Celebrate Essex’s finest winery on Global Drink Wine Day

Wine has been cherished for thousands of years, playing a vital role in cultures worldwide, from religious ceremonies to grand feasts. Every year on February 18th, wine lovers come together to celebrate Global Drink Wine Day, a moment to explore and appreciate the vast world of wine. It’s also the perfect occasion to discover the exceptional offerings of England’s burgeoning wine industry. Among its rising stars is Danbury Ridge Wine Estate — an estate that has swiftly gained recognition as one of England’s most prestigious and ambitious wine producers, setting new standards for quality.

Danbury Ridge: one of Essex’s finest wineries

Nestled in the Essex countryside, this family-run estate has built a stellar reputation for crafting world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, often drawing comparisons to top-tier Burgundy. With meticulous vineyard management, cutting-edge winemaking techniques, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Danbury Ridge consistently earns glowing reviews from critics and wine enthusiasts. Praised for their elegance, complexity, and remarkable ageing potential, the estate’s wines have cemented Danbury Ridge as a leading name in English wine production. As English wine continues its meteoric rise on the global stage, Danbury Ridge is redefining expectations and proving that England can produce wines of truly exceptional quality.

A family’s vision

Danbury Ridge was founded by Michael and Heather Bunker, alongside their daughters Janine and Sophie. After years living abroad in Asia, the Bunker family returned to their Essex roots, settling in the village of Danbury. Inspired by the land’s potential, they embarked on a journey to cultivate vineyards, focusing on the classic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varieties.

Unique terroir

Situated southeast of Danbury village, the estate is located along the Danbury to Tiptree ridge, flanked by the Blackwater Estuary to the north and the River Crouch to the south. This unique location benefits from a favourable microclimate influenced by the estuaries, creating ideal conditions for viticulture. The estate spans 28 acres across three vineyards: Octagon Block, Sleipnir Block, and Polo Field.

Commitment to excellence

From the outset, the Bunker family was committed to producing outstanding still wines. They conducted an extensive feasibility study to implement the best viticultural practices. The first vines were planted in 2014, selecting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay clones specifically suited to their microclimate. The result? Grapes of a ripeness previously unseen in the UK. To further their ambitions, the family invested in constructing one of the most advanced wineries in Europe.

Winemaking philosophy

Under the expertise of winemaker Liam Idzikowski, Danbury Ridge employs meticulous vineyard management and innovative winemaking techniques. The winery utilizes a combination of small oak open-top fermenters and concrete tanks, allowing for precise control during fermentation. This careful approach ensures that each wine expresses the distinct characteristics of its terroir.

Acclaimed wines

Danbury Ridge’s inaugural 2018 vintage received widespread acclaim, with critics likening their wines to some of the finest producers in Burgundy, Oregon, and New Zealand. Their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have been particularly lauded for their complexity, finesse, and ageing potential.

Raise a glass to Danbury Ridge

With a special allocation of Danbury Ridge’s exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay now available, what better time than Global Drink Wine Day to raise a glass in celebration? Their dedication to quality and innovation showcases the exciting evolution of English winemaking. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a newcomer to fine wine, Danbury Ridge offers a true taste of excellence. Here’s what’s been said about their wine:

Danbury Ridge Pinot Noir 2022

“The 2022 Pinot Noir has more concentration that the previous vintage. It shows a mixture of red and black fruit and veins of blue fruit that I have not noticed in previous vintages. It’s riper but still very well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy, ripe black fruit, perhaps a little more New World influenced than Burgundy. Grainy tannins are well integrated with impressive grip towards the finish, with a touch of white pepper on the aftertaste.”

Neal Martin, 91 points

Danbury Ridge Chardonnay 2022

“The 2022 Chardonnay has a taut and linear bouquet with clementine and apricot. Fresh and vibrant, the wine opens up gradually in the glass. The palate has a lovely texture, which marks it out from the previous vintage, much more weight. With very fine delineation and minerality, it’s beautifully balanced, deepening towards the finish with a prickle of stem ginger that feels more pithy and, therefore, has greater umami that the previous vintage. Superb.”

Neal Martin, 92 points

For more information about Danbury Ridge Wine Estate and their offerings, visit their official website: danburyridge.com Alternatively, pop in store today to discover the range for yourself.