Nick Wenman OwnerThe vineyard is privately owned by Nick Wenman who lives in Wonersh, a small village near to the vineyard. Nick worked for 30 years in the IT business, which he retired from in 2006. He founded Albury Organic Vineyard in 2008 and now spends most of his time on the vineyard and managing the business, which has become his passion.
Alex ValsecchiEstate ManagerAlex achieved a doctorate in Horticulture at Milan University in 1996. Following several years of practical experience working on vineyards in Italy and New Zealand, she joined RHS Wisley before coming over to Albury. Alex's dogs Attila, Ulisse and Mildred are responsible for chasing pheasant and other unwanted visitors from the vineyard. Attila even has a spirit named after him! Attila's Bite is a fragrant eau de vie made from our wine.
Lucy LetleyGeneral ManagerNick's daughter Lucy manages vineyard tours, wine tastings, events, wine club membership and marketing at the vineyard. She is passionate about creating a friendly vineyard experience for all visitors regardless of whether they know a lot, or nothing at all about wine. Lucy has recently completed her WSET Level 2 training.
Dominic Travers Vineyard ManagerDominic is the newest member of our vineyard team and, having South African relatives, has always had an interest in wine. Having studied agriculture and wine business at The Royal Agricultural University, Dominic completed a vintage at Nyetimber and Wiston Estate, before coming to learn viticulture at Albury.
DeclanVineyard TechnicianDeclan joined us as an apprentice on the vineyard, working with Alex and Dominic whilst also undertaking in training at Plumpton College. In 2023 he qualified as Vineyard Technician. When not driving the tractor, Declan can be found behind the bar pouring drinks for our weekend visitors - he makes a mean Albury Spritz cocktail.
Matthieu Elzinga Our winemakerAlbury wines are crafted by Matthieu Elzinga who is winemaker at Litmus Wines, a premium contract winemaker located in Surrey. Matthieu is truly passionate about wine-making and works closely with us to get the best out of every single grape, helping us establish a distinct Albury house style. Matthieu ran his own family vineyard in the Loire Valley for many years, but prefers the challenge that making wine in England brings!
The following consultants provide us with expert advice:
Stephen Skelton MW Stephen is a expert consultant to the English wine industry and is involved with planting vineyards for the production of sparkling wine. Since 1986 he has written and lectured widely on English wine and has published four guides to UK vineyards. In 2001 he won the André Simon award for 'Wine Book of the Year'™.
John Buchan AgronomistJohn runs his own business, John Buchan Agronomy, focusing on all aspects of vineyard agronomy, from site selection to full growing programmes. John specialises in organic and biodynamic vineyards.
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