Brightwell Vineyard – Interview With Bob Nielsen

There is no denying that English Sparkling Wine is on the rise, becoming an undeniable contender to Traditional Method Sparkling Wines around the world. To the English, it’s becoming a fan favourite and a go-to Glass of Bubbly, its quality is improving year on year and thanks to innovators and those willing to follow their dreams, the choice of English Sparkling Wine is expanding.

In this exclusive feature on Glass of Bubbly, we speak with Bob Nielsen, the Owner of Brightwell Vineyard, let’s discover a little about his life, his journey into the industry and one of his favoiurote bubbly memories.

It’s Great To Speak With You, Bob, Can You Tell Us A Little About Yourself & How Your Incredible Journey Into The Wine Industry Began?

“Remarkably, I became a winemaker by accident. Call it serendipity. I was a fighter pilot in the RAF and was preparing to leave the Service and work for the airlines. As such we were looking for a house within commuting distance of Heathrow. We found a great house but it had a non-producing vineyard attached. So we bought the house and started the long journey of restoring and developing the vineyard.”

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine? When It Was And What Kind Of Label It Was?

“No. It would have been while at University. We drank anything we could get hold of as long as it was cheap. So probably some awful sweet Italian asti fizz that you couldn’t pay me to drink today.”

How Rewarding And Challenging Is Managing Your Own Winery?

“Its very challenging. All the bucks stop here. Its often like a moving jigsaw puzzle, as you need to sequence everything and plan well ahead to have things flow smoothly. The wines set your timetable. Tasks have to be done when the ferments and wines demand it, not just when its convenient or on an agenda.

However of course, it’s very satisfying when ‘the plan comes together’, and you produce a wine that really impresses people. When you’ve produced a good product, all the way from growing and harvesting, to the processing and bottling, there is a great sense of achievement.”

When It Comes To Pairing Your Sparkling Wine With Food, Do You Have Any Favourite Combinations That You Would Personally Recommend?

“All the classics. Marvellous with delicate fish; oysters of course. Then with desserts. Perfect partner to ice-cream!”

If You Could Choose A Person In The World, Past Or Present, To Have A Glass of Bubbly With; Who Would It Be And Why? What Would You Drink And Why? What Would You Discuss And Why?

“In the spirit of your question it would have to be one of the great witty raconteurs of the past, such as Oscar Wilde or Noel Coward. I wouldn’t have to do any talking but simply listen and be entertained by their clever stories and amusing wordplay. I’m sure we would be drinking my Sparkling wine and I hope they’d be surprised and impressed. Perhaps they’d invent some clever advertising slogans for me.”

Can You Share With Us Some Of The Countries And Locations Around The World That You Can Enjoy A Glass Of Brightwell Vineyard?

“We don’t make any effort to export, since it’s fraught with complex paperwork and taxes. It’s the UK market that we want to grow. However we have exported to Japan, Singapore, Netherlands and Switzerland. This month we sent a small shipment of Sparkling to Brisbane Australia.”

What Future Plans Can Enthusiasts Of Brightwell Vineyard Look Forward To In The Coming Years?

“We are a small family operation so change is gradual. We do need to expand the winery so a new building is on the cards. We’d like to include a better tasting and hospitality suite in this. We also run the thamesvalleyfestival.co.uk at the end of June here at the vineyard. Its very much a garden party with many different food, drink and wine offerings with music and a relaxed garden atmosphere. So providing a enjoyable visitor experience, to introduce people to English wine is high up on our agenda.

Of course we will continue to experiment and develop our range of wines. This year we won a silver medal in an International Competition with our Pinot Noir, proving English red wine is now seriously good. Next year we’ll have an English Sauvignon Blanc in bottle.”

Can You Share With Us One Of The Most Memorable Experiences You’ve Enjoyed With A Glass of Bubbly?

“Gosh, so many. All the weddings and birthdays and holidays we have toasted. But really it’s often the simpler, quieter moments, when we just sit outside in the still of an early evening, enjoying the sunset and the aromas of the garden that we truly taste and appreciate a fine wine. Then my wife and I share the satisfaction in what we have created.”

Thank you Bob, for sharing your story and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Images belong to Brightwell Vineyard & Bob Nielsen. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.