Organic Winemaking
At Davenport, winemaking begins with the vineyard soil - and our approach carries through every stage, from grape to glass. Since converting all our vines and winery to organic systems in 2000, certified by the Soil Association, we've been dedicated to producing wines that reflect the true character of our land.
Science, Nature and Experience
Will Davenport leads our winemaking with a philosophy rooted in science, nature, and over three decades of hands-on experience.
Wherever possible, we let the wine take its own path - using wild yeasts from our own vineyards, avoiding unnecessary additives, and steering clear of aggressive processing.
We don’t use fining agents, keeping our wines as unaltered and expressive as possible. Fermentations happen at ambient temperatures, and we avoid techniques that require intensive energy or chemical input. This low-intervention style allows the true character of each wine to shine through - vibrant, complex, and full of life.
Why does it matter?
Because organic winemaking isn't just better for the environment - it leads to more expressive and interesting wines, with greater depth and personality. Without the use of chemicals or additives, you taste more of the vineyard, the vintage, and the unique story behind each bottle.
For more on how each wine is made, take a look at the individual descriptions in our Wine Shop. Each one has its own story, shaped by the land it grew on and the care it received along the way.
Organic winemaking - working with nature
At its heart, organic winemaking is about working with nature, not against it - and letting the wine tell its own story. It’s about protecting the health of our land, our team, and our customers - and producing wines that are honest, elegant, and distinctly English. It is a more sustainable way of working, protecting the land for future generations.
At Davenport Vineyards, our philosophy is simple: let nature take the lead, with the winemaker guiding rather than controlling. This approach allows our wines to tell their own story - one of time, place, and the beauty of organic English viticulture.
It all begins with the soil.
Healthy soil is the foundation of everything we do – it feeds the vines, supports biodiversity, and helps us grow grapes that are full of life and character. By avoiding synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, and using composts, cover crops and careful cultivation, we encourage a living, balanced soil that supports stronger, more resilient vines – and better wine.
Low Sulphites, Clean Wines
We make wines with minimal added sulphites - well below both legal and organic limits. All our wines are certified organic by the Soil Association, which requires sulphite levels to stay under 100 mg/L (about half the conventional maximum). Many of our wines are far lower than that...