The family-owned, award-winning Sharpham Wine and Cheese enterprise is celebrating a phenomenal forty years at the South Devon based Sharpham Estate.

Forty years ago, Maurice Ash brought his herd of Jersey cows down from Essex to the Sharpham Estate in Devon and set to work crafting his first creamy, bloomy-rinded brie. He then planted the first vineyard overlooking the River Dart in a bid to produce wine. With humble beginnings, Ash unknowingly established Sharpham’s globally acclaimed cheese and wine businesses.

The next incarnation came when family member Mark Sharman and partner Debbie Mumford took over the dairy and vineyard. They launched new cheeses with exceptional goats’ and sheep’s milk, which are still winning global awards today.

Over the years, while the products continue to be made with the same care and attention as always, the cheese and wine brands have now evolved and grown into two separate entities. Greg and Nicky Parsons head up Sharpham Dairy, located at the Sharpham Estate. However, Sharpham Wine has recently relocated to a new location on the east bank at the Sandridge Barton Estate in Stoke Gabriel and is now run by Duncan Schwab.

Sharpham Dairy’s Greg Parsons says: “Over the past forty years, we have prospered despite recessions, frosts and a global pandemic. We are thankful and privileged to have such outstanding teams, loyal customers and all those who have supported us over the years to get us to where we are now. We’re celebrating this milestone together and raise a glass to the next forty years.”

Head Winemaker, Duncan Schwab says: “Forty years is quite an achievement and definitely something to celebrate! Although we have moved across to Sandridge Barton, Sharpham Wine is still made with the same grapes from the same vineyards with the same team, to make the same wines our customers know and love. Our new state-of-the-art winery equipment will double our production from 60,000 bottles produced in Totnes to over 120,000 bottles per year. We have an exciting future ahead at Sandridge Barton.”

While many changes have taken place over the four decades, both businesses’ roots continue to run deep through the geographically unique River Dart. The river brings with it sea breezes, ecological diversity and lends an exciting terroir that breathes life into the cheese and wine’s character.

The two producers are looking forward to welcoming cheese and wine lovers to two engaging events in September to help celebrate the past forty years at the magnificent Sharpham Estate:

On Thursday 9^th September, the two brands are hosting a celebratory three course 40^th birthday meal at the Sharpham Estate. Chef Daniel Teague is renowned for his unique style of flavoursome, wild food, inspired from the coast and country surrounding the River Dart. This three course meal has been specially crafted for the event and will showcase the finest local seasonal produce from the area.
Sharpham Dairy’s Greg Parsons will then present the cheese course, featuring the outstanding range of cheeses all handmade on the estate. Duncan Schwab, CEO and Head Winemaker at Sandridge Barton – the new home of Sharpham Wine will guide guests through a carefully chosen wine selection to match each dish. The meal costs £75, which includes the wine flight.

On Wednesday 8^th September, Tom Wedgery from Sharpham Wine and Greg from Sharpham Dairy will host an exclusive birthday virtual wine and cheese tasting event. The tasting box includes some of the multi-award winning Sharpham wine and cheese favourites to exercise our palates. Tickets include a wine and cheese tasting box, which is enough for four with plenty left over for lunch the next day and includes Sharpham chutneys and Peters Yard crackers. The whole package costs £65 or £84 to include Sharpham Pinot Noir. Available from both www.sharphamcheese.co.uk and www.sharpham.com.

To keep up to date with all of Sharpham Wine’s news and developments visit www.sharpham.com. For Sharpham Cheese’s news, follow www.sharphamcheese.co.uk.