10th May
NEW BOOK ON ENGLISH WINES PUBLISHED IN TIME FOR ENGLISH WINE WEEK
The first of three books on English wines and vineyards to be published this year has just  been launched, in time for English Wine Week.
Grape Britain by David Harvey has been meticulously researched over 2 years and brings together a tour of Britain’s Vineyards in a lavishly illustrated 256-page book that will be popular with the growing number of UK wine enthusiasts and vineyard visitors alike. Further information on the book is available here
The author will be attending a launch at Mostly Books in Abingdon on Friday 23rd May, which will be accompanied by a wine tasting of local vineyard Bothy and nibbles - tickets £5.00.
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9th May
CHAPEL DOWN'S CEO WINS NATIONAL BUSINESS AWARD
Frazer Thompson, the Managing Director of England's largest producer Chapel Down Wines in Kent, has been crowned Chief Executive of the Year at an awards ceremony hosted by members of a new London stock exchange.
He won the accolade at the Plus Investors Awards 2008 on 29th April in London. Plus Investors is a quote-driven stock exchange for small businesses, trading more than 1,000 British companies with a combined market capital of £195 billion.
Frazer has been with Chapel Down Wines since 2001 since when he has overseen the development of the Chapel Down label to become one of the leading English wine brands. The company continues to expand and recently announced healthy profits.
Frazer is also chairman of Kent Institute of Directors, and . He also a non–executive director of Business Link Kent and a member of the Kent Economic Board.
After picking up his trophy, Mr Thompson said: “It was a great surprise and honour to win."
Source: Kentnews.co.uk
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8th May
ENGLISH WINE WEEK IS NEARLY HERE!
Towards the end of May, English Wine Week will be taking place, with lots of activities and offers taking place all across the country.
English Wine Week is a countrywide campaign to promote English wines and vineyards, an initiative started by the English wine industry itself some five years ago, organised by English Wine Producers and co-sponsored by Food from Britain. During the week, vineyards across the country will be opening their doors to welcome visitors and offer a variety of activities, including tours, tastings and sales or hosting special events. English Wine Week will also be supported by wine merchants, farm shops, delicatessens, hotels, pubs and restaurants with their own promotions of English wines.
This year there is a wide variety of activities, from a special day at Denbies learning to make cheese and blend your own wine, to belly dancing at Sharpham Vineyard in Devon!
Full listings and news on what’s happening in vineyards, wine merchants, retail outlets, hotels and restaurants are all available on the English Wine Week website.
VISIT VINOPOLIS FOR ENGLISH WINE WEEK PREVIEW
English Wine Week kicks off early at Vinopolis in London, with a special preview fortnight starting today, when visitors are invited to taste 3 top white wines and 3 sparkling wines absolutely free as part of the tour *
Guests will be asked to rate the wines and afterwards hear the opinions of revered wine experts including Oz Clarke, Jancis Robinson, Robert Joseph, Charles Metcalfe, Andrew Jefford, Susy Atkins, Stephen Skelton and other top names. During the tour guests will enjoy an English Wine section where they can learn about the growers, how to appreciate English wine, each wine’s provenance plus the vineyard’s location so they can pay a visit during English Wine Week.
As a celebration of English wines, all English Wine tasting guests will be entered into a draw to win a VIP ticket to Matt Skinner’s ‘Meet the Expert’ session on 17th May at Vinopolis. The winner will taste premium wines with Matt, have a Q&A session and receive other sought after goodies.
*English Wines will be available to taste during the tour, not exclusively. After 2pm there will be a charge of £4 for 6 tastings to sample the English wines.
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7th May
NEW WEBSITE FOR RIDGEVIEW
Ridgeview Wine Estate has just launched their new look website. www.ridgeview.co.uk outlines the story of Ridgeview and their wines, and is packed with other essential background information about this producer.
To help you track down your favourite Ridgeview wine there is a comprehensive list of where to buy, and you can update yourself on the many awards they have won over the years. The website will be regularly updated with latest news and press releases, as well as events taking place – so you need never be out of touch with this award-winning producer and their wines again.
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2nd May
ENGLISH WINES ON OZ CLARKE WEBSITE
The theme for May on Oz Clarke’s website is ENGLISH WINES, celebrating English Wine Week 2008 24th May – 1st June.
