Eddie Sauvao.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2021 13:11 Page 2
We planted the premium, flagship grape varieties used in the Champagne region... we just went for it! wonderful coincidence: I didn’t know, when I sat down with Victoria in 2019 to discuss our plans, that she’d just published her children’s book Mythologica, a unique encyclopedia of Greek mythology like no other. How’s that for synergy? So the Romans had vineyards next door to ours, and then this; I firmly believe that the universe is supporting us!” So it comes as no surprise that, when it comes to how we mere mortals can support this sparkling venture too, there are strong elements of equitable symbiosis in that plan as well. The forward strategy “We’re launching a countdown on our mailing list and our Instagram feed at the end of November, so you have to watch this space very closely!” says Eddie. “We’ve developed a tiered system of how you can become a Founding Member of Minerva with our very first vintage. Tier one: you buy a bottle. Tier two: you buy a bottle and a piece of art. And on you go, through the tiers, each of which offers more benefits and rewards... and every penny of the funding raised will go into development: more hectares, more vines. We’re forging strong links with selected hotels in and around Bath too; last year, we ran a handful of vineyard tour packages with the Royal Crescent Hotel which went really well and we’re working on more tour dates for next year too, and I’m hoping to put a couple of hundred bottles behind their bar. We’ve loosely partnered with The Pig Hotel as well, but our main aim is to focus on Bathonian individuals because I don’t want the locals to miss out. This is not my vineyard – this is their vineyard too; I want them to have full access to feel this place, feel the vibe and really enjoy this – their – special space. That’s why we’ve developed the tier system for Founding Members, so we can all be a part of Minerva.” And the part of Minerva that we’re privileged to have the opportunity to own today will last way, way longer than the superinviting bottle of English fizz in your fridge. “This the beginning of a lot of plans that I’ve been working on for 10 years,” says Eddie. “We want to develop a multi-functional Tasting Centre, and we’re already planning on working with local chefs such as James Harris at Beckford Bottle Shop and the amazing Dan Moon, looking at dining events in the vineyard itself next year. We’re going to build a few luxury cabins too, so people can feel the land, get their hands dirty, taste the wine and stay overnight. By becoming a Founding Member, you get access to all of this, but after 3000 bottles of Founding Members, we’re not opening that up again; that’s it. But there are a lot of plans further down the line for us; I want to create a Learning Centre for young people, to get the next generation into viticulture. I’m already talking to vineyards in Australia, New Zealand and Chile
with a view to encouraging young people from this area to follow the sun for the summer seasons, then come back here to further develop their career in wine: a sort of conveyor belt of learning about culture, viticulture and business. And that really ties into the strength around Minerva – wisdom, creativity and being battle-hardened, going out there when you’re young and being supported to build foundations for life. In everything that we do, you will see the Minerva theme intertwined, embracing and supporting us all.” And who wouldn’t say cheers to that? n www.minervawine.com
THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | november 2021
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TheBATHmagazine 55
