Combining passion, sustainable agricultural practices and the latest viticultural techniques, we produce multi-award winning rosé and sparkling wines from our Regent and Seyval blanc grapes.
Dunleavy Vineyards were planted by owner and manager Ingrid Bates. Ingrid has a background in biology and, after a short stint working in the media, began her viticultural career 20 years ago when she took up a job maintaining a local vineyard. Having found her true vocation, she began planning and saving and finally planted her own vineyard in 2008 at the tender age of 28
Guy Smith and Laura Evans planted the vineyard at Higher Plot in 2008 after a four year search for the perfect site to produce the highest possible quality sparkling wine. They work in the vineyard all year from midwinter pruning through to harvest in late summer. By living with the seasons they are constantly able to watch how the vines develop and mature. Guy also works as a wine trader and Laura worked in film editing.
The White Lias Limestone Ridge of Higher Plot Farm has long been recognised as a special place that achieves early ripening and high quality fruit. There is terracing built into the hill that is at least 300 years old which was built for Orchards when Cider was seen as being of the same quality as the finest wines.
The free draining Calcerous Limestone soil is identical to some of the world’s greatest vineyard sites and the local climate is one of the best in the UK for growing grapes. Burgundian Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier vines are planted on the south facing lower slopes and the first still and sparkling wine harvest was in 2010. We work as much as possible to ensure that the vines thrive by being in balance with their surroundings.
