Sister act uncorking ambitions for future at vineyard near Stourbridge

The future of a successful vineyard near Stourbridge is beginning to mature, with a third generation of the family preparing to carry the torch.

Although owners Clive and Lisa Vickers remain firmly at the helm at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate, nestled in the South Staffordshire countryside, daughters Imogen and Emily are beginning to uncork their own ambitions and carve out their own paths in the industry, gaining the experience that will one day see them take over the family business.

Imogen, aged 23, has recently taken up a role with BerryWorld’s production team after graduating in Agri Food Marketing Business, while Emily, aged 21, is in her second year at Harper Adams University studying Agri Business Management.

Both have grown up immersed in the vineyard and say their long-term ambitions lie firmly within the family business.

“We both want to follow in their footsteps one day, but we have a lot of things to learn and do first. In 10 years from now, we might be ready. There has never been any pressure on us to go down this route, and Dad has always made it clear that he’d rather us go off and chase our own dreams, but we’ve grown up around winemaking since we were little and it’s what we both want to do,” said Imogen.

“It’s all we’ve ever known,” added Emily. “If we didn’t enjoy it then it would be difficult to imagine us being here in the future, but we love it.”

The sisters are already bringing a fresh perspective to the business, combining their academic studies with practical experience. Imogen has also gained international insight through time spent working at vineyards in Australia and New Zealand, strengthening the family’s long-term vision.

Clive believes their attitude and work ethic will stand them in good stead.

“They understand that nothing comes easily and that, sometimes in life, you’ve got to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in. They are willing to do all the menial tasks without being asked and they’ve both got a work ethic that makes me and their mum extremely proud.”

The focus on the future comes amid continued development of the estate. Its on-site restaurant has recently undergone refurbishment, creating a modern and welcoming space that complements the vineyard’s heritage setting.

A key feature of the redesign is ‘Martin’s Snug’, a dedicated area named in honour of Martin Vickers, Imogen and Emily’s grandfather, who founded the estate in 1983. Overlooking the vines, which are now entering the budburst phase, the space reflects the history and evolution of the business.