Davenport Vineyards: Three Decades of Organic English Winemaking in the Kent Countryside
Tucked into the rolling Kent countryside around the village of Horsmonden, Davenport Vineyards is one of the longest-established organic wine producers in England. What began in 1991 as a five-acre planting by Will Davenport has grown, over three decades of patient farming and quiet innovation, into a 24-acre estate spanning five distinct vineyard sites, a new purpose-built winery and a small but highly regarded portfolio of organic still and sparkling wines.
A Pioneer of Organic English Wine
In 1991, Will Davenport planted his first vines on the Lewes Heath site in Horsmonden. A winemaker trained at Roseworthy Agricultural College in Australia, with experience in Alsace, California and the UK, Will had a clear vision from the start: to make high-quality English wines with a deep respect for the land. Two years later, in 1993, the original winery was established at Rotherfield in East Sussex and the Limney Estate vineyard was planted there too.
The boldest step came in 2000, when Davenport transitioned both its vineyards and its winery fully to organic practices, gaining Soil Association certification in 2003. At the time, it was an unusually uncompromising decision for a small English producer, but it has shaped every aspect of the business since. Today, every bottle of Davenport wine is certified organic, suitable for vegans, and made with the minimum of intervention.
Key Moments in the Davenport Story
- 1991 - First vines planted at Lewes Heath, Horsmonden.
- 1993 - Original winery established; Limney Estate vineyard planted in East Sussex.
- 2000 - Transitioned all vineyards and winery to organic practices; Diamond Fields vineyard planted.
- 2003 - Achieved Soil Association organic certification.
- 2007 - Goudhurst View vineyard established, introducing Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.
- 2014 - Awarded the Gore-Browne Trophy for best wine variety in Great Britain at the WineGB Awards.
- 2016 - Redmoors vineyard planted, taking the total to 24 acres under vine.
- 2018 - Record harvest prompted plans for winery expansion.
- 2019 - Winner of the Sustainability Drinks Award.
- 2022 - Began managing Hazel Street Farm, with a long-term plan to convert to organic.
- 2023 - Another record-breaking harvest; construction began on the new winery.
- 2024 - New purpose-built winery in Horsmonden completed and fully operational for harvest.
- 2025 - On-site shop opens, public tours and tastings begin, 160 solar panels installed on the new winery roof.
The Vineyards: Five Sites, One Philosophy
Davenport Vineyards now spans 24 acres across five carefully selected sites, each offering its own combination of soil type and microclimate. Most are clustered around Horsmonden in Kent, with a smaller site at Rotherfield in East Sussex. All are certified organic and managed with a low-intervention approach - cane pruning, meticulous canopy management and organic-approved sprays that support natural disease resistance. Harvest usually runs from September through to mid-October, with every grape hand-picked by the dedicated Davenport team.
Redmoors Vineyard (Horsmonden, Kent)
- Planted: 2016
- Soil: Sandy silt over sandstone
- Aspect: Very slightly north-facing
- Altitude: 75m
- Grape variety: Pinot Noir
Goudhurst View Vineyard (Horsmonden, Kent)
- Planted: 2007
- Soil: Sandy silt over sandstone
- Aspect: Flat, very slight north facing
- Altitude: 61m
- Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus, Ortega, Siegerrebe
Diamond Fields Vineyard (Horsmonden, Kent)
- Planted: 2000
- Soil: Sandy clay
- Aspect: South-facing
- Altitude: 80m
- Grape variety: Pinot Noir Précoce (early ripening Pinot Noir)
Limney Vineyard (Rotherfield, East Sussex)
- Planted: 1993
- Soil: Sandy loam over sandstone
- Aspect: West-facing
- Altitude: 84m
- Grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Auxerrois
Lewes Heath Vineyard (Horsmonden, Kent)
- Planted: 1991
- Soil: Clay
- Aspect: South-facing
- Altitude: 80m
- Grape varieties: Ortega, Bacchus, Faber, Huxelrebe
Day-to-day vineyard operations are led by Ben Connor, a Plumpton College graduate in Viticulture and Oenology who joined Davenport in 2014. His deep knowledge of organic viticulture and calm, steady approach keep the vines - and the wider team - in good shape all year round.
Hazel Street Farm
In 2022, Davenport expanded significantly with the addition of Hazel Street Farm, owned by Will's mother. The 113-acre site added 43 acres of vineyard and 70 acres of apple orchards to the business. While the grapes from Hazel Street are currently sold to another winery, the team has begun the long process of transitioning the land to organic management, giving both soil and vines time to adapt naturally.
