Last week, we got the fantastic opportunity to visit one of our suppliers, Pebblebed Vineyard. Nestled in the heart of the scenic Devon countryside, Pebblebed Vineyard offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and winemaking tradition. One of the only single-estate wineries in Devon, we got to learn the ins-and-outs of their award-winning wine making process. This fantastic chance to see how our supplier works gave us a real insight into their company and their products, and we’re even more confident in bringing their success through our services, with our gained knowledge of their wines.
The tour began with a warm welcome from our knowledgeable guide Alex, who shared the history of Pebblebed Vineyard, established with a vision to produce high-quality English wines using sustainable practices. Having crafted the wines himself, we got a true insight into his knowledge. We started off tasting some of their rosé wine, which was crisp and refreshing, with notes of green apple, citrus, and subtle toasty undertones. Learning about how they harvest their grapes ready to make, and the process that follows this to make their wines. From pest control to harvesting samples to ensure ripeness, Alex covered everything in his detailed walkthrough of their wine-making process. According to Alex, the name of ‘Pebblebed’ came from the grape vines growing on the pebble beds in Budleigh, Salterton.
Despite the typical British rain pouring down on us, we got to see the growth of the grapes in the vineyard. With 5 different varieties of grape varieties being grown in their vineyard (Seyval Blanc, Rondo, Phoenix, Madeline Angevine and Pinot Noir), we got to see where they’re harvested and which grape type makes which wine. The vineyard was beautifully green, with bunches of grapes blossoming as the ripening season falls on us. Even in the damp weather, it was a beautiful sight to see.
Next, we learnt about the aging process of the wines, having the opportunity to see where they are stored. Alex gave us a detailed explanation of what happens during the wines’ aging, as well as the secret to what differentiates wines from one another: dosage. We got to try a few more wines of both sparkling and still variety, from white to red, and taste the exclusive flavours each had to offer. Each one had different aspects, with the red having a touch of cherry and the white having hints of elderflower, which made it all the more interesting to try.
We definitely gained a deeper appreciation for the labour and passion behind every bottle produced at Pebblebed Vineyard. Each of the five wines we tasted reflected the unique climate and soils of the region, as well as the dedication to sustainable viticulture. For wine lovers and novices alike, a visit to Pebblebed is more than just a tasting – it’s an experience that connects you to the heart of English winemaking.
Finally, we finished off the tour with a final glass of wine (picking our favourite!), with a charcuterie board offering some of their very own grapes, delicious cheeses and meats. The whole experience took two hours from start to finish and the team at Hotel Suppliers thoroughly enjoyed every minute. We are certainly looking forward to sampling the Pebblebed still white at the Independent Hotel Show in London 15-16 October. Come by our stand (916) to try it for yourself!
