BALFOUR WINERY
In 2002, standing in her own garden, Leslie Balfour-Lynn asked a question that would change English winemaking forever:“ Why don’ t we plant a few vines?” A few vines became a vineyard and that vineyard produced a wine that made history. The Balfour Brut Rosé 2004 was the first English wine ever to win a gold medal and trophy at the International Wine Challenge. Fastforward to today and the winery produces over 800,000 bottles a year; proof that Leslie’ s original philosophy-‘ If we can’ t sell it, we’ ll drink it’- was more than a passing thought.
THREE GENERATIONS, ONE VISION Winemaking at Balfour Winery is a family affair. Fergus and Owen Elias, father and son, are at the helm, blending decades of experience with a daring drive for innovation. Owen helped lay the foundations of English wine, while Fergus is steering the next generation towards bold, award-winning creations. Meanwhile, the Turner family- Cathy, Stef and their son Billy- have nurtured the vineyard for three generations, bringing a deep knowledge of the land and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. It is this continuity and care that gives Balfour wines their unmistakable character.
A LANDSCAPE TO INSPIRE Balfour Winery is not just a producer of fine English wines; it is a place that invites visitors to linger. Sprawled across 160 hectares of gently rolling vineyards, ancient oak woodlands and blossoming apple orchards, it is a living canvas of flora and fauna. As a founding member of Sustainable Wines of GB, the estate showcases viticulture that respects
6 | VINEYARD