Yotes Court: A Regenerative Vineyard Revolutionizing English Wine

Nestled in the heart of Kent, England, known as the Garden of England, lies Yotes Court, a picturesque vineyard showcasing the potential of regenerative agriculture and innovative grape varieties in the burgeoning UK wine industry.

• Owned by Susannah Ricci, a former accountant, and managed by Tony Purdie, a seasoned vineyard manager, Yotes Court is a testament to sustainable and innovative winemaking practices.
• The vineyard, previously a fruit farm, underwent a remarkable transformation after being acquired by Ricci, who envisioned a new project to complement her renovated 17th-century home.
• With the guidance of renowned wine expert Stephen Skelton, Yotes Court was established in 2014, focusing on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, supplying them to Chapel Down, the UK's largest wine producer.

From Fruit Farm to Award-Winning Vineyard

The story of Yotes Court is a journey of transformation, showcasing the potential of regenerative agriculture to revitalize land and create high-quality wines.

• Ricci's initial vision was to create a vineyard that was both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.
• The vineyard's south-facing fields and free-draining soils, combined with the UK's warming climate, provided ideal conditions for grape cultivation.
• The vineyard's transformation has been remarkable, leading to contracts with major wine producers and the production of award-winning wines under the Yotes Court brand.

Sustainable Practices at the Heart of Yotes Court

Sustainability is deeply embedded in Yotes Court's philosophy and practices. The vineyard's commitment to environmental responsibility is evident in its approach to soil health, grape varieties, and winemaking.

• Ricci and Purdie's shared vision for sustainability led them to become founding members of the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain scheme, setting a benchmark for responsible wine production in the UK.
• Their commitment to protecting the land and producing high-quality grapes using sustainable methods is paramount, reflecting their belief in balancing environmental responsibility with business profitability.
• Yotes Court practices a holistic approach to sustainability, ensuring that every aspect of the vineyard's operations contributes to the health of the environment and the quality of their wines.

Regenerative Agriculture: Restoring Soil Health

Yotes Court is a shining example of how regenerative agriculture can revitalize soil health, leading to better wines and a more sustainable future.

• Purdie, with his extensive experience in vineyard management, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a living root system in the ground. He explains that root exudates nourish soil microbes and fungi, which, in turn, enhance nutrient uptake by the vines.
• Yotes Court's focus on rebuilding soil fertility is a testament to their understanding of the complex relationship between soil health, vine vigor, and the quality of their wines.
• The vineyard's commitment to restoring soil health reflects a broader movement in the wine industry toward more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.

Minimizing Disruption: Working with Nature

Yotes Court has adopted a holistic approach to vineyard management, minimizing disruption and maximizing the benefits of nature.

• The vineyard's transition away from traditional, intensive farming practices is a testament to their commitment to working with nature, not against it.
• Yotes Court's commitment to reducing reliance on chemical inputs and embracing natural methods aligns with the growing demand for organic and biodynamic wines.
• Their approach to vineyard management reflects a shift in thinking within the wine industry, recognizing the importance of preserving natural processes and minimizing human intervention.

Grape Varieties: Innovation and Tradition

Yotes Court is pushing the boundaries of English winemaking, experimenting with new grape varieties while honoring traditional techniques.

• The vineyard's focus on traditional varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier is balanced by their exploration of PIWI grapes, which are resistant to fungal diseases and require less intervention.
• Yotes Court's successful cultivation of Divico, a fungus-resistant grape, has led to the production of award-winning wines and has garnered recognition as a potential game-changer for the UK wine industry.
• The vineyard's willingness to experiment with new varieties reflects the dynamism of the English wine scene, which is constantly evolving and exploring new possibilities.

Yotes Court: A Model for Sustainable Winemaking

Yotes Court is a testament to the transformative power of regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices in the wine industry. Their commitment to soil health, grape varieties, and winemaking has earned them recognition as a leading force in the UK wine scene.

• Yotes Court's success highlights the potential for English winemakers to produce high-quality wines while minimizing their environmental impact.
• The vineyard's story serves as an inspiration for other wine producers who are seeking to adopt more sustainable practices and produce wines that are both delicious and responsible.
• Yotes Court's legacy extends beyond the production of award-winning wines, as they are actively contributing to the development of a more sustainable and resilient wine industry.