How Two Women Helped Shape English Wine

As pioneers of the English Wine Industry, Bolney Wine Estate has grown from a small family dream into an award-winning West Sussex vineyard visited by wine lovers from across the world. Since the journey began in 1972, two remarkable women — Janet Pratt and her daughter Sam Linter — have played defining roles in nurturing the estate into what it is today.

From planting the very first 1,000 vines in 1973 to celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2022, their hard work, experimentation, and passion for cool-climate viticulture have guided every chapter of Bolney’s story.

The Early Days: A Vineyard Built by Hand

Our story begins when the founders, Janet and Rodney Pratt, purchased a rundown smallholding — then known as Bookers Vineyard — in the hills of West Sussex. Rodney had discovered his passion for winemaking while studying at Gutenberg University. Still, it was Janet who shouldered the day-to-day responsibility of transforming the land into a working vineyard.

With Rodney continuing his career in the city and helping at weekends, Janet worked full-time on the estate. At a time when English viticulture was still in its infancy, knowledge was scarce, so Janet learnt by doing. She experimented tirelessly, shared her discoveries with fellow growers, and embraced the collaborative spirit that still defines the industry today.

The Vineyards’ First Champion

Janet’s role was far-reaching. She was the tractor driver, the pruner, the vine trainer, the mower, the sprayer and the fertiliser expert. She ran the office, handled the bookkeeping and managed early sales. And because vines take years before producing wine, she diversified to support the business: planting courgettes, tomatoes and strawberries destined for Brighton’s restaurants and hotels.

She even kept goats — and with her daughter Sam at her side, she made cheese and yoghurt to sell to local delicatessens. It was a true family endeavour, rooted in resilience and resourcefulness.

A New Generation Takes the Helm

In 1995, Sam Linter, the daughter of founders Rodney and Janet, joined the estate full-time. Sam stepped into a rapidly evolving English wine scene, bringing with her a clear vision for growth and quality. Under her leadership, Bolney began to grow into the estate we know today.

By 1998, the estate produced its first red wine, a milestone that paved the way for the Pinot Noir that would later become one of our signature styles.

A Decade of Growth and Innovation

The 2000s marked a transformative period. In 2002, we planted the now-iconic Eighteen Acre Vineyard, chosen for its perfect south-facing slope, sandstone soils and elevation of 35 metres above sea level.

In 2005, Bolney built its first purpose-built winery, officially opened by The Right Honourable Margaret Beckett MP, with support from a DEFRA grant. It was a major step forward, setting the stage for an era defined by awards and recognition.

Awards, Milestones and National Pride

• 2012: UK Wine Producer of the Year, plus Gold for our Blanc de Blancs 2007 at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

• 2015: Our Pinot Gris became the first English wine ever served at Wimbledon.
  

• 2016: We opened our Visitor Centre, complete with café, shop and a stunning balcony overlooking the vines.

• 2017: Awarded ‘Winery of the Year’ and Gold at the United Kingdom Vineyard Association Competition.

• 2019: HRH The Duchess of Cornwall (now Her Majesty The Queen) officially opened Bolney’s state-of-the-art winery, a landmark moment honouring decades of hard work and innovation.

A Daughter’s Tribute

“Mum was an amazing role model for us. She taught us so much about cool-climate viticulture and how to grow the best quality grapes. She encouraged me to think independently, to experiment and be true to myself — not to fear being different.

There was little recognition in her time for women and what they achieved. She did so much to help start the English Wine Industry we have today, and Bolney Wine Estate, of course. I think she deserves a hero’s recognition for that.”

Experience the Legacy First-Hand

Walking through the vineyards, tasting award-winning English wines, or standing inside the winery opened by Her Majesty The Queen, it all carries deeper meaning when you know the story behind it. Bolney was built on the spirit of two remarkable women whose courage shaped an industry.

Book a tour at Bolney Wine Estate and step into the story that continues to inspire English winemakers today.