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In this week’s episode of Suffolk Money, Colin talks to Charlotte Davitt-Mills, the General Manager and owner of Shotley Vineyard.
Charlotte tells the remarkable story about how she and her husband bought a beautiful plot of land close to their home in 2017, having fallen in with the stunning views that surrounded it. The initial plan was to set-up a glamping business, however they quickly discovered that the overgrown fields were filled with established vines that, despite being covered in brambles and weeds, were actually in very good health. Three years and lots of hard physical graft later, their hard work came to fruition as they launched their first vintage in 2020.
Shotley Vineyard is now an exciting venue for walkers, tourists and families, who are welcomed to delight in the views, vineyards and wines. They also offer tours and activities and, have also become a popular wedding and events venue, overlooking both the Orwell and Stour estuaries.
Like many small business owners, Charlotte has lots to manage and combines wine production with motherhood. So, whilst the business has grown rapidly in a short space of time, Charlotte is now keen to let it gradually evolve before diversifying too much in the future. Her current priorities are family, increasing wine production and getting involved in the local community.
For more information about Shotley Vineyard, please visit: https://shotleyvineyard.co.uk