Oz features background history and information on English wines – all you need to know, in a nutshell! The Oz Clarke website also outlines his range of books, a perfect way to treat yourself or the wine enthusiast in your life.
www.ozclarke.com
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15th April
TESCO GOES LOCAL
Tesco has launched a small range of English and Welsh wines that is available in selected Tesco stores local to the vineyards. The five wines - which include a sparkling, red, rosé and two whites - join the five English and Welsh wines currently listed in Tesco.
Over the last 12 months, Tesco has created eight regional buying offices, designed to source and support local farms and producers; the five new additions signal Tesco’s intent to offer local produce to local customers across all forms, including supporting burgeoning UK wineries.
Hampshire producer, Wickham, was awarded a listing following its victory in the Tesco Drinks Awards for its Wickham Celebration Rosé. Retailing at £6.99, the wine will be available in 14 local Hampshire stores. Essex-based winery, Sandyford, has two new local listings: Sandyford Clover Hill White and Sandyford Special Reserve Red, available at £8.60 and £8.99 respectively. They will both be available in 13 stores around the Essex and Cambridgeshire areas.
Carr Taylor's still dry whiteEstate was established in 1971 by David and Linda Carr Taylor. Its flagship dry white, Alexis, will be available priced at £6.95 in four stores in the Sussex area. Additionally Welsh producer, Glyndwr, will have its Welsh Sparkling available four stores in Cardiff, Swansea and Carmarthen, price £14.99.
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28th March
EXPERIENCE THE LUXURY OF A LODGE AT THREE CHOIRS VINEYARD
Three Choirs are building new lodge rooms in the heart of the vineyard combine luxurious accommodation with a haven of peace and tranquillity in leafy Gloucestershire. These wooden lodges will be opening in June and are stuated just 500 metres from the main vineyard buildings, in the heart of the vineyard and overlooking the string of ponds in the valley below the restaurant.
Each lodge is separated from its neighbour by several rows of vines. They all have a double bedroom with king size bed and a bathroom with both a large bath and separate shower. All lodges also have an inviting veranda which runs around two sides of the building, giving the choice of sun or shade.
Each morning a breakfast hamper is delivered to the doorstep and guests who fancy a cooked breakfast the lodges are a short stroll from the vineyard restaurant which can also be booked for lunch and dinner. If eating al fresco is more up your street, the vineyard can also provide barbeque packs for those who want to immerse themselves fully in the beauty of their surroundings.
A stay in the lodge, or in their main 8-room hotel could be combined with one of Three Vineyard Experience Days, which offer the chance to find out what it really is like to work as a winemaker! The day starts at 10am with tea and coffee in the winery. From here you will don your Three Choirs overalls and boots and venture in to the vineyard to help with whatever tasks are required depending on the time of year. This may be pruning, canopy management, shoot rubbing, trellising repairs or even a spot of grape picking.
On return to the winery mid-morning enjoy a tutored wine tasting with one of the wine makers, followed by a 3-course lunch in the Vineyard restaurant. Your host will choose suitable wines to accompany the meal and will explain how they were made.
After lunch it is back to the winery and the opportunity to help in various areas of wine production - this may be on the bottling line, labelling, filtering or monitoring fermentations.
Finally at the end of the day you can choose 2 bottles of wine to take away with you and you will receive an “Apprentice Winemaker” certificate!
All bookings are taken at www.threechoirs.com
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25th March
WINE MERCHANT IS RAISING MONEY FOR CHARITY WITH THE HELP OF ENGLISH WINES
Your support is needed - please read on ..
From April 25th 2008, Henry Butler of Butlers Wine Cellars and Andy Martin will ride a tandem bike from the English Wine Centre, Alfriston, to a small town called Bra, Northern Italy. The primary purpose of the ride is to raise awareness and funds for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice in Arundel. However, in addition they hope to promote English wine throughout France and Italy by visiting top wine producers, then having direct tastings of their hosts’ wines versus the winners from the 2007 English Wine Festival.
Chestnut Tree House is the only children’s hospice in Sussex and cares for children and young adults from 0-19 years of age with progressive life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses. Chestnut Tree House offers support for the whole family including psychological support, care in bereavement therapy, end of life and respite care and sibling support. The hospice costs approximately £2 million per year to run. Families are not charged for their care and the hospice receives no government funding at all, so it relies completely on the generosity, help and support of the people of Sussex.
