Biddenden Vineyards and Devon Distillery: Crafting Dappa with Tradition and Innovation
Nestled in the heart of Kent, Biddenden Vineyards is one of the UK’s oldest family-run vineyards, known for producing award-winning wines and ciders. With over five decades of experience in winemaking, Biddenden is celebrated for its dedication to quality and tradition. At Devon Distillery, we are proud to partner with Biddenden Vineyards to upcycle their red grape skins into Dappa, our unique grape-marc spirit that combines sustainability with craftsmanship.
Biddenden Vineyards: A Legacy of Quality
Founded in 1969, Biddenden Vineyards has been at the forefront of the English wine industry for more than 50 years. Originally established to produce cider, Biddenden soon expanded into winemaking, cultivating a variety of red and white grape varieties. Today, the vineyard is known for its award-winning still and sparkling wines, crafted with care and attention to detail.
The vineyard’s commitment to sustainable farming and small-batch production makes it a perfect partner for Devon Distillery. By working with Biddenden’s red wine production, we are able to source the highest quality grape skins to create Dappa.
The Grape Varieties Behind Dappa’s Unique Flavour
Biddenden Vineyards cultivates a range of red grape varieties, including Pinot Noir and Rondo, which are essential to the production of Dappa. These grape varieties, known for their rich and complex flavours, form the foundation of our collaboration.
- Pinot Noir brings delicate fruit notes, contributing subtlety and depth to Dappa.
- Rondo adds a bold, full-bodied character, enhancing the richness and complexity of the spirit.
Once the grapes are pressed for wine, the remaining grape skins (pomace) are sent to Devon Distillery to be transformed into Dappa. The result is a spirit that is smooth, complex, and deeply connected to the terroir of Kent.
Upcycling for Sustainability: Biddenden and Devon Distillery’s Partnership
At Devon Distillery, we believe in making the most of every ingredient, and our partnership with Biddenden Vineyardsis a testament to this commitment. By upcycling the grape skins from Biddenden’s red wine production, we reduce waste and create a sustainable, high-quality spirit that reflects the values of both businesses.
Using traditional steam distillation techniques, we preserve the natural flavours of the grape skins, creating a spirit that is rich in character and smooth on the palate. Dappa is more than just a spirit—it’s a symbol of sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Shared Values: Quality, Craftsmanship, and Sustainability
Both Biddenden Vineyards and Devon Distillery are dedicated to producing high-quality, small-batch products that reflect the best of British craftsmanship. For Biddenden, this means cultivating grapes with care and producing wines that are expressive of the Kentish terroir. For Devon Distillery, it means using the finest grape skins from Biddenden to craft a spirit that is smooth, complex, and full of character.
This partnership is built on a shared commitment to quality and sustainability. By upcycling the grape skins from Biddenden’s red wine production, we create a spirit that not only reduces waste but also showcases the rich flavours of the vineyard’s grapes.
Conclusion: Biddenden and Devon Distillery—A Partnership Built on Tradition and Innovation
The collaboration between Biddenden Vineyards and Devon Distillery represents the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. By upcycling the grape skins from Biddenden’s red wine production, Devon Distillery creates Dappa, a spirit that reflects the quality and care that goes into every bottle.
As we continue to produce Dappa, we are excited to build on this partnership, creating products that are both sustainable and of the highest quality. Together, we are proud to showcase the best of British winemaking and distillation.