Hazel Street's orchards have already given rise to the estate's first non-wine product: a single-varietal Kent Apple Juice, pressed on-site and bottled in a 750ml format, priced at £4.50. It made its debut in 2025, the same year a new disgorging machine was installed in the winery.
The New Winery in Horsmonden
For nearly three decades, the heart of the operation was the original winery at Rotherfield. In 2024, a new purpose-built winery just in time for harvest finally opened at Horsmonden. Designed with sustainability in mind, it has the capacity to produce up to 70,000 bottles a year, though current production sits at around 40,000 depending on the vintage.
The winery brings together old and new: oak barrels sit comfortably alongside stainless steel tanks; a modern pneumatic press works in harmony with a traditional basket press. This mix of tools gives Davenport the flexibility to make a wide variety of wines, each handled with care and precision.
Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Will Davenport leads the winemaking with over three decades of experience and a thoughtful, natural approach. Fermentations are driven by wild yeasts from the estate's own vineyards wherever possible, with minimal intervention and no unnecessary additives. Davenport wines are left to settle naturally where they can and are not fined at all. This low-intervention method is made possible by Will's deep scientific understanding and extensive hands-on experience.
Some grapes spend time on their skins before pressing, adding texture and depth. Others ferment in old oak barriques or large oak foudres, gently gaining complexity without overshadowing the fruit. Fermentation temperatures are only adjusted when absolutely necessary, allowing each wine to evolve at its own pace.
Sulphite Levels Kept Low
All Davenport wines are certified organic, which already requires sulphite levels to stay under 100 mg/L - about half the conventional maximum. Many of the wines sit comfortably below that figure:
- Redmoors Pinot Noir 2022: 40 mg/L
- Diamond Fields Pinot Noir Early 2022: 45 mg/L
- Blanc de Blancs 2017: 43 mg/L
Meet the Winemakers
At Davenport, the vineyard runs on teamwork. Will Davenport remains at the heart of the business as Head Winemaker, splitting his time between the cellar and the wider farm at Rotherfield - home to sheep, bees, woodlands and plenty of wildlife.
Supporting him is a small but experienced team:
- Ben Connor - Vineyard manager since 2014; Plumpton College graduate in Viticulture and Oenology.
- Ben Ralph - Also a Plumpton graduate, originally joining on placement and staying on; brings fresh ideas and enthusiasm for sustainable farming.
- Vlad Borosko - Formerly of the Hazel Street orchards; happiest on the tractor.
- Ashleigh Roy - Applies careful expertise across all vineyard tasks.
- Oscar Boulter - Often jumps into winery tasks.
- Lisa Gartshore - Lends a hand with marketing and tours, and can usually be found in the new winery shop on Fridays.
- Phil Harris - Former Vineyard Manager, now running his own vineyard in East Sussex but still helping one day a week.
From May to November, the team is joined by seasonal staff and a cheerful band of harvest pickers whose efforts are vital to each vintage. There's not much hierarchy at Davenport - everyone plays a hands-on role.
The Wines
Davenport's range is small, focused and certified organic. All wines are suitable for vegans and shipped to most mainland UK addresses, with free delivery on orders of six bottles or more. Members of the Davenport Rewards Scheme earn points on every order and can unlock discounts and free shipping.
Still Wines
Horsmonden Dry 2023 - £18.25
The flagship white. A fragrant, expressive blend of Bacchus, Ortega, Faber, Siegerrebe and Huxelrebe from across the Kent vineyards, naturally fermented with wild yeasts. Around 10% of the blend is matured in large Alsatian oak foudres to add a soft, creamy texture. Expect delicate notes of citrus, elderflower, white peach and hedgerow blossom. 11% ABV. Sulphites: 11 mg/L.
Awards: BOOM Awards 2021 Finalist (with Ocado); The Organic Masters 2020 Silver; WineGB Awards 2020 Silver; WineGB Awards 2021 Bronze.
Ortega 2023 - £19.50
A rare single-varietal Ortega from half a hectare of silty clay soil at the Lewis Heath vineyard - home to the estate's oldest organic vines, planted in 1991. Dry, medium-bodied, mineral-driven, with subtle floral aromas, citrus notes and a gentle earthy, yeasty character. 11% ABV. Sulphites: 34 mg/L.
Awards: WineGB Awards 2025 Bronze.
Pinot Noir 2023 - £21.50
Made from Pinot Noir grown on the Redmoors vineyard, this is a paler, more aromatic and lifted style than previous Davenport Pinots. Half whole-bunch, half destemmed, naturally fermented and aged in large oak foudres for seven months before a further year in bottle. Wild strawberry, rosehip and cranberry on the nose; light, silky and gently tannic on the palate. 11% ABV. Sulphites: 60 mg/L.
