Family farm’s pride as it uncorks first white wine – Press Release

Family vineyard in Althorne launches first estate wine to rave public reaction

LAUNCH: Samantha and Ross Longergan with District Council Vice Chairman Henry Bass at the estate white wine launch

 

A FAMILY run vineyard in Althorne launched its first Estate white wine to rave public reaction.

Ross and Samantha Lonergan are fifth generation farmers in the Dengie, and their Althorne farm, Crouch Ridge Vineyard, on Fambridge Road, has evolved from dairy, beef, arable and even oysters over the years.

After several plantings and harvests of grapes, which have seen over ten acres of vines planted since May 2012, the Vineyard launched its 2015 Estate white wine on Saturday June 4.

Vice Chairman of Maldon District Council Henry Bass performed the official opening at 5pm with 20 special guests including district and parish councillors before opening for public wine tasting and vineyard tours, which saw over 300 people attend.

After the event, members of the public stated how impressed they were with the wine and the pride of having a local producer.

Sam Branch said: “Had a great day having a tour around the really impressive vineyards. The wine was delightful.”

Althorne resident Fiona Barns said: “Very proud that Althorne will have its own wine of this quality, I can’t wait to taste the bubbles next year and hope the Estate wines continue.”

Jane Harding said: “It’s a beautiful place, a big thumbs up for the first release and am definitely looking forward to next year.”

Samantha and Ross are overwhelmed with the strong reaction, and whilst current stocks are limited, they plan to launch a sparkling wine next year along with more Estate still wine.

Samantha said: “We’re so proud to launch our limited first release of Crouch Ridge Vineyards’ 2015 Estate Wine, we’ve worked hard to release it since our successful harvest last year.

“We feel good wines bring people together, and to us our wine is all about sharing it with friends, old and new.”

By Ellis Whitehouse Maldon and Burnham standard June 16, 2016