In the heart of Devon, a tradition of sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation is alive and well. At Devon Distillery, we’ve created something truly unique: Dappa, the UK’s version of the classic Italian grappa. Crafted from grape skins left over from winemaking, Dappa is a testament to upcycling, small-batch production, and the art of distillation. Though inspired by grappa, Dappa is more than just a spirit—it’s a celebration of local vineyards, sustainable practices, and British ingenuity.
What is Dappa? The Origin Story of Devon’s Grape-Marc Spirit
The Grappa Connection
For centuries, grappa has been Italy’s answer to upcycling the by-products of winemaking. Traditionally, grappa is made from grape pomace—the skins, seeds, and stems left over after grapes are pressed for wine. Much like champagne’s ties to its region, grappa is a product of designated origin. As such, the name “grappa” can only be used for spirits produced in Italy.
Enter Dappa, Devon Distillery’s take on the traditional Italian spirit. While Dappa shares grappa’s core ingredient—grape pomace—it takes on a British identity, infusing Devon’s craftsmanship and spirit into every bottle. By working with local vineyards and using traditional steam distillation techniques, Dappa embodies the rich flavours of red wine grape skins while offering something truly distinct.
What Makes Dappa Special?
What sets Dappa apart is not just its UK origins but also the process behind its production. We use steam distillation, a method that preserves the rich, bold flavours of the grape skins. This traditional technique ensures that the delicate notes of the grapes shine through, creating a smooth, full-bodied spirit that reflects the terroir of British vineyards.
As the only distillery in the UK producing this style of spirit, Devon Distillery is proud to offer Dappa—a product of craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation.
The Upcycling Story: Turning Waste into Liquid Gold
Sustainability in Action
At its core, Dappa is a product of upcycling. Rather than letting grape pomace—often seen as waste—go unused, we transform this by-product into a rich, flavourful spirit. By partnering with local vineyards, we help reduce waste in the winemaking process while creating something new and exciting.
In today’s world, where sustainability is more important than ever, Dappa represents a commitment to making the most of what we have. Using grape skins that have already served their purpose in winemaking, we extend the life of these ingredients, capturing their full potential in a bottle of Dappa.
A Focus on Quality
While sustainability is key, quality is at the heart of Dappa. Our commitment to small-batch production ensures that each bottle is crafted with care and attention to detail. By hand-selecting the grape skins from red wine production, we guarantee consistency in flavour and character. This small-batch approach allows us to focus on quality over quantity, ensuring that every sip of Dappa reflects our dedication to excellence.
The Vineyards Behind Dappa
At Devon Distillery, we’re proud to work with some of the UK’s finest vineyards, each bringing their unique touch to the production of Dappa. By partnering with these local vineyards, we ensure that every bottle of Dappa is infused with the character of British winemaking.
Bolney Wine Estate
One of England’s most respected vineyards, Bolney Wine Estate is known for its rich history and commitment to quality. Located in the heart of Sussex, Bolney produces a range of award-winning wines from Pinot Noir and other grape varieties. By working with Bolney, we ensure that the grape skins used in Dappa are of the highest quality, contributing to the spirit’s deep, complex flavours.
Sharpham Wine (Sandridge Barton)
Sharpham Wine holds a special place in the story of Devon Distillery. Founded by the grandfather of Cosmo Caddy, the founder of Devon Distillery, Sharpham has been at the forefront of English winemaking for decades. The connection between Sharpham Wine and Devon Distillery runs deep, with both sharing a passion for sustainable practices and local production. The grape skins from Sharpham’s vineyards are integral to the production of Dappa, adding a touch of family legacy to each bottle.
Denbies Wine Estate
Located in the rolling hills of Surrey, Denbies Wine Estate is one of the largest and most established vineyards in the UK. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation makes them a perfect partner for Devon Distillery. The grape skins from Denbies’ red wine production provide the depth and richness that define Dappa’s flavour profile.
Three Choirs Vineyard
Nestled in the Gloucestershire countryside, Three Choirs Vineyard is renowned for its pioneering approach to English winemaking. By working with Three Choirs, we’re able to source some of the finest grape pomace in the country, ensuring that Dappa maintains its distinctive, high-quality taste.
Biddenden Vineyards
As one of the oldest commercial vineyards in the UK, Biddenden Vineyards brings decades of experience and expertise to the table. Their red grape varieties, particularly Pinot Noir, add a rich complexity to Dappa, making them an invaluable partner in our distillation process.
Halfpenny Green Vineyards
Located in the West Midlands, Halfpenny Green Vineyards is known for its exceptional winemaking and commitment to sustainability. Their red wine grape skins are integral to the flavour profile of Dappa, providing the bold, fruity notes that make the spirit stand out.
Lyme Bay Winery
Lyme Bay Winery, located on the stunning Devon coastline, is a proud partner of Devon Distillery. Their cold-climate grape varieties, including Pinot Noir and Rondo, add a unique character to Dappa, ensuring that each bottle reflects the diverse terroir of the UK.
