Chiltern Valley Vineyard and Winery
David Ealand is this months Food Hero. These days David would be called a “green-shifter” for quitting London and a legal career to live on an old pig farm near Henley on Thames. But “pioneer” might be a better description. That is because he made the move back in 1981, since then he has been at the centre of a movement transferring humdrum pastures into rich fruit-bearing fields, giving new life to a rural tradition of winemaking.
Annual production at David’s Chiltern Valley Vineyard and Winery increased to over 120,000 bottles. David Ealand uses the very latest wine making techniques and winery equipment to combine a respect for tradition with minimum interference with the natural processes. The old myth that the climate, grapes or even the wine making skills in this country prevented English Wines competing against the best from around the world was well and truly smashed after Chiltern Valley achieved over seventy trophies, awards and commendations in both national and international competitions securing an enviable reputation both here and abroad.
Luxter’s Sparkling Wine is outstanding. Traditionally produced, undergoing secondary fermentation in the bottle. A fine local exemplar of our English heritage. A herbaceous, crisp, dry fizz, elegant, sophisticated. Its golden bubbles gently rising in their myriads in the glass drowning all your sorrows. Try it for yourself; the Luxter’s Cellar Shop is open everyday 10 am – 4 pm www.chilternvalley.co.uk