Henry and Andy are Sussex born and bred and are taking with them 4 English wines that are local to their home town, Brighton. Although they don’t envisage rapturous applause from their French hosts they do expect an appreciation for the fact that English wine has come a long way in the last ten years.
Henry comments: "We are aware that there are many events asking for donations on a regular basis. Our trip is not just any old charity trip; it’s the most inventive one around. If you haven’t heard about it you can find full detail here www.MadDogsAndEnglishWine.com .
In brief, Andy and I are taking award-winning English wine by tandem and presenting it at wine tastings throughout France and ending up showing them at a Slow Food dinner in Bra (north east Italy). We will be raising awareness of the charity detailed above, our local wines, green travel, the Slow Food movement and quality French and Italian wine makers.
The wines that we’re taking are Ridgeview Bloomsbury, Breaky Bottom Sparkling ’03, Biddenden Dry, and a Dry White Ortega from Plumpton College, which is a project unique to us at the Butlers Wine Cellar.
We have put a lot of work into this - not just training - but trying to organise “international” wine tastings, and that’s not easy. We aren’t going as athletes, but there is no room for error; we have to finish it as the Chestnut Tree are depending on us, that is one of the reasons I don’t sleep at night."
The ride will be in excess of 1600Km and take 18 days to complete. The pair will ride through Champagne, Alsace, Burgundy, the Rhone and finally into Piedmont in northern Italy. The final destination, Bra, is the home of the Slowfood movement, an organisation that supports small, traditional farms and producers such as English wine makers.
Donations can be taken via the Mad Dogs And English Wine website.
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14th March
ADOPT A VINE FROM BOOKERS FOR FATHER'S DAY
Has your Dad ever dreamt of producing and drinking his very own wine from his own vineyard? Help him take a step towards that dream and adopt a vine from Bookers Vineyard for your Dad this Father’s Day.
The Adopt a Vine gift contains a welcome letter with details of the recipient’s ‘Rondo’ vine, a map of the vineyard with their vine highlighted, a presentation certificate and a voucher for a free tour and tasting at Bookers Vineyard, based near Bolney in West Sussex. The gift also includes two bottles of Bookers’ Dark Harvest, a medium bodied, smooth, dry red wine with lots of red fruit flavours and complimentary oak notes.
What’s more, to mark the occasion, if you buy the Adopt a Vine gift before Father’s Day (15th June 2008), the recipient will receive a free guest pass for the vineyard tour and tasting.
The Adopt a Vine Gift Box costs £49.00 and is available online from Bookers.
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13th March
ENGLISH WINES PASS THE TASTE TEST
Recently reported from independent merchant Noel Chadwick in Wigan: one recent Saturday evening in their restaurant, which only serves English wines, they had a table of four wine and food enthusiasts who appeared unaware of this when they ordered their wine.
When it was brought to their table, one of them said, "Shall we do the usual?" and each took a mouthful of the wine, pronouncing their opinion on its characteristics and country of origin. Two voted for Chile, one for Argentina and one for Portugal. What they did agree on was it was one of the best wines they had ever tasted. “The look on their faces when they examined the label to discover it was English was priceless!” reported Rebecca McCarthy of Noel Chadwick.
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10th March
LOCAL SUPPORT AT A'BECKETT'S WINES ARE NOW AVAILABLE THOUGH WADWORTH
Leading independent brewery Wadworth & Co, from Devizes in Wiltshire, have linked up with local vineyard a’Beckett’s and now are selling their wines throughout their 250 strong pub estate, as well as to their trade customers.
The move highlights the strong Wiltshire link between the two producers, which will undoubtedly develop enthusiastic local support. a’Beckett’s Sparkling White, Estate Blend still white and Estate Red are the only English wines on the Wadworth list.
Andrew Steer, commercial manager at Wadworth said “We are delighted to be able to work with a’Beckett’s Vineyard. The wines are excellent quality and the current increasing demand for local products and reducing carbon footprints makes a’Beckett’s and Wadworth ideal regional partners. We are looking forward to increasing the distribution and awareness of the range in time.”
a’Beckett’s proprietor Paul Langham, who together with his wife Lynn planted the vineyard in 2001, commented: “We are thrilled that we are supplying Wadworth, one of Wiltshire’s leading and most popular brands. Lynn and I are delighted that we can now buy our wine in our local!”
a’Beckett’s continue to develop their vineyard business, with a winery building now ready to accommodate winemaking equipment ready for this year’s harvest. Two of the wines won awards last year, with a Silver medal won by the (now sold out) Rosé 2006 and a Bronze for the Estate Red 2005 in the English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition.
