Jonica Fox, Fox & Fox, Artisan English Sparkling Wines
It's interesting meeting the people who are growing the UK wine industry, getting to know and photograph them. My journey through English wine is only beginning, I have Chris Foss, Head of Wine Department & Tony Milanowski, Course leader BSc Viticulture & Oenology at Plumpton College to thank for helping bring this project to fruition.
Plumpton College is unique in UK & Europe in providing undergraduate degrees in wine business and production in English. Graduates from Plumpton are much sought after by winemakers worldwide.
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| Jonica Fox, co-owner Fox & Fox Plumpton College Wine Dept 2003-2006, BSc Viticulture & Oenology  |
Jonica Fox, of Fox & Fox, Mayfield:
Grower-Producers of award-winning English Sparkling Wines
Q Why did you start or join this company?
JF Gerard was inspired by tasting an English Sparkling Wine in London, we both liked the idea of starting a business together, we loved the idea of farming, making a tangible product. As we had some gently sloping south-facing land and we love wine we thought it could be the start of something creative, productive and special as well as a practical use of our resources. We’ve found we work well together, Gerard is not only a very good business partner he’s my best tractor driver too.
Q What does the business do?
JF We are grower-producers of a range of English Sparkling Wines from our two vineyards which lie either side of the historic High Weald village of Mayfield amidst the rolling hills of East Sussex.
Q What is your favourite product?
JF Gerard’s is our Tradition Blanc de Noirs Brut 2013 - I don’t think I have an outright favourite, If I had to name one I would be torn between the two extremes of what we make: Our acclaimed Essence Pure Chardonnay 2011 (Decanter 2016 and World of Fine Wine 2017, 97 points) and our “anytime Fizz” Mosaic Brut 2013... and then there are our rosés and unique Pinot gris based Gold Medal wine” Inspiration Brut 2013........ mmmmmm not sure I can pick one!
Q What does the future hold?
JF More fabulous fizz. As well as all the challenges of building a business, running the vineyards and solving the day to day challenges both throw our way. Its never boring!
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| Fox & Fox Inspiration Blanc de Blancs 2013 Brut |
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| Fox & Fox Mosaic 2014 Brut Rosé |
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| Fox & Fox Mosaic 2014 Brut |
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| Fox & Fox Tradition Blanc de Noirs 2013 Brut |
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| Fox & Fox Expression Saignée Rosé 2013 Brut |
About your job
Q Why did you change careers?
JF New challenges and interests, we’ve thrown ourselves into every aspect of the vineyards and wines, we’ve now got about 10 ha under vine with more to come next year. Gerard’s faith and enthusiasm has been our greatest asset, especially on cold wet days when winter pruning.
Q What is the best things about your current role?
JF Creating products that people love, together with being part of a dynamic pioneer sector. We work with very talented and very nice people.
Q What have been their biggest highlights/success in your current job?
JF The best thing is pouring a glass of wine for someone and watching their face change as they realise they really like what they are drinking. It's a joy being part of their pleasure.
Critical acclaim helps us to check our quality and benchmark ourselves, our gold and silver medals are all wonderful and matter a lot, but for me, it really comes down to what's in the glass. We love making people happy.
Critical acclaim helps us to check our quality and benchmark ourselves, our gold and silver medals are all wonderful and matter a lot, but for me, it really comes down to what's in the glass. We love making people happy.
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| "The north vineyard is looking shabby, guess where we'll be tomorrow!!". From left to right, Matt Strover, Joe Whitehead, Marcus Rayner and Megan Ward (all except Joe are Plumpton students/graduates) |
About your time at Plumpton
Q What course did you study at Plumpton?
JF BSc Viticulture & Oenology
Q What was the best thing about studying at Plumpton?
JF Really bright people, new ideas, high standards, new skills
Q What did Plumpton prepare you for?
JF Making our dream real - couldn’t have done it without the Plumpton training.
Q What is your favourite Plumpton memory?
JF Too many good memories to pick just one
Q What does Plumpton do for you now?
JF Great for networking, advice, information, real alumni community amd friendships. It's a very special place.
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Jonica making use of her time in the vineyard
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Q Where are you from?
JF English-American with Canadian roots
Q What was your previous career?
JF Newspapers (Daily Express) to Advertising (international big brands) to New Product establishment to muddy boots in the vineyards.
JF Wine of course! I am torn between Traditional Method Sparkling Wines and a glorious glass of Paulliac.
Q What is your favourite wine destination?
JF Probably exploring Brunellos around Montalcino.
Q Dog, cat, or . . . ?
JF Herdwick sheep .......and dogs and cats in a perfect world
Thank you Jonica, I look forward to catching up in 2018!
Fox & Fox, Mayfield:
Website: www.sussexvineyards.com
Twitter: @sussexvineyards
Instagram: @sussexvineyards
Email: wine@sussexvineyards.com
Plumpton College Wine Dept - Wine Production Foundation Degree
Original photography & blog by Ian Pack
- call for bookings or to discuss your next project
- call for bookings or to discuss your next project
Tel: +44 7710 814665
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ianpack
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ianpack
Photography lighting equipment in association with Pixapro Lighting
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