Fox and Fox - Bubbles of Britain

Jonica and Gerard Fox didn’t set out to be winemakers. Gerard had built a career in business, while Jonica’s background spanned horticulture and advertising. But when they found their home in the High Weald of Sussex—surrounded by rolling hills, bluebell woods, and open pastures—the landscape itself sparked a new idea. Over a glass of English sparkling, Gerard mused: “we could do this.”

What began as a passing thought soon became a passion. Convinced their south-facing slopes were perfectly suited to vines—and that Jonica’s horticultural expertise could be put to good use—the couple planted their first experimental vineyard at Hobdens in 2004. Jonica deepened her knowledge through a degree in viticulture and oenology at Plumpton, while the Foxes carefully selected Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Gris clones. The land proved an excellent match, and Hobdens has continued to expand. Remarkably, Fox & Fox now has vines up to 21 years old—a rarity in England—vines that add depth and complexity to their wines. Younger vines bring vibrancy and acidity, while the older ones deliver richness and nuance.

From the outset, their vision was to make sparkling wines that combined the precision of traditional winemaking with the quiet beauty of their Sussex home. Jonica’s mantra was to craft “More Please” wines—bottles you’d happily keep drinking through an evening, rather than set aside after a single glass. That philosophy has shaped everything they do, from vineyard care to cellar decisions.

In the vineyard, the focus is on healthy grapes and healthy land. All vines are nurtured by hand, spraying is kept to a minimum, and prunings and grape waste are composted back into the soil. Both the vineyard and winery run on solar power, underscoring their dedication to sustainability.

That ethos carries into the cellar, where wines are produced only by vintage and aged patiently—often for five years or more on lees—released only when they are truly ready.

The wines themselves reflect the couple’s creativity and collaboration. Jonica oversees vineyard operations and winemaking, often pushing boundaries with low-intervention methods, while Gerard brings a meticulous eye for blending, seeking the perfect balance in every wine. Their cuvées—Inspiration, Essence, Expression—carry names that echo the beauty of their surroundings. Jonica believes that the landscape itself, from the spring bluebells to the Sussex light, can be tasted in the glass.

What began as an inspired idea in their home above Mayfield has grown into one of England’s most acclaimed boutique sparkling estates, with wines celebrated on the international stage with every vintage produced. Today, Fox & Fox remains true to its founding vision: crafting joyous, elegant wines that capture the spirit of their land and always leave you wanting “More Please.”

For more information visit: https://www.foxandfox.wine/