Davenport Vineyards: Three Decades of Pioneering Organic English Wine in Kent
Tucked into the rolling Kent countryside around the village of Horsmonden, Davenport Vineyards is one of England's longest-established organic wine producers. Founded by Will Davenport in 1991, the estate has spent more than three decades quietly shaping the story of low-intervention, organic English winemaking - converting vineyard and cellar to certified organic practice in 2000, gaining Soil Association accreditation in 2003, and stepping into a new era in 2024 with a purpose-built winery on the same Kentish soils where the original five acres of vines first went into the ground.
Today the business farms around 24 acres of vines across five distinct sites in Kent and East Sussex, with a small additional acreage at Hazel Street Farm, where non-organic vines and 70 acres of apple orchards are being brought into organic conversion. From its new winery, Davenport produces around 40,000 bottles a year of still, sparkling and natural wines, all certified organic by the Soil Association and all suitable for vegans.
Our Story
In 1991, Will Davenport planted five acres of vines in the Kentish village of Horsmonden. It marked the beginning of Davenport Vineyards - a venture built on a deep respect for the land, a commitment to sustainability, and a clear vision for producing high-quality English wines. In 1993, the original winery was established and Will planted the Limney Estate vineyard in East Sussex. A decade of experimentation followed before a decisive shift: in 2000, all vineyards and the winery were transitioned to organic practices, and Diamond Fields vineyard was planted. Soil Association organic certification arrived in 2003.
The estate continued to expand through the 2000s and 2010s, planting Goudhurst View in 2007 (introducing Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier) and Redmoors in 2016, bringing the total to 24 acres under vine. Recognition followed: in 2014 Davenport was awarded the Gore-Browne Trophy for the best wine variety in Great Britain at the WineGB Awards (then known as English Wine of the Year). In 2018 the business won the Sustainability Drinks Award, and 2019 saw the team begin managing Hazel Street Farm, with a long-term plan to convert the site to organic.
Record harvests in 2018 and 2023 prompted a major investment: a new, purpose-built winery in Horsmonden, completed in time for the 2024 vintage. With capacity for up to 70,000 bottles a year, the building is designed with sustainability in mind, marking a significant step forward for the estate. Plans to open an on-site shop at the winery became reality in 2025, when the cellar door finally opened to the public.
Key moments in the Davenport journey
- 1991 - First vines planted at Lewes Heath vineyard in 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 at the WineGB Awards for best wine variety in Great Britain.
- 2016 - Redmoors vineyard planted, bringing total to 24 acres under vine.
- 2018 - Winner of the Sustainability Drinks Award.
- 2019 - Began managing Hazel Street Farm with a long-term plan to convert to organic.
- 2022 - Another record-breaking harvest; construction begins on the new winery.
- 2023 - New winery in Horsmonden completed.
- 2024 - New winery fully operational for harvest.
- 2025 - On-site winery shop opens to the public; first English Wine Week weekend of tours and tastings.
The Vineyards
At Davenport, exceptional wine begins in the vineyard. Over the past 30 years, Will and his team have established five vineyard sites, each with distinctive soils, aspects and microclimates. Most are located around Horsmonden in Kent, with one site at Limney in Rotherfield, East Sussex. All are certified organic by the Soil Association and managed using a low-intervention approach - cane pruning, meticulous canopy management, and organic-approved sprays that support natural disease resistance. Harvest usually begins in September and continues through mid-October, with every grape hand-picked by a dedicated harvest team.
Lewes Heath Vineyard
- Planted: 1991
- Soil: Clay
- Aspect: South-facing
- Altitude: 80m
- Grape Varieties: Ortega, Bacchus, Faber, Huxelrebe
Limney Vineyard
- Planted: 1993
- Soil: Sandy loam over sandstone
- Aspect: West-facing
- Altitude: 84m
- Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Auxerrois
Diamond Fields Vineyard
- Planted: 2000
- Soil: Sandy clay
- Aspect: South-facing
- Altitude: 80m
- Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir Précoce
Goudhurst View Vineyard
- Planted: 2007
- Soil: Sandy silt over sandstone
- Aspect: Flat, very slight north-facing
- Altitude: 61m
- Grape Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus, Ortega, Siegrebbe
Redmoors Vineyard
- Planted: 2016
- Soil: Sandy silt over sandstone
- Aspect: Very slightly north-facing
- Altitude: 75m
- Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
In 2022 the estate expanded further by taking on the management of Hazel Street Farm, adding 43 acres of vineyard and 70 acres of apple orchards. While the grapes from this site are currently sold to another winery, the team has begun the long transition to organic management, allowing both soil and vines to adapt naturally. As part of the same expansion, 6,000 new vines - 3,000 Pinot Meunier and 3,000 Pinot Gris - were planted in summer 2025 as an investment in the next generation of Davenport wines.
