, and honouring the people that have gone before us.”

Each wine has a story that connects Kingsthorne’s vineyard to the landscape and the almost 900 years of heritage.

East Milo Solaris is named from the Sheriff of Gloucester killed during the Anarchy and the Abbey built on the spot where he fell during the 12th century. He was a key figure in the Plantagenet dynasty ascending to the English throne.

White Monk Chardonnay, draws upon the Cistercian monks who founded the Abbey in 1151 and who built a medieval hub of iron industry in the valley that lasted into the 19th century.

Iron Earth Pinot Noir, celebrates the Forest's long relationship with ironworking and highlights the red-ochre of the soil and stone. The Perverse Widow Rosé is inspired by Catharina Boevey, owner of the Abbey in the 17th century whose philanthropy earnt her a memorial in Westminster Abbey.

James added: “Stories are a really big part of selling wine. The French concept of terroir is that wine is very much about a place and it expresses that place. It expresses the soil, the wind, the humans that worked the fields and it’s very sensitive to that.

“That’s what we want to do with our wines. Be part of the Forest of Dean’s terroir and express it through the wine.”

These wines are still awaiting labelling to be agreed, but it is hoped the wines will be ready for the public to enjoy this month or next month.

Vineyard in Flaxley Kingsthorne
A shot of a vineyard at Kingsthorne (Iliffe Media)

Kingsthorne has some ambitious potential plans for the future, including refurbishment of the wine bar area, a farm shop, tasting room and restaurant.

However, the full vision of the land may not come to fruition for some time yet. Meanwhile though, events such as a Mosaic workshop and Christmas Fayre are planned for this year.

There is often things happening at Kingsthorne. Every Friday, since August a food van arrives and the wine bar is open to the public.

Various types of food vans have attended over the months, with one of the most recent being Sicilian, allowing for meatballs and pizza.

You can find out more about what’s going on at Kingsthorne Wine Estates by visiting its website.