The vineyard is located in Littleton Panell some 4 miles south of Devizes on the A360, and is open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays, 10.30am to 5pm for wine sales and walks around the vineyard.
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7th March
GOLD MEDAL FOR ENGLISH DESSERT WINE
Following national and international success last year, Eglantine Vineyard in Nottinghamshire have scooped yet another prestigious medal in France. Eglantine’s North Star, a luscious dessert wine produced from Madeleine Angevine, has won a Gold Medal at Vinalies Internationales in Paris http://www.vinalies-internationales.fr - announced this week. This comes on top of a Gold Medal at Concours des Vins des Vignerons Independents 2007, and a Silver Medal Best In Class in last year’s International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).
Each vintage of this wine has won top medals. The wine is produced by Eglantine owner and winemaker Tony Skuriat. There is little in the way of protection between this vineyard and Siberia. On one occasion, grapes were harvested by the Northern Lights – which probably inspired the name of the wine!
The wine is described by IWSC judges as “…very attractive nose packed with tropical tones highlighted by pineapple with hint of mint. Initial mouth appears to be richly sweet then beautiful balance is provided by clean, lively fruit acidity. Floral notes in the background with freesia and hint of honeysuckle. Touches of jasmine and camomile suggest the influence of a master perfumier. Lithe and nimble. Clean cut finish. Delightful now yet has potential to develop over years to come.”
The wine is available direct from Eglantine Vineyard by either visiting or contacting by email or from the following outlets:
Delilah Foods, Nottingham
Think England, Torquay
best-english-wines.co.uk
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6th March
CHATEAU WAITROSE - Waitrose Plants Vineyard in Hampshire
Waitrose has today announced that it will be the first UK retailer to plant vines in England. The vines will be planted in the next year on the retailer's own 4,000 acre farm, The Leckford Estate, in Hampshire. Customers will need to be patient though, as this English Fizz will not debut on the shelves at Waitrose until 2014.
This move is in response to the continuing growth in interest and sales of English wine. Reflecting this trend, in 2007 Waitrose reported a growth in sales of over 90% and a market share among the multiples topping 40%*.
Waitrose has stocked English wine for over twelve years. The demand for English wine has risen so dramatically that Waitrose doubled its range in 2007. The aim is to have between 2 and 6 local wines in every branch in the wine producing regions of England. In addition 28 ‘local’ English wines, already available in Waitrose shops, are available nationwide online from Waitrose Wine Direct (www.waitrose.com/wine).
A Waitrose spokesperson commented: "To ensure our customers can continue to enjoy English wine in the future we are investing now to cope with future growth. It is a long term project - the vines will need three years before we see the first crop of grapes, and then a two year wine-making and maturation cycle for the production of this high quality sparkling wine."
Justin Howard-Sneyd, MW - English wine buyer for Waitrose - said: "Our customers are really enthusiastic about English wines and we have seen some fantastic quality from Nyetimber, Ridgeview, Chapel Down, Camel Valley and Denbies. We are all incredibly excited about being involved with the planting and growing of our first vineyard. In addition to the Estate sparkling wine, the vineyard also provides an opportunity to connect our Wine Specialists to the production cycle of the vineyard, and to enhance their education about how wine is made"
The Leckford Estate is located on gently rolling chalk hills either side of the River Test. There are several sites with a sheltered southern aspect where the soils have just the right balance of chalk and clay loam for our grapevines. In fact many of the soils of southern England are from the same geological strata as soils in classic regions of Northern France such as Chablis and Champagne.
*
Waitrose have 6% of the wine market for the multiple grocer market and 4% market share of the overall grocery trade.
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5th March
PLUMPTON COLLEGE OPEN DAY COMING UP
Your chance to find out more about wine studies options
Plumpton College is holding an Open Day on Saturday 10th May. The Open Day celebrates the successful courses and illustrates opportunities available at Plumpton to visitors.
