Tucked away in a valley between the Alfriston village and the East Sussex coast rests one of England’s newest and largest vineyards, the Rathfinny Wine Estate. Rathfinny produces fine vintage sparkling wine, including its popular Sussex Sparkling wines, and at the company’s core is the importance of sustainability. Rathfinny aims to set a new global standard for sustainable winemaking and the vineyard recently achieved B Corporation certification.
With yesterday’s celebrations of Independence Day in the USA and historic elections in the UK, I had the occasion to reflect a bit on the intersection between change and tradition in our world today.
While shifting climate patterns have been impacting many traditional winemaking regions such as in Champagne, France, these changes have also opened new opportunities in regions like southern England. The Rathfinny Wine Estate exemplifies this shift, leveraging its unique location with a climate increasingly favorable for viticulture and importantly, recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship throughout its operations.
I had the pleasure of speaking with the estate's founders, Mark and Sarah Driver during a visit to the winery. I especially appreciated their focus on using technological and other innovations to support a regenerative ecosystem, which is also an important theme of my forthcoming book The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost.
Read more for some key points from my article on Rathfinny Wine Estate:
Foundation and Philosophy: Mark and Sarah Driver embarked on their winemaking journey with a clear vision: to produce fine wines while adhering to sustainable practices. "It’s easier to start a company with the goal to be sustainable," Mark observed, highlighting the approach that has guided Rathfinny from its inception.
Location’s Natural Gift: The estate's location is a natural boon, with its south-facing slope near the UK southern coast creating an ideal climate for viticulture. "The land is geologically linked by the Paris Basin to the vineyards of Champagne," Mark explained, underlining the geological and climatic advantages that mirror some of the world's best wine regions.
Climate Change Adaptation: While acknowledging the challenges posed by climate change, Rathfinny has turned these conditions to its advantage, benefiting from the warmer temperatures that enhance the growing season for their grapes. "Maintaining a long and steady growing season," Sarah noted, has been pivotal in developing the rich flavors of their wines.
Sustainability at Core: Rathfinny's commitment to sustainability encompasses every aspect of its operations, from energy use to soil management. "To me, sustainability is multi-layered; it’s everything we touch," Mark stated, emphasizing the holistic approach to environmental stewardship.
Innovative Practices: The estate has adopted several innovative practices, such as a gravity-fed winery, the use of solar energy, water recycling, and sustainable farming techniques. "We always ask ourselves: What can we do as individuals to really improve our impact?" Sarah reflected, showcasing their commitment to continuous improvement.
Looking Ahead: With an eye on the future, Rathfinny is not just content with current successes but is planning for the next 100 years. "The returns for the wine industry is long term," highlighting the estate's long-term vision and commitment to sustainable growth.
Rathfinny Wine Estate shows how businesses, particularly in the agricultural sector, can thrive by integrating sustainability into their core values. Their journey offers lessons for business leaders on the importance of forward-thinking, environmental responsibility, and the long-term vision in being a sustainable business.