The Kerner Partnership explores how rural businesses, vineyards and places can create high quality customer experiences while caring for the land and communities they depend on. Through Field Notes, conversations and gatherings, we share practical ideas drawn from real life at our vineyard and from people doing responsible work across the countryside
What is The Kerner Partnership?
The Kerner Partnership began as a series of conversations around our vineyard table. Over the years we have met many people running rural businesses — vineyards, farms, cafés, small hotels and visitor attractions — who care deeply about their land, community and the experiences they offer. Many of them are doing remarkable work, yet their ideas are rarely written down or shared.
The Kerner Partnership is our way of capturing those ideas. We write, host conversations and bring people together to explore a simple question: How can rural businesses flourish while remaining rooted in the land and communities that sustains them?
Creating memorable visitor experiences rooted in place, generosity, and thoughtful design. We focus on hospitality that leaves a lasting impression.
Helping small rural businesses thrive while caring for the land and community that support them. We believe in sustainable growth.
Short essays, conversations, and practical ideas from the field. Join us as we explore insights and experiences that matter.
Short essays drawn from conversations, observations and visits to interesting places.
Thoughts on the importance of supporting your community and what big businesses can learn from little ones
Why sharing food and wine with strangers creates unexpected connections — and what it teaches us about hospitality.
An essay from the vineyard about why nature is the main stakeholder on the estate.
We’re planning small gatherings at our vineyard table where food, wine and conversation bring ideas to life.
Shared evenings of food, wine and conversation with strangers who become friends over the course of a meal.
Small, thoughtful discussions about rural business, hospitality and land — held in the tasting room.
Practical sessions for vineyard and rural hospitality businesses wanting to improve what they offer visitors.
The land always has the final say. Our vineyard constantly reminds us that business should follow nature, not the other way around. Tim writes at Kerner Field Notes his seasonal reflections on land, weather and what it means to work with the seasons rather than against them. As a former Head of Sustainability at a global company and previously a Chair of Sustainability West Midlands, together with his passion for the Astley estate, he has years of practical experience and understanding of what being a regenerative business really means
Astley Vineyard – Regenerative Business of the Year 2026 at the Visit Worcestershire Awards