In Bristol, a diesel train arrives approximately every 20 minutes at a station adorned with graffiti, while surrounding commuters navigate deteriorating fencing amidst gathering rain clouds. In this unexpected environment, James Bayliss-Smith has cultivated 40 grapevines on his allotment, strategically located between 1930s homes and a railway line. Bayliss-Smith, aged 46 and a documentary cameraman, is part of a growing community of urban vintners in Bristol, which informally connects via a WhatsApp group named Grape Expectations.
Currently, Bayliss-Smith’s vineyard is the only one featured in the forthcoming Urban Vineyards Association world atlas. This atlas documents urban vineyards around the globe, including notable sites in cities like Paris and Turin. The association aims to promote urban viticulture as a means of enhancing city greenspaces and supporting biodiversity. Its president, Nicola Purrello, notes that vineyards can aid in preserving land for agriculture amidst urban development.
Bayliss-Smith tends to a variety of grape he received from a previous tenant, with uncertain origins but noted resistance to disease. Other local growers also participate actively in this communal movement. For instance, Katy Grant, who inherited her vineyard from previous homeowners, emphasizes her commitment to maintaining the vineyard’s legacy. Jo Scofield, another member, manages over 150 vines in the Avon Gorge, where she enjoys the satisfaction of producing natural wine through traditional foot-stomping methods.
Collectively, these urban vintners face common challenges, including adverse weather and local wildlife. They frequently unite to pick grapes and share the wine-making process, highlighting a communal spirit around their urban agriculture efforts. Bayliss-Smith encourages others to explore vineyard cultivation in their own gardens, promoting the notion that winemaking can be a rewarding endeavor for anyone.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/oct/18/bristols-backyard-vineyards-foot-stomping-grapes-in-the-garden