New English wine brand uses fresh techniques to grow non-traditional varieties
17th February 2025
Soft fruit grower Sandy Booth has turned his attention to English wine with the launch of his inaugural wine collection.
English wine brand Beaulieu 58 Wines is using innovative techniques to grow grape varieties not traditionally grown in the UK, such as Gewürztraminer.
The business is nestled in the heart of the picturesque New Forest in the South East of England, and was founded by Sandy Booth, who has decades of experience in soft fruit production.
Beaulieu 58 Wines combines innovative growing techniques with traditional, low-intervention winemaking methods, to create still wines that showcase the uniqueness of the South East region and New Forest soil.
Three still wines
The range of English still wines comprise an award-winning white and red wine, as well as a rosé.
B58 Gewürztraminer is a dry aromatic white, B58 Red is a rich and full-bodied red and a blend of four grape varieties, whilst Beaulieu 58 Rosé is refreshing and off dry with hints of red fruit.
The wines have been expertly crafted by Guillaume Lagger, a Swiss oenologist and winemaker with an unwavering passion for low-intervention wine production.
Guillaume’s expertise, combined with the winery’s unique approach to vine growing, has resulted in wines that are both expressive and distinctive.
Using fruit expertise to grow wine
The B58 Winery was born from Sandy’s vision to create a winery that is unique and sustainable.
Sandy has spent 16 years at the helm of The New Forest Fruit Company – growing around 4,500 tonnes of strawberries annually under cover in tunnels, along with a variety of other crops.
Sandy wanted to explore the possibility of working with vines in similar growing conditions.
His expertise in innovative farming techniques including cutting-edge robotics (Tortuga robots, Saga Thorvold and OneThird) and AI technology, coupled with his dedication to sustainability, has led to the creation of Beaulieu 58 Wines.
He commented: “We are thrilled to release our first wines, that represent years of dedication and innovation.
“My goal has always been to produce wines that are full of character and complexity, and through our sustainable, low-intervention approach, I believe we have achieved that.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the journey of wine, from vine to bottle. When the opportunity arose to apply my experience in farming to viticulture, I was determined to bring my vision to life.”
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Winemaker Guillaume Lagger, who has been part of the team since 2022, has been instrumental in crafting the award-winning wines that Beaulieu 58 Wines is proud to debut.
“It’s been exciting to be part of the creation of the B58 Winery as a new winery.
“We’ve looked into pushing the boundaries with the wines and, rather than make another English sparkling wine – that people might expect – we have instead chosen to work with grape varieties and styles that are a little less expected, but hopefully still celebrated as examples of just how exciting the world of English wine continues to be,” Guillaume said.
Beaulieu 58 Wines – inaugural releases:
B58 Gewürztraminer (ABV: 12.2%, RRP £30)
- Grape Variety: 100% Gewürztraminer
- Description: A dry, aromatic white with a fragrant character and a rich profile – ideal for pairing with spicy cuisine, aromatic cheeses, or enjoyed on its own. The Gewürztraminer grape is not usually grown in England and the use of new oak barrels enhances the complexity of this wine
- Tasting Notes: With a pale golden hue and enticing aromas of lychee and rose petals, this wine delights the palate with a delicate acidity
- Medals: Bronze at Wine GB Wessex Awards 2024.
B58 Red (ABV: 13.5%, RRP £35)
- Grape Varieties: 30% Shiraz, 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Jura
- Description: A medium to full bodied red with a deep colour, offering a bold and rich, yet balanced taste experience
- Tasting Notes: Aromas of rich blackcurrant, blackberry and plum flavours and a hint of spice and oak. Velvety tannins and a touch of nuttiness create a balanced and well-rounded lingering finish. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, hearty stews or aged cheeses, this wine delivers a rich and memorable tasting experience
- Medals: Silver at Wine GB Wessex Awards 2024.
Beaulieu 58 Rosé (ABV: 11.5%, RRP £15)
- Grape Varieties: 75% Pinotin and 25% Cabernet Jura
- Description: A field blend crafted from grapes harvested on the same day and pressed together, producing a medium-bodied rosé
- Tasting Notes: With vibrant notes of ripe soft fruits, a hint of citrus zest and a subtle acidity, Beaulieu Rosé has a refreshing, yet smooth finish. Perfectly suited for alfresco dining, an ideal companion for seafood or enjoyed chilled on a warm evening.
Availability
Beaulieu 58 Wines will be available to purchase online at www.b58winery.com and through select retailers, from mid-February.
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