Sharpham

Sharpham labelled wines are now produced by Sandridge Barton Wines at Stoke Gabriel, south-west of Totnes, still in the Dart Valley where the whole operation started in 1981. The Devon-based vineyards and winery were originally on the Sharpham Estate almost directly across the River Dart, planted by Maurice and Ruth Ash. The enterprise moved eastwards across the river in 2008 to Sandridge Barton Estate, owned by Andrew Moon, expanding production and planting more up-to-date varieties.

Long-time winemaker Duncan Schwab is currently handling over 80 tonnes of fruit per year from 32 acres of vineyards, with more single vineyard sites being identified and planted each year. Set in a south-facing bowl and overlooking the river, they champion ‘Mad Ange’ (Madeleine Angevine) and Bacchus as well as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc.

The new state-of-the-art winery and visitor centre at Sandridge Barton have been designed with sustainability in mind, using solar panels, rainwater harvesting, air-source heat pumps and spring water extraction to reduce their carbon footprint. The excellent restaurant continues to win high praise, and visitors are made very welcome.