Continuing the Legacy

We have always had an incredibly strong relationship with Pebblebed Vineyards; founders Geoff and Anna have been close friends of ours for decades, and we have seen the business organically grow from the local community project that started back in 1999, to the 22 acres it is today.

Geoff_Darts_Farm_Walking_1000x600 Sadly, 3 and a half years ago, our dear friend Geoff passed away, leaving his wife Anna at the helm. With the help of their head winemaker, Alex, who has been part of the team for nearly 10 years, they have worked amazingly hard and continued to produce the award-winning sparkling and still wines that they are famous for. However, recently Anna decided that it was time for her to step down and pass on the reins (or should I say vines) of Pebblebed and I am extremely proud to say that Pebblebed is now part of our Darts Farm family.

(Left: Geoff Bowen and Michael Dart with their friends on an annual walking holiday).

Over the years, Geoff and I have done some amazing things together; venturing across the world, visiting vineyards and creating some unforgettable life memories. It was his belief, and ours, that Darts Farm was the perfect marriage for the quaint vineyard; not only do we share the same ethos’ and values, but we have the passionate team that can help take Pebblebed onto the next step of the journey; helping it to grow and evolve and showcase how incredible English wine is.

Pebblebed_Barrel_Darts_Farm_1000x600 Thanks to its unique terroir and warmer summers, Devon is now thriving as a wine growing region. Our distinctive Gulf Steam reduces the chance of the vines being killed off by the hard and sometimes late frost the Eastern counties suffer with and the fertile red soils and mild climate provide the perfect conditions for the growing season. They help the grapes to gently ripen and preserve the wonderful fresh aromas and flavours that make English wine so special.

Pebblebed, situated in the little village of Clyst St George, is just a stone’s throw away; in fact, our farm hedges border the beautiful vineyard. Much like us, they have always championed sustainable agriculture, farming in harmony with nature and using traditional growing and harvesting techniques.

Pebblebed_Alex_Darts_Farm_1000x600 The day-to-day running of the vineyard and making of the wine will continue under the expert hands of Alex, the head wine maker; and during busy periods our farm team will be there to lend a helping hand.

Of course, the big annual community harvest will continue as it always has next month, and we will be calling on you to help get our grapes off the vine and into wine; but there will also be so much more going on. From tours and tastings to ‘meet the producer’ evenings and our Artisan Experience events.

There is such a bright future for this iconic vineyard and we are so excited to continue to build on its unique heritage and legacy.

Darts Farm

Continuing the Legacy

Posted in News, Food & Drink, Supporting Local on 02 Aug 2021

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