Ben Witchell of Flint Vineyard's first career was actually in IT, but a burgeoning interest in wine soon became an obsession, and, determined to do things properly, soon led him to quitting his job and enrolling at Plumpton College for a 3 year degree in Oenology and Viticulture. After graduating with a first class degree and awards for Best Research Project and Top Winemaking Student, Ben upped sticks to Beaujolais for his first winemaking job. Based there for 2 years, it's where he was first exposed a more intuitive and creative side of winemaking and where he cites he draws his greatest influence with his wines today.
On his return to the UK, Ben and wife Hannah began their search for suitable land in either south Norfolk or Suffolk, opting for this area due to it being one of the driest and sunniest regions of the UK. Based in the beautiful Earsham area of Norfolk since 2015, they now boast 6 hectares under-vine, and a state-of-the-art winery too.
A pioneer of the Charmat method in England, Ben and Flint Vineyard are leading the charge for serious English still wines, in particular for his individual barrel aged Bacchus. But be quick! There's not much to go around!