In Crondall, John Wilkins is overseeing rapid expansion at Penncroft and Itasca Wines, whose state-of-the-art winery opened in 2020. Formerly a holiday rep, John’s love of wine was first sparked by Rioja while leading tours in Spain. Now he is firmly rooted in English wine’s growth trajectory.
Their winery has quickly earned a reputation as a regional model, with advanced water recycling systems and sustainable designs that draw vineyard owners from across the South East to visit. Recently, they planted a new vineyard adjacent to the winery to enhance their visitor experience, alongside the popular Cellar Door Café.