Diamond Fields, Early Pinot Noir 2023 - £21.50
A beautifully delicate expression of early-ripening Pinot Noir clones from the south-facing Diamond Fields vineyard, planted in 2000. Half the grapes are destemmed without crushing and fermented for ten days with natural yeasts, then matured for nine months in old French oak barrels (5 - 20 years old). Bottled unfiltered. Only 2,240 bottles produced. Pale ruby, with raspberry, cherry and plum; light-bodied with gentle tannins and crisp acidity. 11% ABV. Sulphites: 44 mg/L.
Sparkling Wines
Limney Estate 2020 - £30.00
The flagship traditional-method sparkling. A classic Champagne blend of 55% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier, given four years on lees. Crisp acidity, smooth creamy texture, fine delicate bubbles, with notes of citrus, red apple, hazelnut and subtle brioche. 12% ABV. Sulphites: 69 mg/L.
Awards: WineGB Awards 2025 Gold; WineGB Awards 2021 Gold; The Organic Masters 2020 Gold (Drinks Business); WineGB Awards 2020 Silver; Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships 2018 Silver; Harpers Wine Stars 2018 - 4 Stars (England).
Blanc de Blancs 2017 - £33.50
Made only in exceptional years from 100% organic Chardonnay grown on the 1.25-hectare Goudhurst View plot. Fermented in stainless steel and aged on its lees, with no added yeast during primary fermentation and no filtration. Expect fresh aromas of white peach and baked apple, with a clean dry finish; richer notes of brioche, almond and toast develop with extended lees contact. Excellent ageing potential. 12% ABV. Sulphites: 43 mg/L.
Awards: WineGB Awards 2022 Silver.
Limney Sparkling Rosé 2021 - £29.50 (Out of Stock)
100% Pinot Noir from the sandy, silty Redmoors vineyard, made by the traditional method with a minimum of two years on yeast lees. Delicate mousse, light rose-pink hue, with aromas of wild strawberry, redcurrant and rose petal, plus gentle hints of brioche and spice. The palate is bright and elegant, full of juicy red-berry flavour balanced by zesty citrus and a fine mineral edge. 12% ABV. Sulphites: 100 mg/L.
Awards: WineGB Awards 2023 Bronze; WineGB Awards 2017 Bronze; Delicious Magazine Produce Awards.
Limney Estate 2015 Magnum - £72.00
An extremely limited magnum release of the flagship sparkling, made from 79% Chardonnay, 12% Pinot Meunier and 9% Pinot Noir and aged eight years on lees, plus a further year in bottle. Toasted brioche, hazelnut, citrus peel and red apple on the nose; poised, well-balanced and creamy on the palate with a persistent stream of fine bubbles. Delivered in a presentation box. Only 40 magnums were produced and just 20 remain. 1.5L, 11.5% ABV. Sulphites: 27 mg/L.
Pet Nat 2025 - £21.00
Davenport has been quietly perfecting its Pétillant Naturel since 2014. The 2025 vintage is led by Pinot Noir (57%), with Bacchus (23%), Pinot Meunier (11%) and Faber (9%). Made using the méthode ancestrale - the oldest technique for making sparkling wine - it is bottle-conditioned with no added yeast, sugar or sulphites, and is unfiltered. Expect soft bubbles, a faint rosy hue and a wild mix of redcurrant, blossom and citrus. Disgorged after six months on lees. 11% ABV. No added sulphites (total <5 mg/L).
Other Products
Kent Apple Juice 750ml - £4.50
A new addition to the range, pressed from the 70 acres of apple orchards at Hazel Street Farm and bottled in a 750ml format. Vegan-friendly and a natural companion to the cellar door shop's wine list.
Sustainability, Biodiversity and Regenerative Viticulture
Sustainability isn't a department at Davenport - it's the entire business model. The team has chosen not to join the WineGB Sustainability Scheme, on the grounds that its current standards allow the use of inputs (such as glyphosate) that the estate would never use. Davenport's approach is stricter, rooted in certified organic practices and a long-term vision of regenerative, chemical-free farming.
Reducing the Carbon Footprint
- The original winery generated more electricity than it used thanks to on-site solar panels, with any additional power coming from 100% renewable sources.
- 160 solar panels were installed on the roof of the new winery in 2025, generating more electricity than the estate uses across the year.
- Packaging is carefully chosen to minimise emissions: lightweight glass bottles, FSC-certified fully recyclable labels and cartons, corks from sustainably managed Portuguese forests.
- The team is working to eliminate plastic entirely from the packaging process.
