Pakenham WI News - April 2026

Thursday 9th April 2026
Mike Rhodes was our speaker this month.  He talked about his journey from being a surgeon (he retired in 2013), to winemaker and explained making wine is a science, not an art.
Mike started a small vineyard, needing help and advice and bought some proper equipment – a crusher/destemmer in 2015.  He converted a small shed into a winery, bought tanks, a corking machine and grapes.  The first proper harvest was in 2016. A silver medal was won in 2017. 
In 2018, Mike moved to Thurston and developed the vineyard.  A stable block was converted into a winery and was processing a ton of grapes a day.
With planted vines, pest control was needed – Harris hawk.  The vineyard was awarded best in Eastern England by Oz Clarke.
Hawkswood Vineyard & Winery has tours and a new tasting room.  Next outing for our WI??

Our next meeting is on Thursday 14th May. 
It will be our AGM meeting and we shall elect the committee for 2026-2027 and vote on the resolution.  This will be followed by Andi and Carol’s quiz and more.
Refreshments will follow and give you time to chat with other members.  Do come and join us.

We have our ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ this month.

Pat Addington, President of Pakenham WI.