Mudwall Marlpit Bacchus

Mudwall vineyard, near Benenden village, lies in the heart of some of the prettiest Kentish Weald countryside. The vineyard sits within a traditional family-owned working farm comprising several hundred acres of farmland, woodlands and wildflower meadows. The name “Mudwall” appears in a trove of ancient documents relating to the farm.

With nearly 20,000 vines planted across 15 acres, William and Sarah Macpherson grow predominantly Pinot Noir and Bacchus grapes, as well as in smaller quantities, some Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Whilst the vines may be new, the land is ancient and carries a deep sense of permanence, with the farm in its current form dating back to the 15th century. Although parts of the farm are now vineyards, other fruit (especially apples and pears) has been grown here for hundreds of years.  They are committed to a way of managing the land which is responsible, regenerative and nurturing to all life. The essence of their approach is to evolve at nature’s pace – unhurried, always considerate and focused on what is good for the land, minimising use of chemicals instead seeking organic/plant-based fertilisers and recycling wherever possible.

Nowadays,the Kent clay top layer provides a great bed for vines. It is naturally rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, and because it retains some water, it keeps the vine root at a cool and consistent temperature. This means only minimal additions are needed in winemaking.

The wines are made by Owen Elias, who is one of England’s top Winemakers, having spent 10 years as Head Winemaker at Chapel Down and 30 years in total at the highest level of winemaking. He has been in the unique position of having made wines for Tesco Finest, Co-Op, Botham Wines, Waitrose, Marks and Spencer, British Airways, Sainsbury’s as well as wine for over 20 English Vineyards, including Balfour (Hush Heath), Nutbourne, Kingscote and others.