After inheriting a 50-year-old grape vine in their garden, documentary cameraman James Bayliss-Smith and wife Shelley Nania caught what they call “the wine bug”. In 2017, they planted 30 vines in their allotment – in Montpelier, in the heart of Bristol, christened it Nania’s Vineyard and, as part of their collaborative grower’s initiative, launched their first product – a popular rosé spritzer.
For their next creation Nania’s plan to launch England’s first canned orange wine, adorned with their recognisable quirky designs and they want their loyal fans to be part of the process.
On June 23 – in the middle of English Wine Week (21st – 27th June) – Nania’s Vineyard launches a crowdfunder campaign to hopefully produce 3 new still wines, something English vineyards are starting to do very well – launching with England’s first canned orange wine and if successful, followed by a pinot noir and an elderflower spritzer.
British Collaboration – While Nania’s first “urban vintage” was fermenting during lockdown, James and Shelley came up with a bigger idea. The UK wine industry is booming – those award-winning sparkling wines were just the start. There are thousands of vines being planted all across the country so why not work with other growers, other wine makers? And so Nania’s Vineyard became a collaborative English wine brand.
Their first creation, the rosé spritzer was made with ‘guest grapes’ from Essex, crystal clear Glastonbury Spring water and a touch of raspberry. Sold in aluminium cans for convenience and efficient recycling, the rosé garnered great reviews and sold across Bristol and nationwide (and is still available to order via the website).
“We make amazing sparkling wines in this country,” says James, “but we are also starting to produce incredible still wines too. By crowdfunding our new orange wine, we can access the countries best grapes and support growers from across the country.”
Orange Wine Explained – “Orange wine is not made from oranges… Sometimes also called amber wine, orange wine is skin contact white wine,” explains James. “It’s made in the manner of red wine, with the skins left in, which gives more flavour, more texture and an often, glowing final colour.“
