Married MWs Susie Barrie and Peter Richards launched their Big English Wine Adventure back in 2016 – the warmest year recorded on earth until that point – when they made a traditional method sparkling Blanc de Blancs in conjunction with Hampshire winery Hattingley Valley.
They’ve since added a 2017 Meunier/Chardonnay sparkling blend and a 2018 red Pinot Noir made in collaboration with one of England’s most talked about new producers, Danbury Ridge in Essex. This set of three wines is now being sold with all profits going to charity. “We are giving all the profits to the Marine Conservation Society, which is doing brilliant work restoring the seas around the UK and helping fight climate change (via blue carbon) in the process,” explained Peter Richards MW. “Labels for the fizz have been designed by a local street artist so are ultra cool too!”
The Marine Conservation Society is a UK-based charity working to protect and restore the sea and its vital ecosystems, tackling issues from plastic pollution to over-fishing and habitat destruction. During COP26 the Marine Conservation Society highlighted the role of ‘blue carbon’, or carbon stored in the ocean. For example, 35 times more CO2 is thought to be absorbed by seagrass than rainforests.
“We’re proud to be working with the Marine Conservation Society,” adds Susie Barrie. “English wine may have benefitted in some regards from climate change but that’s a tiny silver lining in the context of what is a monumental existential threat. This charity is doing fantastic work to protect our seas and tackle the climate crisis. So everyone’s support in buying these wines will be invaluable.”
The wines are on sale via The Wine Society & Hattingley Valley’s website. All profits will be going to the Marine Conservation Society. For more information, please see Susie & Peter’s website: https://susieandpeter.com/watch/english-wine-adventure/