Rowton

Vineyards don’t come much more local than this, Rowton is a mere eight miles from Tanners, Shrewsbury. Founded by twins Zoë and Mel Evans in 2020, the sisters planted two hectares of vines on their family farm, with the first harvest following in 2022. The vineyard sits on sandy soils over a base of Cardeston rock, this local, free-draining sandstone warms quickly in the summer, ideal for the Shropshire climate. Rather than opting for conventional international varieties, which can struggle in the UK’s damp conditions, Zoë and Mel chose PIWI grapes (from the German Pilzwiderstandsfähig, meaning “fungus-resistant”), these are a promising innovation for sustainable viticulture in Britain. Their plantings are just over half Solaris, backed up by the early-ripening Pinot Noir Precoce and the cold-hardy Seyval Blanc. To improve soil health, Shropshire sheep are wintered in the vineyard, and 16 species of cover crop promote biodiversity. Any cardboard waste is given to cattle on the family farm, where it’s trampled down into straw litter, composted and returned to the land. The range now includes a dry, fruity Solaris, a late-harvest version, a sparkling Solaris, a pink fizz, a delicate summer rosé and a light red. With their striking branding and fruit-forward style, Rowton wines are a great example of the future of home-grown English wine.