Lily Farm Vineyard – Interview With Alan and Faye Pratt

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 both Alan and Faye Pratt, the Owners of Lily Farm Vineyard, in Devon, England, let’s discover a little about his life, his journey into the industry and one of his favourite bubbly memories.

It’s Great To Speak With You, Can You Tell Us A Little About Yourselves & Your Journey Into The English Wine Industry?

“Alan and Faye with their two sons have worked their small parcel of land in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, of just under 5 acres since 1992. Initially, we kept horses, then over the years chickens, geese, ducks and rare breed sheep were added into the mix. In 2004 we discovered a trade stand at a local agricultural show offering English Wine tastings. We were fascinated and impressed with the quality of the wines and the idea of growing vines and producing our own wine first began.

Following some research we joined the non commercial branch of the United Kingdom Vineyards Association and then planted 200 Rondo vines. Our first vintage was in 2007 and it was an award winner, at the South West Vineyards Regional Competition. We were thrilled at this so we decided to plant more vines, including different varieties to make a range of wines Following this through, we planted vine varieties that could make either sparkling or still wines. By 2013 the vineyard area planted had increased to 0.6 hectares and now included Bacchus, Seyval Blanc, Reichensteiner and Pinot Noir Precoce vines.”

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

“We first came across sparkling wines made from Seyval Blanc grapes at the South West Vineyards Competition in 2006, we were hugely impressed and decided that we should make more than just red wine.”

How Rewarding And Challenging Is Running Your Own English Winery?

“Planting a vineyard has totally changed our lives and in fact, it is true to say that it is a way of life. The main challenge is the weather, every year has been different and there is always something new to learn. We opened at the cellar door in 2010 and started selling our wines as well as offering vineyard tours. Meeting tourists, and we are pleased to say many local people, certainly keeps us on our toes. The Visitors Book has reviews and feedback from wine lovers from all over the world.

When people ask us how we got to where we are today we can only say that it was not a business plan, we would never have imagined that Alan and the boys planting 200 vines back in 2005 would lead us to where we are today. We have evolved and taken opportunities that have arisen and made the most of everything along the way.”

What Future Plans Can Fans Of Lily Farm Vineyard Look Forward To In The Coming Years?

“Lily Farm is a family business and one of the UK’s smallest commercial vineyards with just short of 2,000 vines growing on an ideal south west facing slope. Our son William who gained invaluable vineyard experience whilst working in New Zealand is totally involved in the management of Lily Farm with his wife Kyrie and their three children, who love to know about everything that goes on at the vineyard. We have every hope to remain family run going forward into the future.”

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

“We have had numerous thrilling moments over the years but I think that the best has to be when our Sparkling Rose 2010 was served on the tables at William and Kyrie’s wedding in 2014.

In conclusion, we can say that there is nothing so grand as celebrating with your own Glass of Bubbly!”

Thank you Alan and Faye, 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 Alan and Faye Pratt. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.