Lucy Chilvers: Lucy Chilvers Wine
El Penedes California
I am Lucy Chilvers, a small wine producer from the UK based in the El Penedes region of Catalonia.
My first interaction with natural wine was during my time working as a sommelier for various restaurants in London and Brighton. The experiences I had with producers on their vineyards showed me the fundamental importance of grape quality, that no ‘real’ good-quality wine could be created from just cellar work alone. My interest was piqued and I enrolled on a BSc in viticulture and enology at Plumpton College.
After my degree I travelled to Italy to work with Sasa and Ivana in Gorizia in a cellar called Radikon, an incredibly important and influential experience for me. Sasa became my mentor, and to this day I still thank him for opening many doors for me - hence, my first wine was named Sasa.
Upon returning to the UK, my focus became organic viticulture and low intervention wine making which I put to practice over a couple of years of vineyard work on the South coast. As enjoyable as this was, I always knew I wanted to make wine in Europe and I found a home in Catalonia.
I rented a few small parcels of land and started making wine in other winemakers bodegas. First with Ignasi in Vinyes Singulars - I made 2 wines with gifted grapes and guidance. After this vintage, I met Ruben Parera and he offered me a job working with him on the vineyards and a space to make my wines. I increased my production, with a little more confidence and help.
After this I knew I was ready for more independence and in 2022 I rented a space in a cooperative designed for small producers like myself. I now make around 7000 bottles, with 6 different wines. I focus mainly on Xarel.lo, as for me it’s an incredibly versatile variety, and I also work with Sumoll, Parrellada, Macabeo, Muscat d´Alexandria and Merlot. I make no additions in the cellar and work on the vineyard with a little sulfur and a few biodynamic treatments.
Social Justice and Environmental Restoration Statement