Meet The Team
Ben Adams: Vineyard Manager
What’s your role at Exton Park?
I look after everything in the vineyard from vines through to machinery. The biggest part of my role is making sure the vines are kept healthy and we are doing everything we can to nurture and protect them. We’ve just finished pruning which is a big job. It starts in January and finishes in March.
We then move into bud burst and frost protection in April and May which is a really important part of the year. If the buds are damaged by the frost, it can have a serious impact on our yield so we have to be prepared!
As we move into the season, my role focuses on canopy management, crop protection and managing ground cover through to harvest time in September.
Did you always want to work on a vineyard?
No! I’ve only worked in this industry for the past 10 years. Before that I worked in fine art making artwork and working with artists and photographers. My interest in wine superseded my interest in art in the end, especially in wine production. It was only when I started doing it that I realised I wanted to get involved in the growing side. I also have a farming family so I guess there is a connection there too.
What do you love most about your job?
I enjoy working outdoors, with nature and focusing on the vine phenology. And I love the team I work with. They are all genuinely interested in what they’re doing which is infectious. We have a lot of freedom to experiment and innovate which you don’t necessarily have in other vineyards. It’s great to be able to try out new ideas.
What’s your least favourite vineyard task?
Dealing with frost and broken trellis are definitely my least favourite things to do!
What do you find most fascinating about the vineyard?
I see the vineyard as nine different vineyards in one, as each plot has a different aspect and microclimate which impacts the vines. There’s also variation in clones, roots stocks and plantings, each with their own qualities and challenges. The differences between plots are fascinating, especially as they are so close together.
Growing in the UK has been a big learning curve for me. My experience before this was in vineyards in much warmer climates. It’s important to be proactive and attentive in this climate which keeps us on our toes!
What’s your favourite Exton Park wine?
At the moment it’s the Blanc de Noirs. It’s great!
