NEWS
WineGB announces Sam Linter as new Chair
> Sam Linter
WineGB Chairman Simon Robinson has announced that he is to step down at the beginning of August, after four years at the helm. The position will be filled by Sam Linter, Managing Director and Head Winemaker at Bolney Wine Estate, who has served on the WineGB Board for some two years. Commenting on the news, Simon Robinson said: "Some time ago I indicated that the board has been considering succession planning. This meant not only trying to ensure that there is balanced producer representation, which was a key aim when WineGB was formed, but that good skills are available to the board, and that the board is diverse and inclusive. While these changes cannot happen overnight, I always believe it right to lead from the front. Hopefully I've left WineGB in a much stronger state and that we have created a resilient, united and effective organisation to represent producer interests." Simon Robinson has been Chair of WineGB since its inception, and before then Chairman of English Wine Producers (EWP). He played a pivotal part in founding Wines of Great Britain when EWP merged with UK Vineyards Association in 2017. Simon is owner and Chairman of Hampshirebased Hattingley Valley Wines. Nick Wenman from Albury Vineyard, who joined the Board last year has stepped up as Deputy Chairman, replacing Peter Gladwin, whose retirement from the role was announced in March. Both Simon Robinson and Peter Gladwin have been appointed Honorary Vice President of
New planting of Wrotham Pinot at Barnsole Vineyard
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Barnsole Vineyard has planted a block of Wrotham Pinot – a variety considered the indigenous vine of England. According to Phillip Watts, owner of Barnsole Vineyard, near Staple in Kent: “The variety was originally found growing wild in Wrotham in Kent, and research last century suggested that this vine may have descended from vines brought to England by the Romans two thousand years ago. Curiously, the leaf is the same shape as Pinot Noir, but is furry on the upper side. "It is such a romantic notion that I had to plant this varietal. We'll start at a small parcel with cuttings from the original vine. See what the wine is like after maturing in French oak. Then, if successful, we will increase the plantings to a sensible commercial scale,” added Phillip.
J U LY 2 0 2 1 | V I N E YA R D
> Phillip Watts
WineGB, recognising the significant contribution they have both made to WineGB. Sam Linter commented: "It's an honour to have been appointed as chair of WineGB. We have an amazing association full of creative and talented people and it continues to be an exciting time for our industry as we move forward into this new phase for WineGB. "During my tenure as chair of WineGB I want to ensure we bring greater diversity within the board and association as a whole, so that we get the best possible people with the widest range of skills, as well as seeking greater collaboration and communication with the whole membership."
> Simon Robinson