The Winery
The new state-of-the-art winery in Horsmonden was completed just in time for the 2024 harvest. With the capacity to produce up to 70,000 bottles a year, it gives the team room to grow while staying true to the hands-on, thoughtful approach that has always defined Davenport. Current production sits at around 40,000 bottles annually, varying with weather and crop yield.
Inside the winery, oak barrels sit comfortably beside stainless steel tanks; a modern pneumatic press works in harmony with a traditional basket press. This combination gives the team the flexibility to make a wide variety of wines, each handled with care and precision.
Will Davenport leads the winemaking with over three decades of experience and a thoughtful, natural approach. Wherever possible, the team lets the wine take its own path - using wild yeasts from their own vineyards, avoiding unnecessary additives, and steering clear of aggressive processing. The winery does not use fining agents, keeping the wines as unaltered and expressive as possible. Fermentations happen at ambient temperatures, and the team only adjusts fermentation temperature if absolutely necessary, allowing each wine to evolve at its own pace.
The winery is designed to be as adaptable as possible, allowing production of white, red and sparkling wines under one roof. Each grape variety is handled in its own way, with pressing and fermentation techniques tailored to bring out the best of every batch. 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.
The People Behind the Wines
At Davenport, the vineyard runs on teamwork. The crew shares a commitment to growing the best-quality organic grapes and producing outstanding English wines - together.
Will Davenport - Founder and Head Winemaker
The journey began with Will Davenport, who planted his first vines back in 1991. With a background in winemaking from Roseworthy Agricultural College in Australia and experience across the wine worlds of Alsace, California and the UK, Will remains at the heart of the business and winery as Head Winemaker. When he's not in the cellar, he's tending to the wider farm at Rotherfield - home to sheep, bees, woodlands and plenty of wildlife.
Ben Connor - Vineyard Manager
The day-to-day running of the vineyards is led by Ben Connor, who joined the team in 2014 after graduating in Viticulture and Oenology from Plumpton College. His deep knowledge of organic viticulture and calm, steady approach keep the vines - and the team - in good shape all year round.
Ben Ralph - Vineyard Team
Supporting him is Ben Ralph, also a Plumpton graduate, who started with the team on placement and stayed on, bringing great energy, fresh ideas and a real enthusiasm for sustainable farming.
The Wider Team
The full-time crew includes Vlad Borosko (formerly of the Hazel Street orchards), Ashleigh Roy, Oscar Boulter and Lisa Gartshore. From May to November, seasonal staff join the team to help with canopy management, trimming and vineyard care - plus a cheerful band of harvest pickers whose efforts are vital to each vintage. Former Vineyard Manager Phil Harris, who now runs his own vineyard in East Sussex, still comes in one day a week to share his long-standing knowledge of the land.
There's not much hierarchy at Davenport - everyone plays a hands-on role, from pruning and tying down to wire-lifting, bottling and getting orders out the door. Lisa, for example, often lends a hand with marketing, working alongside Will on plans for tours and tastings, and can usually be found in the new winery shop on Fridays.
The Wines
Davenport produces a focused range of still, sparkling and natural wines from its organically grown grapes, all certified by the Soil Association and all suitable for vegans. The current line-up is available from the online shop.
Still Wines
Davenport Horsmonden Dry 2023 - £18.25
The flagship English white: a fragrant, expressive blend of Bacchus, Ortega, Faber, Siegerrebe and Huxelrebe - five aromatic varieties grown across the Kent vineyards. Naturally fermented with wild yeasts, around 10% is matured in large oak foudres for a soft, creamy texture without overt oak flavour. Delicate notes of citrus, elderflower, white peach and hedgerow blossom, with just 11% ABV and only 11 mg/L of sulphites. Awarded Silver at The Organic Masters 2020, Silver at WineGB 2020 and Bronze at WineGB 2021; a BOOM Awards finalist in 2021.
