Collection: Wiston
Wiston wines are produced in a south facing chalk slopes estate in South Downs, it has been owned and managed by the Goring family since 1743. Its 6,000 acres straddle the chalky slopes of the South Downs and the flat clay soils of the Weald. As Harry Goring says, “No one seemed particularly interested in hundreds of acres of barley and wheat but plant 16 acres of vineyard and people are fascinated”.
The Wiston bottle label was inspired by the story of two families coming together. It combines the colour and intensity of Pip’s South African nature with Harry’s family heritage and English design. Intricate detail replicates the plasterwork of the Great Hall at Wiston House, commissioned by Sir Charles Goring in the mid-18th century, with the eagle carrying the ribbon of grapes and flowers.
Since arriving in England in 1972, Pip had always wanted to plant a vineyard. Having grown up in Cape Town, the site of mountains and rows of vines had become a familiar one. She dreamed of seeing this in her new home of Sussex.
In true English fashion, Harry thought it best to consider the options... which they did for 34 years. During this time, Pip was able to work on her other great passion, family. Harry and Pip have 6 children and 9 grand-children.
The vineyard was planted in 2006 and Pip is as passionate about it now as she ever was. Her great dream of gathering people around a table in a vineyard, with family and friends, became a reality during the harvest of 2008 and she continues to dream and leads us on.
The traditional Coquard press at Wiston is one of only four outside of France and is unique to the UK where Wiston produce fine sparkling wines with passion and commitment.
