Our outing in November was to the family-run Laurel Vines Vineyard and Winery in Aike. Aike is a small hamlet which lies between Beverley and Driffield, just north of Leconfield. The famous Hairy Bikers visited the vineyard as part of their Go North TV series.
Winter had certainly arrived on the day of the outing as we travelled there in a snowstorm. The roads, fortunately, were clear, but the fields had a good covering of snow. Typical of the British weather, by the afternoon, although it was cold, the snow had stopped, and the sun came out. A highlight of the journey was our coach having to reverse back down a narrow lane to allow a vehicle to pass. Unfortunately, a farmer who was collecting a dead cow from a field had got his pick-up truck stuck, making it difficult to pass.
On arrival at the vineyard, we enjoyed a hot drink. We were then split into two groups and had a tour of the winery. The guides were on hand to answer any questions we had.
Following the tour, we sat down to a lovely afternoon tea. There was plenty on offer, from sandwiches and savouries to the delicious cakes and scones served with clotted cream and jam. A few of us could not eat everything, and so the friendly staff brought out boxes for us to take home our leftovers.
Before going home, some of our members purchased bottles of wine to take home, ready for Christmas.
Shirley Cormack
IN THE COLD OUTDOORSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â VIEWING THE VINES IN THE SNOW
  
A TOUR OF THE WINERYÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ENJOYING AFTERNOON TEA
  
