YOU can travel to the far corners of the world to find that perfect, idyllic spot.

Or you can do what I did and drive a few miles down the Holme Valley, to Hinchliffe Mill.

Picture the scene: it’s a fabulous summer evening with the hot sun starting to drop down over the Pennine moors, its rays glistening on the lapping waters of Digley reservoir.

That’s the view stretching out in front of me, while immediately below are lines of young vines, stretching down the lush green hillside.

I’m sitting at a table on a glass and chrome veranda with a chilled bottle of Pinot Grigio in front of my wife Linda and myself, and a chef hard at work in a kitchen behind me preparing what turned out to be an excellent Friday evening dinner for two.

Does it get any better?

This was a real gem. We had chosen to make a visit to the Holmfirth Vineyard, nestling on the hillside above Hinchliffe Mill and boasting those stunning views and good food.

The vineyard was opened by Ian and Becky Shevelling five years ago, in a bold adventure that many considered a little foolhardy.

Vines? Grapes? Wines? And all on a Holme Valley hillside more used to sheep.

But the pair gave up high-profile jobs, Ian running a business and Becky working as an engineer in Formula 1, to fulfil their dream.

They knew their stuff and now produce bottles of red, white and rosé wines in a purpose-built building behind the gleaming new restaurant.

So far it is proving a hotspot for lunch diners and those seeking afternoon teas, but for two evenings the restaurant does stay open until 8.30pm.

Felicity, a good friend of Linda who knows fine dining, had recommended the place and it was certainly a good move.

The only downside was that as we perused the menu, the helpful young man looking after us told us the ox-cheek pie was off.

It was a dish I had already spotted and fancied sampling, but after that initial disappointment it proved to be a great evening.

The restaurant itself is sleek and white, with a padded white bar, huge light wood beams and massive windows to take in the views.

There are half a dozen choices for starters and main courses, with one or two specials also on offer.

I picked the York ham terrine as a starter and was delighted with the chunky meat, served with excellent sourdough crisps and some tangy piccalilli.

Linda chose the wild mushroom tart and was equally impressed.

My main course of lamb rump came with some superb garlic and rosemary infused potatoes and sweet broccoli.

The meat was well-cooked on the outside but pink and juicy on the inside, just as it should be.

There was also a decent helping of jus, rather than the tiny drops you sometimes get scattered around a plate.

Linda toyed with the idea of pan-seared Scottish salmon but instead decided to go for the smoked salmon and haddock fishcake.

It arrived sitting in the centre of a large dish on top of spinach and topped with a beautifully-runny poached egg.

The attentive young waiter checked on our progress and was answered with a satisfied grunt or two as we tucked in.

There are desserts but both of us had had enough of the meal and, sadly for the time being, that stunning summer view.

Holmfirth Vineyard

Woodhouse Farm,Woodhouse Lane,Holmfirth

HD9 2QR

Tel@ 01484 691861

Website@ www.holmfirthvineyard.com

Opening hours@ Sun-Thurs 9.30am -6pm, Fri-Sat 9.30am - 8.30pm

Children@ Welcome with special menus

Disabled access@ Yes

The bill@£50.on inc wine