Nutbourne Vineyards – Interview With Peter Gladwin

There is no denying that English Sparkling Wine is on the rise, becoming an undeniable contender to Traditional Method Sparkling 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, we speak with Peter Gladwin from Nutbourne Vineyards in Pulborough, West Sussex, England. Let’s find out a little about his life in the world of sparkling wine.

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

“I used to own a catering company and restaurants in central London and I also set up a wine importing business, so I was familiar with the industry. When the opportunity arose to buy Nutbourne in the idyllic West Sussex countryside, we became wine producers too – it was a very romantic dream, but we had a clear route to market for our product.”

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

“As small children, my parents would wet our lips with Champagne at midnight every New Year.

Aged 16, I was lucky enough to go to a rather glamorous party, where the main pour was Dom Perignon!

It’s been downhill ever since, although I do like having a bottle of my own sparkling in the fridge.”

How Rewarding And Challenging Is Running Your Own English Vineyard?

“I enjoy challenges of all sorts and English viticulture certainly qualifies! As for rewarding, there’s nothing quite like a glass of wine that you have seen progress from the soil to the bottle.”

What Future Plans Can Enthusiasts Of Nutbourne Vineyards Look Forward To In The Coming Years?

“Visitors may not be as enthused as we are about the solar energy system that we’re just about to install, but they’re an exciting progression on our sustainability journey that will mean we are fully self-sufficient with regenerative energy.

We’ve also just planted another block of Pinot Meunier, so we look forward to releasing a second red wine to join our Pinot Noir in the future.

In the winery, we’re starting to keep more reserve wine to add richness and finesse to our Nutty and make sure our field blend Sussex Reserve is consistently delicious every year.”

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

“My own wedding – Bollinger throughout.”

Thank you, Peter, 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 Nutbourne Vineyards / Photographer Credit Ed Dallimore of @59vines: https://59vines.com/. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.