Bolney Wine Estate: A Partnership with Devon Distillery to Craft Dappa
In the heart of Sussex lies Bolney Wine Estate, one of England’s most renowned vineyards known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. At Devon Distillery, we are proud to partner with Bolney Wine Estate to upcycle grape skins from their red wine production to create our award-winning Dappa—a unique grape-marc spirit that honours both tradition and innovation.
Bolney Wine Estate: A History of Excellence
Founded in 1972, Bolney Wine Estate is a pioneer in the English wine industry. With over 50 years of winemaking experience, Bolney is celebrated for producing high-quality wines that reflect the character of the Sussex countryside. Their portfolio includes an impressive range of reds, whites, and sparkling wines, but it is their red wine production that plays a crucial role in our partnership.
Bolney’s dedication to sustainability, craftsmanship, and environmental stewardship aligns perfectly with the values of Devon Distillery. By focusing on sustainable practices, Bolney not only produces exceptional wines but also contributes to the reduction of waste through partnerships like ours.
The Red Grape Varieties That Shape Dappa
At Bolney Wine Estate, several red grape varieties are cultivated, including Pinot Noir, a grape known for its delicate flavours and complex character. Pinot Noir, along with other varieties like Rondo and Dornfelder, forms the backbone of Bolney’s red wine production. These grapes are harvested with care, and once they have been pressed for wine, the leftover grape skins (or pomace) are sent to Devon Distillery to be transformed into Dappa.
The grape skins used in Dappa are rich in flavour, carrying the essence of the vineyard and the unique terroir of Sussex. This gives Dappa its distinctive character—a smooth, complex spirit with notes of dark fruit and a hint of spice.
Upcycling for Sustainability: How Devon Distillery and Bolney Work Together
At Devon Distillery, we believe in making the most of every ingredient. Our partnership with Bolney Wine Estate is a perfect example of upcycling—turning what would otherwise be a by-product of winemaking into a high-quality spirit. By using grape skins from Bolney’s red wine production, we create Dappa, a sustainable and unique spirit that reflects the commitment to quality and environmental consciousness that both our companies share.
The steam distillation process we use at Devon Distillery ensures that the natural flavours of the grape skins are preserved, 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 how sustainability and craftsmanship can come together to create something truly exceptional.
A Shared Focus on Quality
Both Bolney Wine Estate and Devon Distillery are committed to producing high-quality, small-batch products that reflect the best of British craftsmanship. For Bolney, this means producing wines that are elegant, balanced, and expressive of their terroir. For Devon Distillery, it means crafting Dappa with the same attention to detail and dedication to excellence.
By partnering with Bolney Wine Estate, we ensure that Dappa is made from the finest grape skins, creating a spirit that is smooth, complex, and full of character. The 2015 vintage of Dappa, made using grape skins from Bolney, was awarded 2 Stars at the Great Taste Awards, highlighting the exceptional quality of this collaboration.
Conclusion: Bolney and Devon Distillery—A Partnership for the Future
As we continue to produce Dappa, we are excited to build on our partnership with Bolney Wine Estate. Together, we are committed to sustainability, craftsmanship, and creating exceptional products that showcase the best of British winemaking and distillation.
By upcycling grape skins from Bolney’s red wine production, Devon Distillery is able to craft a spirit that is not only delicious but also environmentally conscious. We invite you to experience Dappa for yourself and discover the unique flavours created through this special partnership.
