Vagabond Winery + Kitchen is not only one of England’s newest wineries, it is also one of London’s urban wineries.

Vagabond Wines Bacchus       

Bacchus is a German grape variety that has found its niche in English vineyards.  And the vineyard where these grapes have been grown is in Oxfordshire. Vagabond winemaker, Gavin Monery, has kept the wine in stainless steel to ensure that the elderflower, apple and peach aromas are retained. Then, they are then embellished with 5 months left on lees.  This lees contact has added a savoury spicy edge and a more fleshed out mouthfeel to the crisp and fresh flush of acid. 

The Vagabond Bacchus is a dry white wine. It is full of flavour and its peachy finish takes on an additional saltiness. It goes without saying that this savouriness also makes it a good food wine. However, it certainly does not food for company.

Vagabond Wines Pet Not

There is nothing new about Pétillant naturale, or ‘pét-nat’, well not really. It is an ancient method of making sparkling wine. Here the fermenting wine is bottled and is not disgorged. The dead yeast cells remain in the bottle which means that it is often cloudy in the glass.   

The Pet Not is a pinot noir based fizz that has been made in a slightly tweaked version of this ancient method. Well, a combination of traditional and ancient methods really. Hence the name – Pet Not!

The main difference is that there is less yeast left in the bottle. Therefore, it has a clearer sparkle, although it is certainly not crystalline. The aromatics have a mineral flintiness to the rich berry apple fruitiness. It is crisp, yet glossy texture making it a finish to savour and share. From all reports, it is always popular in store. So much so, that should make sure that you don’t leave it to next time as it will be all gone again … til the next vintage. 

Vagabond Wines Ortega

Ortega is another German grape variety that is finding its feet in English vineyards. Like Bacchus. This expression of Ortega has a distinct minerality and pastry spice that underlines its lemon and apple personality. The Vagabond Ortega has a softer acid profile, whereas the Vagabond Bacchus is the more effusive of the two.

Click below to see a two part Winemaker Series interview with Gavin Monery, Vagabond’s winemaker on WinemusingTV.

For more English wine recommendations, click here and here! 

Henry Connell has another fresh view on English wines. Click here to read his interview or below to watch the video.

Visit Vagabond for more information.