From Vine to Virtue: The Pelegrims Skincare Story 

My journey into the world of Pelegrims skincare began with a captivating tour of Westwell wine vineyard, the very source of this meticulously crafted brand’s key ingredients.

Our path to the vineyard led us down a narrow English county lane in the heart of the Kent Downs. This area, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offered an immediate sense of calm. As we pulled in, a modest building came into view ahead of us, housing the big stainless steel fermentation tank, a small shop, and a seating area. When inside, the potent, sweet-sharp aroma of active grape fermentation hit me straight away.

Leaving the fermentation tanks behind, our tour, guided by Jerome Moisan, Pelegrims’ co-founder and a sommelier-trained tech entrepreneur, began with a gentle stroll to the picnic area. We followed a gentle slope, walking parallel to rows of vines that stretched as far as the eye could see – even for what we learned was a relatively small vineyard, the vista felt expansive. 

As we walked, I could see a blue tractor trundling along the distant headland serving as a gentle reminder that this rural idyll is also a working farm. Ahead of us, a distinct row of Italian Elder formed a natural boundary between the fields. Once we passed through, we were presented with the most beautiful landscape, nestled on the slopes below the North Downs Way. Surrounded by nature, I could hear a skylark nearby – and the meadows felt alive with their tiny inhabitants.

A Partnership Rooted in Respect

The choice of Westwell as Pelegrims’ vineyard partner is no accident. This estate, located just beneath the Pilgrims Way on the North Downs in Kent, embodies a commitment to working with nature, embracing farming practices that align as closely as possible with organic, biodynamic, and regenerative agriculture, given the challenging UK climate. This dedication resonated deeply, reflecting Jerome’s deep integrity and an approach that felt genuinely fuelled by profound passion rather than commercial gain.

Jerome spoke about the risks involved for vineyards adhering to such stringent, natural methods – ‘All it takes was one night of frost and you can lose half your livelihood.’ Yet, Westwell’s commitment to nature’s rhythms is profound. He pointed out how the vineyard’s unique position on a slope, below the North Downs, allows frost to ‘roll over the hills and doesn’t hit until the bottom,’ avoiding the precious vines. This natural defence ensures the purest starting material. This commitment to working with nature, despite the inherent risks, provides a powerful contrast to less stringent farming methods. The earliest vines at Westwell were planted in 2008 and first harvested in 2011. While English wine is still taking “baby steps” globally, Jerome believes it’s “the most exciting wine region in the world right now,”.

The Treasure from “Waste”

What truly sets Pelegrims apart is its innovative approach to sustainability and potency. Founded in 2021 by Jerome and natural formulator Alex Verier (previously Director at Haeckels), Pelegrims redefines British skincare. As Jerome explained, after the grapes are pressed for wine, what’s left – the by-products of skins, seeds, and stalks – is, for Pelegrims, a ‘treasure’. This forms their core extract, packed with polyphenol-rich ingredients like those from Pinot Noir, Ortega, and Chardonnay grapes, which are recognised to deliver visible benefits to skin tone, hydration and elasticity.

But the real secret, and the heart of Pelegrims’ star product, lies in the “tears of the vine.” Jerome vividly described how, after spring pruning the vine “cries.” These precious drops of sap are painstakingly collected, literally drop by drop. “The liquid that comes out is a superpower, 60 times the antioxidant potency as oranges.” This is due to resveratrol, a powerful polyphenol found in red grape sap, which becomes a key ingredient in their Facial Serum Concentrate. This truly feels like a brand imbued with love, born from a deep-seated ethos that refuses to compromise on quality, even if it means small, exclusive batches.

Pelegrims’ commitment to traceability extends beyond grapes. They forage nettles directly from the vineyard for their shampoo and source Morello cherries locally from a Faversham farm for their facial cleanser. As Jerome shared, the trust and transparency of their ingredients is paramount, highlighting how this distinguishes them from brands that opt for readily available, generic products. 

With their own vertically integrated lab just 20 minutes from the vineyard in Folkestone, Pelegrims is one of the very few British skincare brands able to transform these potent extracts from Westwell’s grapes within 20 miles into their final formulas. Alex, the “magician” behind Pelegrims’ remarkable textures and scents, ensures each batch embodies this meticulous care.

British Vinotherapy: A Vision for English Wellness

Inspired by French pioneers like Caudalie, Pelegrims is at the forefront of establishing British Vinotherapy, a concept Jerome believes is crucial for the future of English wine tourism. Jerome envisions a future where English wine regions rival the tourism flows of Bordeaux or Tuscany. Pelegrims, through its unique offering, plays a vital role in this burgeoning ecosystem, beautifully embodying the essence of vinotherapy – harnessing the antioxidant power of grapes for skin and body – with a modern, sustainable approach that creates a tangible link between the land and personal well-being.

Final Thoughts: A Mindful Innovation

Pelegrims is more than just skincare; it’s a philosophy. It’s a testament to innovation born from nature, sustainability from circularity, and potency from authenticity. By valuing the often-overlooked “waste” of the vineyard, and transforming it into exquisite products, Pelegrims invites a deeper, more mindful approach to beauty and wellness. It’s a compelling story of harmony with nature, deeply rooted in the Kentish landscape, offering a tangible sense of calm and a true escape for body and soul.

Where Can You Experience Pelegrims?

Pelegrims is already stocked by trend-leading retailers including Folk Clothing (London), Million Goods (New York), and Dover Street Market (Paris). Their addition to The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa makes for an exciting new venture for the brand and the hotel, furthering the concept of British vinotherapy. 

DISCOVER: pelegrims.com

Written By: Lucy Farley