Owen Elias

Consultant Winemaker

Owen Elias has made the Balfour Brut Rosé since its inception, first at Chapel Down and now at the new Hush Heath Winery.

Owen was Director of Winemaking and Head Winemaker at Chapel Down for 10 years and has 20 years experience in English winemaking at the top level.  He is in the unique position of having made over 3 million bottles of English wines for customers such as Waitrose, Marks and Spencer, British Airways and Sainsbury’s, as well as wine for over 20 English vineyards.  He has also been involved in the planting of over 150 acres of vineyards.

Owen has been UKVA Winemaker of the Year on four occasions and has won a host of International and National trophies and awards.

In another life he studied Fine Art and Film-making at Chelsea School of Art.  Later forming Discafrique Records, one-time home of the Bhundu Boys, Champion Doug Veitch and The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.

Married to a charming and tolerant wife with two delightful children, Owen has lived in the heart of English wines at Small Hythe in Kent for the last 16 years.

 

Victoria Ash

Winemaker

Victoria gained a Diploma in Oenology and Viticulture from Plumpton College, whilst working part time at RidgeView Wine Estate, East Sussex.

After graduating she chose Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, as the place to gain further winemaking experience, working at Corban’s and then Mission Estate wineries, making Lindauer sparkling wine and an award winning Viognier from the Gimblett Gravels region.  Victoriareturned to Englandwhen the position of Assistant Winemaker at RidgeView was offered to her.

Now the winemaker at Hush Heath Estate, Victoria is very excited about her role, and intends to continue the Hush Heath tradition – making the best quality rosé wines in the world.

“The English wine industry is so exciting; I wouldn’t want to be making wine anywhere else…” – Victoria Ash