Rooted in history since 1876
at White Heron
In the rolling fields of our Herefordshire farm, grows a tiny currant. Rarely seen and little known, this succulent fruit is harvested under the summer sun and carefully crafted into the very finest cassis. At White Heron we use a technique similar to winemaking in order to perfectly capture the intensity of freshly picked British blackcurrants. Once the blackcurrant juice has fermented naturally with champagne yeast, we blend it with a little vodka to fortify and add sugar to bring out the rich fruity flavour.
1876 – 1895
The legacy begins
Since its acquisition by the Green family in 1876, Whittern Farm has been a place of growth and tradition. Just a few years later, in 1880, the first blackcurrants were cultivated in the farm’s kitchen garden, marking the beginning of a rich agricultural legacy. By 1895, Richard Green had expanded the farm’s reputation further by developing a pedigree herd of prize-winning Hereford bulls, solidifying Whittern Farm’s standing in both crop cultivation and livestock breeding.
1896 – 1912
a historic farm: tradition and innovation
In 1912, Lionel Green inherited the Whittern Farm, ushering in a new era of growth and recognition. Under his stewardship, the Whittern herd gained national fame, solidifying the estate’s reputation for excellence in livestock breeding. Nestled in the rolling hills of verdant North Herefordshire, the estate had long been a place of tradition, but the Green family embraced innovation. Moving beyond conventional arable farming, they pursued the cultivation of blackcurrants—a bold choice that would come to define the farm’s legacy.
1913 – 1945
growth and wartime efforts at whittern farmg elit
During the 1920s and 1930s, Whittern Farm flourished with new additions, expanding beyond blackcurrants to include cider orchards, raspberries, strawberries, potatoes, chickens, sheep, and fresh eggs. This era of agricultural growth laid the foundation for a thriving and diverse farm. As World War II gripped the nation, Herefordshire played a crucial role in supporting the war effort. The farm became home to the Land Girls, dedicated women who worked tirelessly at Brook Farm to keep food production going.
1946 – 1965
blackcurrants: a new era for the farm
The year 1953 marked a significant turning point for Whittern Farm, as the first commercial blackcurrant crops were planted, solidifying the estate’s reputation as a leader in fruit cultivation. This milestone was further cemented by a supply agreement with Ribena, a partnership that would help shape the farm’s future. Just over a decade later, in 1965, Richard Green took the reins of the fruit farm, continuing the family’s legacy while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation in blackcurrant farming.
1966 – 1997
diversification & new leadership
In 1993, Jo joined her father on the farm following the heartbreaking loss of her brother Johnny. Four years later, in 1997, Richard Green passed away, and Jo took the helm, diversifying the farm’s offerings. She introduced cider apples, holiday lets, and expanded the farm’s chicken production, ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of the estate.
1997 – 2015
milestones of success and bold decisions
In 2005, Jo crafted her first batch of Cassis, which quickly garnered recognition and awards for its exceptional quality. By 2008, British Cassis secured a prestigious contract with Fortnum & Mason, marking a significant milestone. In 2015, Jo made a bold decision to turn down an investment deal from BBC’s Dragon’s Den, instead embracing a fresh new branding strategy that would help the business flourish.
2016 – NOW
expanding across all areas at white heron
White Heron’s expertise in fruit growing, combined with the techniques of traditional winemaking, gives British Cassis its uniquely sultry profile. This depth of flavor is the result of 140 years of dedication and passion. Today, the farm is not only focused on producing exceptional products but also offers tours, inviting visitors to explore the land where it all began. Continually striving for improvement, White Heron is committed to enhancing sustainability and biodiversity, ensuring the farm’s legacy thrives for generations to come.
On the Estate
Tours & Tastings
NEW from April 2025: e-Bike tours. Explore the White Heron Estate – set in the rolling hills of Herefordshire – a 4th generation working farm with 150 acres of blackcurrants, 35 acres of vineyards and 55 acres of cider apple orchards. We are proud of our heritage and history, and love to entertain visitors on our e-Bike or walking tours. Walking tours can be arranged all year round, whilst the e-Biking tours will run from April to October. Never ridden an e-Bike before? Don’t worry, it’s easy and we give you a quick training course and tuition before we start out. Link here to watch an abbreviated version of one of our estate e-Bike tours.
