Interview with Sam Linter from Bolney Wine Estate

To celebrate International Women’s Day on the 8^th March, this week we are interviewing women in the world of producing English sparkling wine.

Sam Linter is Bolney Wine Estate’s head winemaker and managing director.

Bolney Wine Estate is located on the edge of the South Downs in Sussex, about 14 miles from the UK’s south coast. It comprises of five unique vineyard sites and Sam Linter, daughter of the founders, Janet and Rodney, heads up the winemaking team.

How did you become involved in the wine industry?

I quite literally grew up on a vineyard. My parents founded Bolney Wine Estate (then called Bookers Vineyard) when I was just 4 years old. Watching our vineyard develop from the ground up was really fascinating, especially given we were only the sixth commercial vineyard in the UK at the time. I was quite rebellious as a child, so I had no intention of joining the family business, but after leaving home and paving my own way, I eventually did return and achieved my WSET Diploma at Plumpton College. Winemaking turned out to be my passion and from there I worked hard to build Bolney into a successful company producing award-winning wines. It became my life’s ambition.

What has been your hardest obstacle to overcome in producing wine?

That’s a hard one – probably a toss-up between the initial cost of production and also the public opinion of English Wine at the time. It takes a lot of knowledge and investment to make quality wines and back then we did not have the reputation that the English Wine Industry had today. Those of us that were the pioneers all had to work together to change that and pave the way…

What has been your proudest moment in the wine industry?

There have been so many proud moments for me. One stand out moment was in the year 2012, when following on from our first ever Gold medal and trophy win we were named as UK Winery of the Year. Such a wonderful moment for the team at Bolney. Since then we’ve gone on to win plenty more Gold medals and other prestigious awards.

Bolney Wine Estate Cuvée Rosé won a trophy for Spring Fling at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.

How do you see the future of English sparkling wine?

I only see a bright future for English Wine! It’s been going from strength to strength every year with more students studying viticulture and winemaking in the UK and more vineyards popping up all over. The industry as a whole has been winning so many fantastic awards and we’re really proving that English wine can compete on the global stage.

Hard question, but do you have a favourite Bolney Wine Estate sparkling wine?

For me, you can’t beat our Cuvée Rosé. It’s sophisticated with a fine mousse and has a delicate palate of red fruits. It’s also done consistently well in the national and international awards for the past few years.

What is your favourite food pairing with one of your sparkling wines?

As I love a cheeseboard- probably our Cuvée Rosé or Blanc de Blancs with a selection of English Cheeses.

Where’s the most memorable place you’ve enjoyed a Glass of Bubbly?

At the top of the Shard in London. There is nothing better than enjoying a delicious glass of sparkling, whilst looking out across a beautiful view.