The Grape Varieties That Shape Dappa’s Unique Flavour
Dappa is crafted from a carefully selected range of cold-climate red grape varieties, each bringing its own distinctive flavour to the spirit.
Pinot Noir
Known for its delicate, nuanced flavours, Pinot Noir is one of the most important grape varieties used in Dappaproduction. Its light, fruity profile adds subtlety and depth to the spirit, making it a favourite among winemakers and distillers alike.
Rondo
A deep red grape, Rondo thrives in the UK’s cooler climate, offering rich, robust flavours. Its intense colour and bold taste give Dappa a complexity that sets it apart from other grape-marc spirits.
Regent
A hybrid grape known for its full-bodied flavour, Regent contributes dark fruit notes to Dappa, adding layers of complexity and richness to the spirit.
Dornfelder
With its deep colour and strong fruit character, Dornfelder is a key player in Dappa’s flavour profile. Its dark berry notes create a well-rounded, satisfying finish.
The Dappa Production Process: Craftsmanship in Every Drop
Steam Distillation: The Heart of Dappa
At Devon Distillery, we use traditional steam distillation techniques to create Dappa. This method allows us to extract the purest flavours from the grape skins, preserving their essence and delivering a spirit that’s rich in character.
Small-Batch Production
Our small-batch approach ensures that each bottle of Dappa is crafted with care and precision. By focusing on quality over quantity, we’re able to maintain the highest standards in every step of the production process.
The Role of Grape Skins
Using grape skins from red wine production gives Dappa its distinctive flavour. While grappa can be made from white grapes, red grape skins—particularly those from Pinot Noir and Rondo—add a depth of flavour that is hard to replicate.
Why Dappa is More Than Just a Spirit
A Nod to Tradition
Dappa pays homage to the Italian tradition of grappa while embracing its British identity. By combining traditional methods with a modern twist, Dappa offers a unique take on a classic spirit.
Supporting Local Vineyards
Our partnerships with local vineyards not only provide us with high-quality grape skins but also support the sustainability of the UK’s wine industry. By upcycling what would otherwise be considered waste, we’re helping to create a more sustainable future for winemaking.
A Sustainable Choice
Choosing Dappa is choosing sustainability. By making use of grape pomace that would otherwise be discarded, we’re reducing waste and promoting a more eco-friendly approach to spirits production.
Dappa as a Digestif: The Perfect Post-Dinner Drink
While some spirits are best enjoyed as aperitifs, Dappa shines as an exceptional digestif. After a rich and satisfying meal, there’s nothing quite like a well-crafted digestif to round off the evening. Dappa, with its smooth, full-bodied character and fruity notes, makes for the perfect after-dinner drink. Its rich flavours of dark berries, spice, and subtle warmth offer a satisfying and indulgent way to aid digestion and relax after a meal.
Digestifs, in general, are designed to be savoured slowly, and Dappa is no exception. Whether enjoyed neat or over ice, Dappa’s bold flavours provide the perfect conclusion to a meal. For those who prefer a more complex and aged experience, Dark Fire, our oak-aged version of Dappa, adds layers of vanilla, toffee, and oak, making it an ideal option for those who enjoy the depth and richness of aged digestifs.
In addition to Dappa and Dark Fire, there are many other classic digestifs to explore, each with its own distinct flavour profile:
- Grappa, the Italian cousin of Dappa, offers a robust and fruity experience, often made from the same grape pomace used in winemaking.
- Brandy and Cognac, with their rich, oaky profiles, are classic post-dinner choices for those who enjoy sipping a smooth spirit.
- Calvados, a French apple brandy, provides a fruitier take on the digestif tradition.
- Slivovitz, the bold plum brandy from Central Europe, offers a powerful, fruity punch.
- Pisco and Palinka, two other fruit-based spirits, also make for exciting digestif options.
Each of these digestifs brings something unique to the table, making them perfect for pairing with desserts, light bites, or enjoyed on their own.
Where to Enjoy Dappa
Tasting Dappa
Whether enjoyed neat, chilled, or in a cocktail, Dappa offers a rich, complex flavour that’s perfect for sipping or mixing.
Where to Find Dappa
Dappa is available in local retailers, online through Devon Distillery’s website, and at special tastings and events throughout the UK.
The Future of Dappa: Tradition Meets Innovation
As the only producer of this unique grape-marc spirit in the UK, Devon Distillery is proud to carry forward the tradition of distillation with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Our commitment to upcycling, small-batch production, and partnerships with local vineyards ensures that Dappa not only celebrates the history of grappa but also reflects the future of the spirits industry.
As more people seek out environmentally conscious and locally produced products, Dappa stands as a shining example of how innovation and tradition can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re a fan of classic spirits or someone looking for a new and exciting experience, Dappa offers a taste of history with a modern twist.
