Davenport Vineyards

Producer: Davenport Vineyards, Rotherfield
Product: Limney Sparkling Rosé 2014
Region: London and South East
Category: From the earth, artisan
What they do:
Will Davenport took over Davenport Vineyards in East Sussex in 1991 and by 2000 he had converted the business to organic certification. Today, Davenport Vineyards is the leading Soil Association-certified organic wine producer in the UK.
Their ambition is to “make wine without damaging the environment”, so ethical, environmentally friendly farming practices are at the centre of the business. Their soil and vines are free of are artificial fertilisers, resulting in grapes that reflect the flavours of the East Sussex site.
On-site solar panels generate the electricity needed to run the winery, where the grapes are processed without the addition of cultivated yeast (preferring to use the ‘wild’ yeast that is present on the grape skins). The wine is not fined or filtered (clarified), and their wines, bottled in energy-saving, lightweight glass, are only sold in the UK.
What the judges said:
The London and South East judges were encouraged by Davenport Vineyards’ demonstrable expertise in the field of organic wine production. Their awareness of and efforts to reduce the negative impact commercial grape growing can have on the environment were also highly praised by the panel.

Visit the website:Davenport Vineyards