Davenport Ortega 2023 - £19.50
A rare single-varietal white made from Ortega grown on half a hectare of silty clay soil at Lewes Heath - home to Davenport's oldest organic vines, planted in 1991. Dry and medium-bodied, with subtle floral aromas, citrus notes and a gentle mineral edge, underpinned by a lightly earthy, yeasty character. Bronze at the WineGB Awards 2025.
Davenport Pinot Noir 2023 - £21.50
Made from Pinot Noir grown on the Redmoors vineyard, this is a lighter, more aromatic expression of the site. Naturally fermented using a 50/50 mix of whole bunches and destemmed grapes, then aged in large oak foudres for seven months and rested in bottle for a further year. Paler and more delicate than previous Redmoors wines, with notes of wild strawberry, rosehip and cranberry, gentle tannins and a graceful aromatic finish at just 11% ABV.
Davenport Diamond Fields, Early Pinot Noir 2023 - £21.50
A beautifully delicate expression of English organic Pinot Noir from early-ripening clones, planted in 2000 on south-facing silty loam soils at Diamond Fields vineyard. Pale ruby in colour, vibrant and fresh, with aromas of raspberry, cherry and plum, balanced by gentle tannins and crisp acidity at 11% ABV. Only 2,240 bottles produced. Half the grapes were destemmed without crushing and fermented with natural yeasts for 10 days before being transferred to old French oak barrels (5 - 20 years old) for fermentation and nine months of maturation. Bottled without filtration.
Sparkling Wines
Davenport Limney Estate 2020 - £30.00
The flagship traditional-method sparkling wine: a classic Champagne blend of 55% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier, with a second fermentation in bottle followed by four years of ageing on lees. Crisp acidity, a smooth, creamy texture and a steady stream of delicate bubbles, with notes of citrus, red apple, hazelnut and subtle brioche. Gold at WineGB 2025 and 2021; Gold at The Organic Masters 2020; Silver at WineGB 2020 and at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships 2018.
Davenport Limney Estate 2015 Magnum - £72.00
An extremely limited release of just 40 magnums, with only 20 remaining. Crafted from 79% Chardonnay, 12% Pinot Meunier and 9% Pinot Noir, the wine underwent a second fermentation in bottle followed by eight years on lees and a further year in bottle before release. Delivered in a presentation box, it offers fine bubbles, vibrant citrus and red apple, toasted brioche and hazelnut, with a creamy, refined texture. Perfect for special occasions or cellaring.
Davenport Limney Sparkling Rosé 2021 - £29.50 (currently out of stock)
A vibrant sparkling rosé made from 100% Pinot Noir grown on the sandy, silty Redmoors vineyard, disgorged in 2024 after at least two years on lees. Now in its fifth vintage, it opens with notes of wild strawberries, redcurrants and rose petals, joined by gentle hints of brioche and spice from extended lees ageing. The palate is bright and elegant, full of raspberry, cranberry and pomegranate, balanced by zesty citrus and a fine mineral edge; the finish is crisp, refreshing and delicately dry. Bronze at the WineGB Awards in 2017 and 2023.
Davenport Blanc de Blancs 2017 - £33.50
A rare 100% organic Chardonnay sparkling wine made only in exceptional years, grown on the 1.25-hectare Goudhurst View plot planted in 2007. Fermented in stainless steel without added yeast, unfiltered, and aged on its lees with a minimal 43 mg/L of sulphites. 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. Silver at the WineGB Awards 2022.
Natural Wines
Davenport Pet Nat 2025 - £21.00
Fresh, vibrant and full of red-berry charm, the 2025 Pet Nat continues a style Davenport has been quietly perfecting since 2014. Made with zero additions and an organic soul, it's a white sparkling wine with a very slight hint of colour. Pinot Noir (57%) leads the blend, supported by Bacchus (23%), Pinot Meunier (11%) and Faber (9%). Crafted using the méthode ancestrale - the oldest technique for making sparkling wine - it's a naturally fermented, bottle-conditioned wine with no added yeast, sugar or sulphites, unfiltered and disgorged after six months on lees. Expect soft bubbles, a faint rosy hue, and a wild mix of redcurrant, blossom and citrus. Total sulphites under 5 mg/L.
