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Meet The Maker: David Bailey, Wraxall Vineyard

09 August 2024 By Douglas Blyde

David and Lexa Bailey, the fifth-generation “custodians” of Somerset’s Wraxall Vineyard, have transformed their fifty-year-old holding into a thriving luxury wine estate. Douglas Blyde learns about the meaning of Wraxall, the creation of the award-winning Bacchus Reserve, and how local oenotourism has driven more on-trade listings.

What does Wraxall mean?

Fittingly given our vineyard is home to many of their nests, it is a medieval term meaning “a nook of land frequented by buzzards.”

When did you acquire Wraxall Vineyard?

We bought the 200 year old Wraxall Lodge farmhouse in 2018 followed by the vineyard three years later. Having been on the market for a while, I couldn’t bear the thought of it becoming a caravan site or solar farm, so we swooped in like… buzzards.

How old were the vines?

They were first planted in 1974. The previous owners had reclaimed the vineyard from brambles, but more work was needed to prepare Wraxall for the next 50 years.

How have your previous experiences influenced your approach to the vineyard?

Our backgrounds in financial services have helped us to run the vineyard as a business. We focused on making it commercially viable, and not just a romantic dream. We invested in our wine bar, The View@Wraxall and developed estate properties for holiday lets. This ensures we can sell over 60% of our wine at full retail price from the cellar door, while rental income provides financial stability. We position ourselves in the luxury goods market, prioritising quality and sustainability.

Can you share any interesting stories since acquiring the site?

The consultants at Vinescapes expertly guided our first harvest in 2021. Notably, our oak-matured Bacchus Reserve won gold and was named Wine GB’s Best English Bacchus in 2024, surpassing the long-standing champion, Chapel Down Kits Coty Bacchus.

How big is the vineyard, and what do you grow?

The vineyard spans 15 acres, with 11 under vine. We replaced old Seyval Blanc with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, and added to existing plantings of Early Pinot Noir (Précoce), Pinot Noir, and Bacchus. We will plant another 2.5 acres with Précoce and Pinot Noir in May 2025.

What are the unique challenges and benefits of this region?

Somerset’s warm, wet climate ensures our vines never run out of water due to the sandy loam with a deep clay base. However, high moisture levels pose risks of mildew and botrytis, mitigated by our Geneva Double Curtain trellis for better airflow. Manual operations require daily vigilance. Meanwhile, the Spotted Wing Drosophila, first observed in 2022, is managed sustainably with year-round trapping and removal of fruiting plants.

How do you incorporate sustainable practices?

We minimise chemical use, banning glyphosate except for new vines. Natural grasses and plants surround the vineyard, attracting wildlife and promoting biodiversity. We chose “Itasca”, a sustainable winery partner, and use recyclable plastic moulded bottle sheets, nearly eliminating cardboard. We hope to shift to wine boxes at The View.

Are there any new technologies or methods you are excited about?

We continually improve our processes with technology. We use “Sencrop” for weather monitoring, “Sectormentor” for vineyard records, and “Newbridge” for stock control and hospitality technology, enhancing guest experience and business visibility.

How would you describe the unique characteristics of Wraxall’s wines?

Crafted with heartfelt passion, they reflect the distinct weather and harvest conditions each year. As a boutique vineyard, we offer a unique experience in every bottle, rather than producing the same wine annually.

How many bottles have you produced thus far?

Around 34,000 over the past three years, nearly evenly split between still and sparkling wines. Traditional method sparkling takes years before it’s ready for sale.

Who is your target consumer?

We target the luxury market, offering high-quality wines that are more expensive than mass-produced options. Our primary market is direct sales to consumers interested in the uniqueness of a small vineyard. We also sell to local Waitrose stores and high-quality local trade buyers like restaurants and farm shops, ensuring trade demand doesn’t overwhelm our limited production.

What trends do you foresee in the English wine business?

With over 1,000 English and Welsh vineyards and new plantings, UK wine production will increase, provided wineries can handle the harvest. Maintaining high quality is essential. Although more English wines are appearing on restaurant lists, European wines still dominate. As English vineyards attract more visitors, demand for local wines will rise. The hospitality industry must support this trend by offering more English wines.

What can visitors expect when they come to Wraxall for a tour or tasting?

Visitors are warmly welcomed at Wraxall Vineyard and The View@Wraxall. Tours begin with the vineyard’s history, then a walk through the vines discussing the cycle from pruning to harvest. Our focus is on grape growing, which many seasoned visitors find refreshing. Back at The View, we taste our Wraxall wine flight, explaining wine’s subjective nature and how it changes with food. Our passionate team, led by Lexa, loves engaging with guests and answering questions.

Could you tell us more about The View and the Cottages?

The View@Wraxall offers stunning 30-mile views over Somerset and Dorset, perfect for tastings, informal lunches, sunset drinks, and live music. It’s ideal for private parties, corporate events, and even occasional weddings. Our cottages provide rustic luxury, offering guests a real feel for vineyard life. They can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and local produce, making it a perfect base to explore Somerset.

Finally, who would you raise a glass of your wine to?

Without hesitation, I’d raise a glass to my wife, Lexa who has been pivotal in rejuvenating the vineyard. While I oversaw the building and development, Lexa managed the interior design and transformed The View@Wraxall into a thriving business. In 2021, we had 600 visitors; in 2024, we expect over 8,000, truly putting Wraxall Vineyard on the Somerset tourist trail with our award-winning wines.

wraxallvineyard.co.uk

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