how it started
Not Yet Named Wine Co. started with two Plumpton Viticulture and Oenology students (Manuel and Alex) trying to find a way to fund their own wine whilst studying at University. They never imagined the that it would turn into a community of wine-loving people; some of the members are studying for WSET qualifications, some have worked in the trade for years, some are winemakers themselves although most are just casual wine-drinkers who wanted the opportunity to drink a wine that they have helped to create.
The innovation was to sell wine before it was made (pre-en-primeur in a way) and in return customers would receive those bottles once they are ready in the UK - but more intriguingly they would get a vote on how exactly we make the wine. Every time we faced a winemaking decision, we provided two or three good options to our members that would affect the style of the wine (not quality) along with all the advantages, disadvantages, risks, impact on flavour, etc. For example, when choosing where to mature the wine, our members could choose between a cleaner and fresher style aged in stainless steel or a more toasted and rounded wine from barrel aging. Then we put each to a vote and the majority won! Members can also vote on some fun things, like the name of the wine (hence Not Yet Named Wine Co), the label design, and even the music we play on the barrels...
So far we have made these wines democratically;
1. An Alvarinho with Quinta de Soalheiro in Portugal
2. A Rhone blend red with La Despensa in Colchagua, Chile
3. A Pinot Noir with Darcie Kent Vineyards in California, USA
4. A Chenin Blanc with AA Badenhorst in Swartland, South Africa.
5. A Malvazija with Rodica in Istria, Slovenia
6. Fiano and Nebbiolo with Unico Zelo in the Adelaide Hills, Australia
Lauren N, WSET Diploma Student
“LOVING IT, THE WINEMAKING EXPLANATIONS ARE SO MUCH EASIER TO UNDERSTAND THAN THE TEXTBOOKS, IT’S GREAT TO SEE THE THEORY HAPPENING IN REAL LIFE”
Lee I, Wine Educator and Merchant
“THIS CONCEPT IS ABSOLUTE GOLD. WINE IS ABOUT BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER AND HAVING A SHARED EXPERIENCE. THIS PROJECT BRINGS US TO THE HEART OF THE WINEMAKING EXPERIENCE AND IT'S NICE TO SAY 'I HELPED MAKE THIS WINE...IN A WAY.' AS AN EDUCATIONAL PIECE IT'S ALSO EXCELLENT.”
Henrik H, a happy member
“YOU GUYS ARE GODS TO ME. THAT MIGHT REFLECT MY OVERALL SATISFACTION. THE WRITING IS GREAT FUN BUT STILL SUPER INFORMATIVE - LOVE THAT.”
Richard L, MW Student