Other Products
Kent Apple Juice 750ml - £4.50 (NEW)
Pressed on the estate from apples grown at Hazel Street Farm, this 750ml bottle captures the freshness of Davenport's orchard in liquid form - the very first apple juice produced at the winery, introduced following the 2025 harvest.
Sustainability and Organic Winemaking
For Davenport, sustainability isn't just part of what they do - it's at the heart of it. The estate has chosen not to join the WineGB Sustainability Scheme (SWGB), on the basis that its current standards don't go far enough. The SWGB allows the use of certain pesticides - like glyphosate - which Davenport would never use. Their approach is stricter, rooted in certified organic practice and a long-term vision of regenerative, chemical-free farming.
Organic, natural and sustainable - what's the difference?
For the team, these words shape everything. Organic means working with nature every step of the way: farming without synthetic fertilisers or pesticides, building healthy soils, encouraging wildlife, and creating a balanced environment where vines can thrive. Natural in the winery means keeping intervention to a minimum - wild yeast fermentations, as few additives as possible, and no unnecessary fining or filtration. In their view, natural winemaking must begin with organic grapes. Sustainability is woven through every part of the work - from water and energy use to packaging and materials.
Reducing the carbon footprint
- The original Rotherfield winery generated more electricity than it used thanks to on-site solar panels, with additional power from 100% renewable sources. 160 solar panels were installed on the roof of the new Horsmonden winery in 2025, again generating more electricity than the site uses across the year.
- Packaging is carefully chosen to minimise emissions: lightweight glass bottles, FSC-certified and fully recyclable labels and cartons, and corks sourced from sustainable forests in Portugal.
- The team is working to eliminate plastic entirely from the packaging process.
Low sulphites, clean wines
All Davenport wines are certified organic by the Soil Association, which requires sulphite levels to stay under 100 mg/L - about half the conventional maximum. Many wines are far lower than that: Redmoors Pinot Noir 2022 at 40 mg/L, Diamond Fields Pinot Noir Early 2022 at 45 mg/L, and Blanc de Blancs 2017 at 43 mg/L. By keeping sulphite levels low, the team lets the wine speak for itself, expressing the vineyard and the vintage with purity and clarity.
Regenerative viticulture
In recent years, Davenport has taken on vineyards that weren't previously organic. These vines had been farmed with heavy chemical inputs for years, so the team is now giving the land time to recover: no herbicides, no artificial fertilisers, just a chance for the soil to breathe again. Over time, this approach helps vines grow stronger and more resilient without chemicals. The hope is that these vineyards will eventually become healthy enough to be certified organic - a long-term journey the team is proud to be taking.
Biodiversity
Since converting to organic practices over two decades ago, the team has focused on creating an environment where wildlife, insects and plants can flourish alongside the vines. A rich, balanced ecosystem supports healthier grapes, reduces the need for intervention, and contributes to wines that truly reflect the character of the land.
Wildflower meadows, long grass margins and untrimmed hedgerows offer food and shelter for birds, insects and small mammals. Healthy soil - full of organic matter, fungi and microbes - supports not only vines but a whole web of life, helping the team manage pests and diseases naturally. Nesting boxes have been installed for birds of prey and owls, and kestrels and barn owls have successfully raised chicks at the vineyard in recent years.
The team avoids synthetic fertilisers and sprays, focusing instead on composting, cover crops and minimal tillage to nurture the soil and encourage life underground. For Davenport, biodiversity isn't just a philosophy - it's how they farm.
Tours, Tastings and Events
Throughout the year, Davenport opens the vineyard and winery for a small number of informal experiences - the chance to explore the organic vineyards, taste a selection of Davenport wines, and learn more about how the wines are grown and made. From guided vineyard walks to meet-the-winemaker tastings, each event is designed to give a genuine insight into life at the estate and the growing story of English wine.
The Davenport Wine Experience
A guided vineyard and winery tour followed by a tasting of four Davenport wines, offering insight into how the wines are grown and crafted, from vineyard to bottle. Limited to two sessions per day.
Meet the Winemaker
Informal tour and tasting sessions led by Will Davenport, offering a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of England's pioneering organic winemakers while tasting four of Will's favourite Davenport wines. Limited to two sessions per day.
Tickets for upcoming tours, tastings and seasonal events are available via the Events and Tours page. Tours and tastings are for adults aged 18+ only, and dogs are not permitted on tours or inside the winery and shop.
