Somerset based Aldwick Estate has recently released its Gold Award winning Woodlands Oak Bacchus following success at this year’s Wine GB awards. Wine GB represents, leads and supports the sustainable growth of the Great British wine sector and its awards are highly respected, with rigorous judging by a panel of nine judges, chaired by Susie Barrie MW, Oz Clarke OBE, and new co-chair Peter Richards MW. The limited-edition Woodlands Oak is a white wine made from 100% Bacchus Grapes and is a rich, medium-bodied wine with a floral nose and a complexity of flavours – tropical fruit, honeysuckle and grapefruit.
This crowning success recognises 33 years of masterful farm diversification for a business which now embraces a well-established vineyard, an award-winning wedding venue and tours, tastings and conferences. All parts of the business have seen strong growth in recent years. Sales over the past year were 50% higher than their pre-covid level with visitor numbers increasing for both tours/tastings and weddings. 5* reviews on Trip Advisor have also increased as have the positive personal reviews given in visitor books (see example below). The beauty of the Aldwick Estate and all it offers attests to these developments.
Speaking today, Managing Director, Sandy Luck comments: “The business really does seem to have come into its own over the last few years with more focus on the synergy between the vineyard and the venue. We get such wonderful feedback from our visitors, whether they have been on a vineyard tour experience or have spent the evening with friends and family enjoying a private party in the venue, drinking the wine that has been produced onsite. Having my own wine behind the bar, is a real bonus and I believe is what makes Aldwick Estate that little bit more special. Last year we added additional accommodation and a new luxury lodge overlooking the vineyard, so that more visitors can stay and enjoy what’s on offer. It’s the attention to detail and the friendly family feel that I believe sets us apart.”
Victoria Greenhalf, a genuine vineyard tour and wine tasting visitor has also stated: “Absolutely fantastic vineyard tour and wine tasting. Howard is excellent, in depth knowledge and a genuinely nice guy who loves the business. Picnic hamper was well worth it – excellent quality food and even a bottle of wine included! Would recommend to anyone.”
Rebranded in 2018 to Aldwick Estate, it now produces a full range of wines from sparkling and rose to whites and reds. Throughout the year visitors can enjoy vineyard tours and tastings to enhance knowledge and understanding of what it takes to produce national and international award winning wine. As a fourth generation custodian of the family business Sandy aims to keep it secure and profitable, hopefully to eventually pass it on to one of her children.
You can check out Aldwick Estate on their website HERE.
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