Our Family Farm

Rowles Farm is a third-generation family-run farm and vineyard located in West Ilsley, Berkshire, managed by the Carlisle family. Our family's history with the farm dates back to 1969, when Norman and Anne Carlisle took on a three-generation tenancy from the Lockinge Estate.

The farm was later passed down to Peter and Sandra Carlisle, who now run the business alongside the next generation: Georgie, Will and Tom.

Today, we manage approximately 600 hectares of arable crops, including oilseed rape, barley and wheat, with supply contracts including Warburtons and Corrs/Carling. Alongside the arable enterprise, the farm also runs 250 breeding ewes and 250 ewe lambs, as well as 50 head of cattle, maintaining a diverse mixed-farming system.

In 2020, we diversified further by establishing a vineyard. 6.5 hectares of vines were planted with Seyval Blanc, Pinot Noir and Bacchus, varieties well suited to the English climate. The vineyard began producing wine in 2024, marking an exciting new chapter for the farm.

Scroll to the left and right to discover our farms and families history

1969
1969
The Beginning...Rowles Farm is founded by our Grandfather, Norman. A man of vision and quiet determination, he plants the now-iconic kissing trees atop the hill — a landmark that has marked the entrance to our farmland ever since, and the inspiration behind our vineyard logo.
1980s
1980s
The Family Grows...Peter studies Agriculture at Reading University before returning to work alongside Norman. He meets Sandra at a Young Farmers' Party, and together they raise three children — Will, Tom and Georgie — on the farm, laying the foundations for the third generation.
2015
2015
A New Chapter...Peter and Sandra purchase Rowles Farm as sitting tenants. What had always been home became officially, permanently theirs — the start of a bold new chapter.
2020
2020
The Vineyard is Born...Covid brings the family back together on the farm. Inspired by years of travelling through Italian vineyards, Georgie turns a long-held dream into reality and the Rowles Vineyard begins to take shape.
Today
Today
Farm, Vineyard & Family...two generations now work side by side at Rowles, with the next generation arriving already with Beatrice, Monty and Ophelia in tow. The kissing trees still stand. The values still hold. And the best is still to come.

Discover the wines that are a tribute to the land we call home...