Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wine, is toasting a bumper harvest. With the help of paid workers and community volunteers, more than 80 tonnes of grapes – enough for approximately 80,000 bottles – have been picked over a four-week period.
It's been a momentous year for the Devon-based wine producer, its new visitor centre, winery and restaurant situated in the countryside on the east bank of the River Dart launched in June.
Since then, the estate has gone from strength to strength, welcoming visitors for tours and tastings, stunning food at the on-site restaurant Circa and overnight stays at the gorgeous self-catering accommodation.
On top of all that, the vineyard has now had a bumper harvest of grapes. Duncan Schwab, CEO and Head Winemaker at Sandridge Barton, says it is going to be “one of the best vintages to date. The grapes have a great fruit intensity, high sugars and balanced acidity.”
The estate invited community volunteers to take part in two days of picking this year, on 24 September and 15 October. Around 80 volunteers joined in the fun, with people of all ages, including individuals, couples and families all getting involved. Fantastic weather on both days made the event even more enjoyable.
After all of their hard work, the volunteers were treated to a barbecue and a glass (or two!) of wine and took home a bottle at the end of the day for their efforts.
Commenting on the year so far, Duncan said: “The number of visitors is growing following our move over the river from the original Sharpham Wine site. Feedback on our new home has been incredible, with tours and tastings taking place in beautiful surroundings and buildings.
“The weather over the summer certainly helped attract visitors with our south-facing courtyard proving a real success. Another huge hit is our new restaurant, Circa, which has wowed customers with its stunning menus featuring foraged food and produce from the estate, as well as fish and seafood from nearby Brixham Fish Market.”
Vines were first planted at Sandridge Barton in 2008. Pinot Noir, Bacchus, Chardonnay, Madeleine Angevine and Pinot Gris are now grown in the vineyards which spread across 32 acres of the 450-acre estate. The Sandridge Barton estate is positioned just south of the village of Stoke Gabriel, which is a few miles upriver from the ever-popular town of Dartmouth and a few miles downriver from Totnes. Rich in history, most of the land falls into the South Hams AONB.
A vineyard called Stony Field, which is on a limestone ridge, was recently planted. Some of the premier wine districts in the world are planted on limestone and this, coupled with the increase in popularity of English wines, sets an exciting future for the bottles produced at Sandridge Barton.
On 24 September, the enthusiastic and willing community volunteers were busy picking four tonnes of Madeleine Angevine. A white grape variety which grows well in cooler climates and can be eaten as well made into wines, which are typically light, dry and crisp with pleasant acidity.
On 15 October, it was onto Pinot Noir for the community harvest, with six tonnes picked in a day. Pinot Noir is a red grape that also thrives in cooler climates and is one of the three main varieties used to make Champagne and English Sparkling wine (along with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier).
There's so much to experience at Sandridge Barton estate. Enjoy wine and cheese tastings and tours, from casual self-guided options to in-depth guided tastings where you'll learn about the processes used in the vineyard and winery.
Discover the exciting menu packed with world-class local produce at Circa at Sandridge Barton restaurant, open Thursday-Monday 10am-4pm, and Friday evenings 6pm-9pm.
Extend your visit and stay at Sandridge Barton's self-catering accommodation in three unique properties. The 12-person Sandridge Barton House is perfect for larger groups, the secluded four-person Boathouse is ideal for rural retreats, and the newly-renovated six-person Lower Well Farmhouse is available for those who want to be close to the action.
