Raise a glass to Two Beacons’ sparkling future | City & Business | Finance
A shining light in the thriving UK wine industry, producer Two Beacons Vineyard is set to shine even brighter as more bon viveurs discover its quality and distinction. A world-winning range includes Bacchus, a citrus white with a peppery hue perfect for festive plates, a delicate Pinot Noir sparkling rosé, and an early-ripening variety, the groundbreaking, round red Pinot Noir Précoce.
A terrific harvest this year producing strong sugar levels bodes well for future sales as the business, based in fertile Herefordshire and named after high points in the local hills, plans its next expansion drive that will bring greater brand awareness. Founded by Ceri Phipps on a warm, family-owned, south-facing property, the vineyard concept was triggered by potential opportunities following the Brexit vote. Vine planting began in the spring of 2018, followed by severe frosts and quarantines that convinced Phipps to postpone the first harvest, which in hindsight improved the quality of the star red. Recent interest in locally sourced food and beverages has also increased demand.
At first we weren’t sure whether it was a large-scale hobby or business, but a few years ago “we realized that not only could we grow good grapes, but we could also make incredible wines, which was a turning point for us to become more commercial,” explains Phipps, a management expert formerly in the energy sector who also prioritizes the preservation of nature-friendly habitats on site.
The business currently has 16,000 vines, with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier varieties being added when production begins in 2027, expanding the traditional method sparkling wine range. A premium version of this series will be produced this year using burgundy barriques, special oak barrels where the interaction with the wood increases the complexity of the wines’ vanilla and spicy flavors.
“But what surprised us the most were our red wines,” says Phipps. “These are certainly as good a quality as those from established wine-producing regions, predominantly the south and east. Wine production takes time, and sparkling wines in particular can take at least three years to be released.”
A turnover of £100,000 is expected for 2026/27 as volumes increase and the project has so far received a self-funded investment of £350,000 towards planting and building stock. One of the aims of targeting efforts in the three counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire is to sell through local shops, pubs and restaurants. Other options being actively explored following the success of a pop-up shop in Malvern include a wedding venue, holiday homes and a “permanent, visible space,” said Phipps, who is also weighing whether it would be better to have a series of tasting rooms or a visitor center in the towns. However, increasing footfall and significant cellar door sales, which provide the best margins, remain constant.
All but one of the Two Beacons wines won awards. “We are on par with our peers,” says Phipps, “a good harvest has lifted our spirits; more outstanding yields will follow.” www.twobeaconsvineyard.com
