Davenport Wines of Sussex

We first discovered Davenport Wines of Sussex at a tasting in London. We were passed a glass of their 'Pet Nat' (short for pétillant naturel – naturally sparkling) and loved it. Made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, Pet Nat offers a simpler, more rustic option than Champagne. It's naturally cloudy, unfiltered and often bottled with a crown cap – like a beer – rather than cork and muselet. Like many natural wines, the end product is usually unpredictable. Opening each bottle is a surprise. However, it's a wine made to be drunk young and a superb fizz perfect in summer but wonderful at any time of the year.

Having tasted the Pet Nat, we tried more Davenport Wines and discovered their excellent English Horsmonden White and Pinot Noir Red. What piqued our interest even more is the name – Davenport, with the family crest on the bottle. It happens to be the same family crest as that of the late Sir David Davenport Handley of Clipsham, whose family once owned the entire village, including The Olive Branch.

So bringing Davenport Wines to The Olive Branch brings together the Davenports of Sussex with the Davenports of Clipsham, via the village pub!

If you are interested in buying any wine from us, please email us – info@theolivebranchpub.com.