Hebron Vineyard: Crafting Unique Welsh Natural Wines
Hebron Vineyard, located in West Wales, produces wines that authentically reflect the region's distinct terroir. Situated on the edge of viable viticulture, the vineyard specializes in Northern European cool-climate natural wines, offering a true taste of the land.
Founded in 2010 by Jemma Vickers and Paul Rolt, Hebron Vineyard grew from their previous experience in Andalucía, Spain, where they converted a traditional vineyard into a renowned organic, non-intervention property. The move to Wales allowed them to raise their children closer to family, while continuing their viticultural passion in the UK's evolving wine scene.
A significant development came in early 2021 when David Morris of Mountain People Wine approached the vineyard to collaborate on producing wine in Wales. Morris, known for his expertise in biodynamic and natural winemaking, helped eliminate the need to cross the border with grapes, a common practice in Welsh winemaking. The partnership also led to the use of traditional Spanish tinajas (amphorae) for fermentation, a method Hebron had first employed in Spain two decades ago.
Hebron’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their regenerative viticulture practices, avoiding pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers. All vineyard work, from pruning to harvest, is done by hand, with minimal intervention. The focus is on maintaining the integrity of the land and allowing the grapes to reflect their natural environment.
Hebron's wines are crafted using a zero-intervention philosophy in the winery as well. The Tiriol Field Blend 2022, for example, undergoes natural fermentation with no additives, sulphur, or artificial clarification. The result is a pure, expressive wine that embodies the vineyard's commitment to both the land and natural winemaking principles. I had the pleasure of tasting their wines in Brighton, and they were stunning—rich, full of character, and truly reflective of their unique terroir.
As Hebron Vineyard continues to grow, it remains dedicated to producing wines that showcase the unique flavors of West Wales, driven by a passion for sustainability and minimal intervention.