Our Story
From wonder to wine
A Journey Rooted in Curiosity
Between us, we’ve spent decades exploring the world through wine – from the hills of Tuscany to the valleys of New Zealand, from the coastal vineyards of South Africa to the boutique producers of California. Wine has long been a shared passion for both of us, not just for the drinking but for the discovery: the people, the places, the stories that sit behind each bottle. It’s always been about more than just the wine. Alongside the vineyards came the food, the culture, the moments of connection. A tapas table in Madrid, truffle popcorn on a sunbaked Sonoma terrace, shellfish and Picpoul on the French coast. These moments shaped our palate and deepened our love of wine’s place at the table.
As the English wine scene began to bloom, we started wondering: could we be a part of this? We found ourselves peering over fences at local paddocks, imagining rows of vines. But as is often the case, the land didn’t materialise – at least not at first. So we looked elsewhere. What began as a hobbyist curiosity – just a few grapes, maybe a demijohn or two – quickly escalated into something much more serious.
Guided by the grape
From Idea to Expression
Once we discovered the open market for English-grown fruit, the possibilities opened up. We began learning how grapes were being sourced, what was being grown, and where. It didn’t take long before our weekend conversations turned into spreadsheets and sample tastings, and before we knew it, Vyn Dene was born.
What excited us most was the diversity – across counties and microclimates, English vineyards were revealing just how expressive and characterful wines could be. By sourcing grapes from across the country, we weren’t tied to one site or one style. We could chase ripeness, nuance, and possibility.
The name itself comes from Old English – meaning “wines of the wooded hills and valleys” – a nod to the Chilterns landscape that surrounds us, and a quiet tribute to the history of English winemaking. We wanted a name that felt local, grounded, and gently timeless.
Just as important as the name were the values: low-intervention, small-batch, expressive still wines. We care about what we put on the table – about where it’s come from, how it’s made, and who made it. So, it’s no surprise that when we began searching for winemakers and growers to work with, we were drawn to producers who shared our philosophy.
Born of Adversity
A Vintage Like No Other
2024 – our first vintage – turned out to be one of the most difficult in English viticultural history. A record-breakingly wet year, with low sunshine and slow ripening, meant sourcing high-quality fruit became a challenge. What we thought might be a straightforward start became a real test of commitment and creativity.
But with persistence, we found small, characterful parcels that we believed could still deliver something special – even in a difficult year. And with that, the real journey began.
Guided by the grape
Wine for Every Moment
We make wine for moments that matter, not to fit a single mould. Between us, we drink widely – sharp Picpouls and silky Syrahs, cool-climate Pinot Noir and layered Rieslings. We love complexity, but we also love joy. Just like we believe there is a piece of music to suit every occasion, we believe there’s a wine for every moment. The aim isn’t to make a single “house style” – it’s to explore the range of what English wine can be. What excites us is the evolving identity of English wine. Our wines shift with the vintage, echoing the soil and season they came from.
We’ve been especially inspired by recent visits to the Loire and Alsace, where boutique producers show how texture, restraint, and character can come through in the glass – sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly, always memorably. That’s what we want to bring to Vyn Dene: wines that reflect their place and time, and reward attention without demanding it
Looking Ahead
The Journey Continues
Starting a wine business is no small thing. We’ve been lucky to have friends and family along the way – many of whom believed in our vision enough to join us in setting up the company. That support helped us get through the tangle of paperwork and licensing (never fun), and now that the wines are close to release, we’re more excited than ever.
Looking ahead, we’re exploring more grower relationships, more winemaking collaborations, and eventually, a facility of our own. Not to replace those partners – but to complement them. And one day, perhaps, a space where people can come and taste the wines in person, surrounded by the countryside that inspired the name in the first place. We may not be planting vines anytime soon, but we haven’t ruled it out either. For now, we’re focused on getting our first wines into people’s hands – and into their stories.
