Sustainability is in Our DNA

Sustainability. Regenerative agriculture. These aren't just buzzwords for us—they're how we do things every single day. At Aylesbury Estate, nestled in the heart of Ferguson Valley, sustainability is more than a checkbox; it’s our way of life.

Ryan Gibbs, who’s been at this for over 25 years, doesn’t just wear a lot of hats; he lives and breathes this land. Whether it’s balancing the cattle breeding, managing pastures, or guiding our vineyards, everything we do is about respecting and nurturing the ground beneath our feet.

Here’s How We Roll:

Rotational Grazing: It’s pretty simple—we rotate our Angus beef herd across pastures, letting the land do its thing. Fresh grass for the cattle, time for the earth to regenerate. It’s a win-win.

Water-Wise Varieties: We’re not into wasting water. That’s why we’ve chosen to focus on grape varieties like Touriga, Grenache, and Vermentino that naturally need less water. While they may not be as commonly found in our neck of the woods, these vines are perfectly suited to the Ferguson Valley climate. It’s good for the environment and, let’s be honest, good for our wines too.

Keeping Erosion in Check: Our land isn’t flat—it’s a bit of a rollercoaster. But instead of fighting it, we work with it. Trees and plants are our best friends here, holding the soil in place and keeping erosion at bay. It’s all about letting nature do its thing.

No Insecticides. Ever.: Our vineyards and pastures are insecticide-free zones, and they always have been. If you want balanced ecosystems, you need bugs. This isn’t just about making great wine; it’s about doing right by the land.

So Why Do We Do It?

Because it is what we have done for hundreds of years. Because if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Because it’s good for the planet, it’s good for our future, and it’s good for our vines. We’re not here for certifications or labels. We’re here to take care of the land, to let it thrive, and to make sure it’s healthy for the next generation. Every bottle we produce is a reflection of that commitment—a little piece of the Ferguson Valley, nurtured by hands that care.

Stick with us, because there’s more to come. We’re always exploring, learning, and adapting, to ensure our wines are not only delicious, but crafted responsibly, too. And at the heart of it all is a deep respect for the land that makes it all possible.