For English Wine Week 2025, the team hosted their very first weekend of vineyard tours and tastings, with the popular Prize Draw offering visitors the chance to win a magnum of Limney Estate 2015 Sparkling Wine. Plans for 2026 include welcoming more visitors for tours and tastings and exploring the possibility of opening a wine bar one evening a week.
Visiting the Cellar Door Shop
The on-site winery shop in Horsmonden is open every Friday from 11.00am to 4.30pm, where visitors can browse the full range of organic wines and receive friendly advice on choosing the perfect bottle. The shop also stocks the new Kent Apple Juice pressed from the estate's own orchards. Throughout the year, the cellar door shop also opens for additional days during special event weekends.
Online Shop and Delivery
The full range of Davenport wines is available to buy online through the Davenport Vineyards shop. All wines are certified organic by the Soil Association and suitable for vegans, with free delivery available for orders of six bottles or more to most mainland UK addresses.
Rewards scheme
Members of the Davenport Rewards Scheme earn points every time they buy through the website. New members receive 50 points on sign-up, plus one point for every £1 spent on wine. Collect 80 points for free delivery (under 6 bottles) or 200 points for a 5% discount on the next order. Points can be combined with current offers, such as the 6-bottle Horsmonden Dry deal at just £104.00.
Delivery charges (mainland England, Wales and Scottish Lowlands)
- £10.15 for 1 - 3 bottles
- £7.50 for 4 - 5 bottles
- Free delivery for 6 bottles or more
Other collection and delivery options
- Free collection from the winery in Horsmonden
- Local delivery within a 5-mile radius of TN12 8EF for £2.50
- Standard delivery charges to Scottish Highlands and Islands start at £11.50 for 1 - 3 bottles; free delivery from 12 bottles or more
- Delivery to Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands available by arrangement - call 01892 457320
Orders can also include a personal gift message in the 'Gift Notes?' section at checkout. Most orders arrive within 2 - 3 working days from dispatch, often sooner.
Awards and Recognition
- 2014 - Gore-Browne Trophy for best wine variety in Great Britain, WineGB Awards
- 2017 - Bronze, WineGB Awards (Limney Sparkling Rosé)
- 2018 - Winner, Sustainability Drinks Award
- 2018 - Silver, Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships (Limney Estate)
- 2020 - Gold, The Organic Masters, The Drinks Business (Limney Estate)
- 2020 - Silver, WineGB Awards (Limney Estate)
- 2020 - Silver, The Organic Masters (Horsmonden Dry)
- 2020 - Silver, WineGB Awards (Horsmonden Dry)
- 2021 - Bronze, WineGB Awards (Horsmonden Dry)
- 2021 - Gold, WineGB Awards (Limney Estate)
- 2021 - BOOM Awards finalist (Horsmonden Dry, in partnership with Ocado)
- 2022 - Silver, WineGB Awards (Blanc de Blancs)
- 2023 - Bronze, WineGB Awards (Limney Sparkling Rosé)
- 2025 - WineGB Pruning Competition winners
- 2025 - Gold, WineGB Awards (Limney Estate 2019)
- 2025 - Silver, WineGB Awards (Redmoors Pinot Noir)
- 2025 - Bronze, WineGB Awards (Ortega)
- 2025 - Highly Commended, BOOM Awards (Limney Estate Sparkling Wine)
Journal: News from the Estate
Davenport publishes regular updates through its online journal. Recent highlights include the planting of 6,000 new vines (3,000 Pinot Meunier and 3,000 Pinot Gris), a feature on English Wine Week tours and tastings, a look back on 2025, the story of how wine lees from the Limney Estate became sustainable design material in a collaboration with designer Lulu Harrison and Central Saint Martins' Maison/0 platform, an exploration of winter pruning (the team won the WineGB Pruning Competition in 2025), and a deep dive into the méthode ancestrale behind the Pet Nat.
Contact
The team can be reached by email or through the online form, as the office is often out in the vineyard during the day.
- Email: sales@davenportvineyards.co.uk
- Phone: 01892 457320
- Privacy enquiries: info@davenportvineyards.co.uk
Follow Davenport Vineyards on Instagram and on Facebook for the latest from the vineyard, including seasonal updates, new releases and event announcements.