A shining light in a flourishing UK wine sector, maker Two Beacons Vineyard is set to sparkle ever brighter as more bon viveurs discover its quality and difference. Among an award-winning array taking on the world are its citrusy white Bacchus with a hint of pepper perfect for festive plates, an elegant Pinot Noir sparkling rosé and an early ripening variety, its trail blazing, rounded red Pinot Noir Précoce.
With a terrific harvest this year producing strong sugar levels all augurs well for future sales as the business, based in fertile Herefordshire and taking its name from high points in local hills, plans its next expansion moves driving greater brand recognition.Co-founded by Ceri Phipps on family owned, warm south-facing land, the vineyard concept was triggered by potential opportunities following the Brexit vote. In spring 2018 vine planting began, then severe frosts and lockdowns persuaded Phipps to delay the first harvest, which in hindsight improved the quality of its star red. More recently interest in locally sourced food and drink has also driven demand.
Unsure at first if this was a large-scale hobby or a business, a couple of years ago “we recognised not only could we grow good grapes, but also make incredible wines, that was a turning point for us becoming more commercial”, explains management expert Phipps, formerly in the energy sector who has also prioritised maintaining nature-friendly habitats on the site.
Now the business has 16,000 vines, adding Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier varieties that extend the range of traditional method sparkling wines when production starts in 2027. A premium version of this range will also happen this year using burgundy barriques, special oak barrels where interaction with the wood increases the complexity of the wines’ vanilla, spicy flavours.
“But our red wines have surprised the most,” observes Phipps. “They are definitely as high quality as anything coming from the more established wine producing counties predominantly in the south and east. Wine production takes time and sparkling wine especially can be three years minimum before release.”
A £100,000 turnover is forecast for 2026/27 as volumes increase and so far the project has taken £350,000 of self-funded investment going into planting and building stock. Targeting efforts in the three counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire one aim is to sell through local shops, pubs and restaurants. Other options actively being explored, following success with a pop-up shop in Malvern, include a wedding venue, holiday cottages and “a permanent, visible site” adds Phipps who is also weighing up whether it would be better to have a series of tasting rooms in towns or one visitor centre. Increasing footfall and getting significant cellar door sales which produce the best margins remain constants however.
All of Two Beacons wines save one have won awards. “We are up right up there with our peers,” declares Phipps, “the good harvest has raised our spirits – more outstanding vintages are to come.” www.twobeaconsvineyard.com