Biodiversity
Wildflower meadows, long grass margins and untrimmed hedgerows offer food and shelter for birds, insects and small mammals. Nesting boxes have been installed for birds of prey and owls - kestrels and barn owls have successfully raised chicks on the estate in recent years. Healthy soils, full of organic matter, fungi and microbes, are actively nurtured with composts, cover crops and minimal tillage, which in turn helps manage pests and diseases naturally.
Regenerative Viticulture
The Hazel Street and other recently acquired vineyards were previously farmed with heavy chemical inputs. The team is now giving the land time to recover: no herbicides, no artificial fertilisers - just a chance for the soil to breathe again. The hope is that these vineyards will eventually become healthy enough to be certified organic.
Circular Thinking: Lees into Design
In 2025, Davenport's wine lees were given a second life as part of a glassware collection designed by Lulu Harrison in collaboration with Maison/0 (Central Saint Martins & LVMH) and Sheffield Hallam University's Glass Research Group. The crystal tartrates in the lees act as a flux, lowering the melting temperature of the glass and reducing the energy needed in production. Combined with waste cullet, recycled bottles, biomass ash, local Kentish sand and quagga mussel shells, the result is an elegant collection of unique, sustainable drinking glasses.
Visit, Tour and Taste
2025 marked a significant step forward at Davenport, as the on-site shop at the new Horsmonden winery opened its doors to the public for the first time. The cellar door shop is now open every Friday from 11.00am to 4.30pm, offering the full range of organic Davenport wines, friendly advice and - usually - a glass of something interesting in hand.
Beyond the regular Friday opening, the vineyard and winery host a small number of informal experiences throughout the year, including:
- The Davenport Wine Experience - a guided vineyard and winery tour followed by a tutored tasting of four Davenport wines.
- Meet the Winemaker - an informal tour and tasting led personally by Will Davenport, with four of his favourite wines from the current range.
- Seasonal cellar door experiences, vineyard walks and special event weekends (such as English Wine Week, when the estate hosts its first open weekend of the year).
All tours and tastings are for adults aged 18+ only, and - because of the working environment - dogs are not permitted on tours or inside the winery and shop. Spaces are limited and must be booked online in advance.
Recent Highlights (2025)
- The vineyard team won the WineGB Pruning Competition.
- Gold, Silver and Bronze at the WineGB Awards - Gold for Limney Estate 2019, Silver for Redmoors Pinot Noir, Bronze for Ortega.
- Limney Estate Sparkling Wine Highly Commended in the 2025 BOOM Awards.
- The first commercial pressing of Davenport's Kent Apple Juice.
- An exceptional harvest of just under 50 tonnes (49,594 kg) of organic grapes, picked from 2 September onwards.
- 160 solar panels installed on the new winery roof.
- The first public tours and tastings hosted at the new Horsmonden winery.
- A Christmas Market hosted in partnership with HoVEC.
- An apple harvest in the orchards with The Felix Project.
Ordering, Delivery and Rewards
Davenport delivers across mainland England, Wales and the Scottish Lowlands, with standard charges starting at £10.15 for up to three bottles and free delivery on orders of six bottles or more. Local customers within a 5-mile radius of the winery (TN12 8EF) can have wine delivered for £2.50, or collect from the winery free of charge. The team can also arrange delivery to the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands - just call the office.
Joining the Davenport Rewards Scheme is the easiest way to save:
- 50 points on sign-up.
- 1 point for every £1 spent.
- 80 points = free delivery for orders under six bottles.
- 200 points = 5% off your next order.
- Points can be combined with current offers - e.g. six bottles of Horsmonden Dry for £104 (normally £18.25 each).
Contact
For help with orders or any questions about the wines and vineyards, the best way to reach the team is by email - they are often out in the vineyard during the day.
- Email: sales@davenportvineyards.co.uk
- Phone: 01892 457320
- Privacy/data enquiries: info@davenportvineyards.co.uk
- Winery address: Horsmonden, Kent (postcode TN12 8EF)
- Opening hours: Winery shop - every Friday, 11.00am to 4.30pm
- Follow: Instagram | Facebook
Looking Ahead
In 2026, the team plans to plant more vines and introduce new varieties as the estate continues to build for the future. There are also plans to expand tours and tastings at the new winery, and even - perhaps - to open a wine bar one evening a week for the first time. Will Davenport has been invited to speak at the Oxford Real Farming Conference in January, sharing the estate's journey from conventional to regenerative and organic viticulture.
From a five-acre planting in 1991 to a 24-acre organic estate, a new winery and a growing international reputation for low-intervention English wine, Davenport Vineyards remains what it has always been: a quiet, principled producer of wines that reflect the land they come from. The future starts with a vine in the ground - and at Davenport, there are now 6,000 more of them than there were last year.