Our Story
The Dinton Wines Story So Far...
Dinton Wines was started by Laurie and Margaret Kimber in 2010. Retired Laurie wondered what to do with the field he’d bought down the road. Learning as he went, but with a lifetime of knowledge of growing all manners of fruit and vegetables in gardens and allotments, he set about planting hundreds of vines on his 7 acres of land overlooking the stunning Chiltern Hills.
This area of outstanding natural beauty is the perfect location for Dinton Wines. With its south facing slope, chalky soil and temperate climate, Laurie saw the harvest triple from 2 tonnes in the first year, to 6 tonnes the second year.
When its time to harvest, the vineyard is truly a family business and Laurie’s children, grandchildren and even his great-grandchildren, as well as neighbours from the local villages of Dinton and Upton, all come out in force to pick the grapes.
Laurie grows the three classic grape varieties to achieve the subtle taste of his flagship quality English sparkling wine – Dinton Folly. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier combine to produce a dry, elegant and complex taste.
The first harvest was ready to drink in June 2016 and has been positively received. The White English Sparkling Wine has been followed by a Pink Sparkling Wine made from the same grapes and has proved equally as popular.
Dinton Folly
Dinton Folly, so named for its proximity to the ruins of the nearby castle as seen on Channel 4’s Grand Designs and a nod to the idea of taking on such a project later in life, is a quality English sparkling wine.
The wine is produced using three grape varieties used to make traditional Champagne – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.
This fine quality sparkling wine is the perfect accompaniment to food or on its own. It is best served chilled.
After sampling the wine, winemaker Vince Gower said: “This is an excellent wine for any year but for a first vintage, it’s exceptional.”