The philosophy that “organic is simply how wine should be” has guided the journey of Vintage Roots since its very first days. What began as a humble idea shared between friends has grown into one of the most respected names in the organic wine world — a story deeply rooted in authenticity, perseverance, and a love for nature.
The beginnings of a simple idea
The origins of Vintage Roots trace back to 1986, during a time when the term organic was far from common in the wine trade. It was the government’s Enterprise Allowance Scheme — an initiative offering aspiring entrepreneurs £40 a week for a year — that set things in motion. The amount was modest, but for three idealistic young friends, it represented the freedom to follow their instincts.
Armed with a shared passion for good wine and adventure, the trio embarked on what was meant to be a brief escapade — a three-month journey through France in a converted bus. They picked fruit, played reggae records, and soaked in the rural beauty of the French countryside. Yet amidst the laughter and youthful spirit, they stumbled upon something extraordinary: the world of organic vineyards.
When two of them — Neil Palmer and Lance Pigott — returned to France the following year, their purpose was clearer. With a tent, folded maps, and a list of organic winemakers, they journeyed through the country in a well-worn Citroën. What they brought back wasn’t just a car loaded with organic wines; it was the seed of an idea that would eventually blossom into Vintage Roots.
Building from the ground up
In the early days, the business operated out of a small front room in East Reading. There was no grand office, no investor support, and no prior experience in wine retail. Just two determined individuals, an old telephone, and a belief that the future of wine lay in respecting the earth it came from.
For the first several years, progress was slow and uncertain. Neil and Lance had to navigate not only the logistics of importing and selling wine but also a market that barely understood what “organic” meant. They faced more rejections than successes, countless challenges, and moments of doubt. Yet, they persisted — sustained by their encounters with pioneering organic growers who shared their values and vision.
As the founders often said, “great wines begin in the vineyard, from the roots up.” This conviction became the cornerstone of everything Vintage Roots stood for. It wasn’t just about selling bottles; it was about promoting a way of life that cherished the land, respected biodiversity, and produced wine in harmony with nature.
Growth through passion and perseverance
Over the decades, what started as a two-man operation evolved into a thriving enterprise with a small but dedicated team. The company eventually moved to a farm in Hampshire, surrounded by open fields and the tranquillity of nature — a fitting setting for a brand that celebrates organic living.
Today, Vintage Roots offers an extensive collection of over 500 wines, along with a growing range of beers, ciders, spirits, and liqueurs. Yet, what sets them apart is not the size of their portfolio but the quality and integrity of every product they offer. Every single wine is blind-tasted throughout the year — without influence from brand names or reputations — to ensure that only the best are selected.
Their standards are uncompromising. Each product must carry certification from the UK’s Organic Food Federation, ensuring that it meets rigorous organic standards. Beyond that, the company also embraces biodynamic, natural, vegan, no-sulphur-added, and regenerative organic wines — extending their ethos of purity and sustainability to new frontiers.
It took years of effort, education, and patience before the wider industry began to take notice. Today, Vintage Roots holds numerous awards, including Best Organic Initiative Green Award, Green Retailer of the Year from The Drinks Business, and Best Independent Wine Merchant from Decanter.
But for Neil and Lance, these accolades, though gratifying, are not the essence of their work. What truly matters is the integrity of their mission — to provide authentic, high-quality organic wines while supporting sustainable farming and ethical trade.
The meaning behind organic
For Vintage Roots, organic winemaking is not a marketing choice; it is a moral one. Industrial agriculture and chemical-based farming have long affected ecosystems, poisoning the soil and harming communities. Organic farming, on the other hand, restores the natural balance. It nurtures the land, encourages biodiversity, and eliminates harmful toxins from the environment and our food chain.
By choosing organic wines, consumers contribute to cleaner air, healthier soils, and safer working conditions for farmers. It is a small but powerful act of respect — for the planet, for nature, and for ourselves.
Neil and Lance have always been advocates of this belief. In the early years, they had to explain the idea of organic wine to sceptical audiences, sometimes with what Neil jokingly calls “evangelical zeal.” Today, as awareness has grown, they no longer need to preach; they simply let the wines speak for themselves.
Nearly forty years later, both founders remain deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. Their enthusiasm has never waned. Neil often speaks of the excitement he still feels running Vintage Roots, the same sense of purpose that drove him back in 1986. Lance, too, recalls his early milestones with pride — from selling their first vanload of wine to landing their first big deal with a major retailer.
Their journey has been one of steady growth, guided by ethics rather than ambition. From the front room in Reading to a Hampshire farm, Vintage Roots stands today not just as a business but as a testament to patience, purpose, and perseverance.
A legacy that continues to grow
What makes Vintage Roots truly special is not just the quality of its wines, but the consistency of its values. Every bottle they select represents years of dedication to organic principles and a commitment to doing things the right way — never the easy way.
In a world where greenwashing has become common, Vintage Roots continues to uphold transparency. Every label tells a story of care, certification, and authenticity. They have proven that wine can be both ethical and exceptional — that respecting the environment enhances, rather than diminishes, the joy of the drink.
Their story is not one of overnight success, but of gradual, grounded growth — fuelled by friendship, passion, and an unwavering belief that the best things in life are grown naturally.
As Neil and Lance continue to shape the future of Vintage Roots, their journey remains a powerful reminder: when you nurture the soil, stay true to your principles, and follow your heart, the results — like a well-aged wine — only get better with time.
Read more: The Black Isle Brewery: Brewing with nature at heart
