The English Wine Diaries
The English Wine Diaries is a weekly interview series with Rebecca Pitcairn, editor, journalist and founder of The Southern Quarter, an online lifestyle magazine about English Wine. Each week Rebecca is joined by a special guest from the world of wine (and beyond) to talk all about their English wine journey. From sommeliers to vineyard owners, hoteliers and some rather familiar faces too, discover how a love of wine – particularly that made on British soil – has helped shape their lives and careers. www.englishwinediaries.co.uk.
The English Wine Diaries
Episode 80: Luke Spalding, Everflyht
Joining me on today’s episode of The English Wine Diaries is Luke Spalding General Manager at Everflyht Vineyard in East Sussex.
With a background in wine studies from Plumpton Wine Division, and having worked at nearby vineyard, Ridgeview, Luke joined the Everflyht single vineyard estate in 2019 just two years after owners Ben and Sam Ellis planted the first vines.
As well as planting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier on their land, which sits at the bottom of Ditchling Beacon, they also set aside acreage for biodiversity and have since planted trees, hedgerow and integrated wildflower meadows within the vineyard.
It is here where Luke’s passion for regenerative farming has come into its own. At Everflyht, he blends data-driven expertise with hands-on application to champion regenerative viticulture by creating sustainable practices that not only benefit the environment but produce award-winning – and may I add blinking good value – premium sparkling wines.
We have a very honest discussion about how Luke got into wine, why he believes you can should never be dogmatic when it comes to making wine and his hopes for the Royals to one day visit Everflyht.
Catch up with Everflyht's new releases and other news on Instagram @everflyht and at everflyht.com. To hear more about how the Everflyht story began, listen back to owners Ben and Sam Ellis' on episode 41 of the podcast.
With thanks to our series sponsor, Wickhams, The Great British Wine Merchant. Visit wickhamwine.co.uk to see their award-winning range of English wine with free delivery on orders over £40. The English Wine Diaries listeners can also get 10% discount on their first purchase by entering the code TEWD10. Please drink responsibly.
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