Fiona grew up in farming communities in Scotland and Essex, before moving to London to work in the wine import business. At the start of 2003 she moved full time to Burgundy, where she trained as a winemaker with one of the region’s leading authorities in biodynamic viticulture and vinification. Working in partnership with her husband Michael, she set up, from scratch, a progressive, dynamic, critically acclaimed domaine in the heart of Burgundy….
In spring of 2024, after completing 20 vintages, Fiona decided to pursue new opportunities, both in the Burgundy region and further afield. With a wealth of knowledge gained from living and working in solitude amongst the vines, and in the cellars and winery, she decided to expand her winemaking. Although continuing to make wine in Burgundy, she will also produce wines from Italy and the New World. She is taking her independent label 1727 on the road…
Wherever Fiona is working though, at the heart of 1727 are her principles and philosophy to maintain the natural balance of the vineyard’s environment, which is such a critical consideration, indeed necessity, for growing the highest quality grapes. No synthetic herbicides, pesticides or fertilisers, but instead a focus on ensuring that the soil is naturally healthy, and capable of sustaining a variety of plants, which in turn allows for, and enables, natural pest control. In winter, cover cropping rather than ploughing by tractor, preserves the soil’s microbiome, and provides a vibrant habitat that is suitable for insect and animal life to thrive.
Fiona’s assiduous attention to detail in all areas of the winemaking process, is crucial in providing the opportunity for her to produce living, complex, delicious and dynamic wines.
