Small Wine Producers

There is no single definition based on vineyard size or number of bottles produced. Generally, the term describes independent growers and winemakers working on a relatively small scale, often with close involvement in their vineyards and winemaking. For us, what matters most is the character and quality of the wine rather than an arbitrary production limit.

Small producers are responsible for some of the most exciting and distinctive wines we find. Working on a smaller scale can allow growers and winemakers to focus closely on particular vineyards, grape varieties and local traditions, creating wines with a real sense of place and personality. For us, discovering these producers is one of the great pleasures of wine, and their bottles form the heart of the selection at Spy.

Small producers often make wines that reflect a particular vineyard, place or personal approach to winemaking rather than aiming for a uniform house style. Production may be limited and methods can be highly individual, which means there is always something new to discover. That diversity is exactly what we look for at Spy: wines with character, personality and a story worth sharing.

Start with the styles, grapes and regions you already enjoy, then explore producers you may not recognise. Independent wine merchants can be particularly useful because much of the selection has already been tasted and chosen rather than simply listed. At Spy, we are constantly looking for distinctive bottles from small producers, so if you enjoy discovering wines beyond the familiar names, this is a very good place to start.