This once a year opportunity allows visitors to enjoy a wide range of activities, tours and displays, including Floristry, Metalworking, Terrier Racing and Dog Grooming, Farm displays and riding, to name but a few attractions. Additionally there will be a trade and charity stalls, craft show and refreshments. Samples and sales of Plumpton Estate wines will also be available. The Open Day gives a unique opportunity to see what some of the extensive range of courses can offer and of course to look round the campus, including the newly opened Wine Studies Centre, the only one of its kind in England.
The Open Day takes place between 10.00am-5.00pm. Entry is free for 16's and under, £5 for adults and £3 Senior Citizens. A location map and further information about Plumpton College and the Open Day can be found from their website.
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20th February
DENBIES WINE ESTATE RELEASES RECORD NUMBER OF SINGLE VARIETAL WINES
 At Denbies Wine Estate the 2007 harvest produced grapes of outstanding quality, which has resulted in the decision by Denbies Winemaker, Marcus Sharp, to produce two additional varietals. Bacchus 2007, Ortega 2007 and Hillside Chardonnay have been produced, in addition to their Schönburger 2006, which was released at the end of 2007. All of these will bring a record amount of varietals to the Denbies existing still and sparkling range.
‘The concentration and flavours combined with high sugar levels and low acidity really influenced the reasoning behind producing varietals from not a particularly high yielding year’ commented Marcus Sharp, Denbies wine maker, ‘This is the first time Denbies has ever produced four varietals at the same time, it is very exciting to compare and contrast the styles’.
All of the wines will be available for purchase in early March 2008.
Denbies Wine Estate currently has a range of 12 wines and produces on average over 450,000 bottles of wine per annum. In 2007 Denbies wines received outstanding recognition on an International level winning both the Sparkling wine Trophy at the 2007 International Wine Challenge and being nominated as UK Wine Producer of the Year at The International Wine and Spirit Competition.
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29th January 2008
SOUTH WEST VINEYARDS ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
The South West Vineyards Association has just launched its website.
Packed with plenty of information on the vineyards within the region (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and South Wales) the has lots to offer to both the interested visitor and member vineyards alike.
News from around the region and a list and map of vineyards is also available. In time the website will build rapidly to include useful research and publications.
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25th January 2008
WINE APPRECIATION COURSES AT BOTHY VINEYARD
Bothy Vineyard in Oxfordshire are pleased to announce that they will be hosting a Wine Appreciation Course from this Easter, to be run by Karen Hyde of Wine Matters.
"We feel that there is a great synergy between the work we do here in the vineyard and Karen's mission to help people understand and develop a greater enjoyment of wine," commented Sian Liwicki, who together with her husband Richard owns and runs Bothy Vineyard.
The course starts on 19th March. Further details are available from Bothy Vineyard, or direct from Karen Hyde on Tel: 07855 026734 or email karen@winematters-oxon.co.uk.
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17th January 2008
DENBIES APPOINTS JOHN WORONTSHAK
Denbies Wine Estate has just announced the appointment of leading wine industry figure and international flying winemaker John Worontschak, who will be joining the company as Operations Director.
John Worontschak’s role will be to oversee all aspects of wine production from the vineyard to the finished product. His appointment is recognised as an integral part of the continuing improvements and expansion programme at the wine estate.
Christopher White, General Manager commented, ‘We are delighted to welcome John to Denbies, who joins us at an exiting time, there has been an unparalleled interest in English wine, particularly on an international level and we look forward to maximising the potential of Denbies wine.’
John Worontschak added. ‘I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Denbies, England’s largest vineyard. I have followed the expansion and international success that Denbies has achieved and looking forward to being a part of this exciting and developing company, particularly the growth of sparkling wines from this site.’
Denbies Wine Estate currently has a range of 12 wines and produces on average over 450,000 bottles of wine per annum. In 2007 Denbies wines received outstanding recognition on an International level winning both the Sparkling wine Trophy at the 2007 International Wine Challenge and being nominated as UK Wine Producer of the Year at The International Wine and Spirit Competition.
Denbies is located in Dorking, Surrey with direct rail access from London Waterloo and Victoria mainline stations 40 minutes, Heathrow 40 minutes/ Gatwick 20 minutes.
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7th January 2008
UK PRODUCERS TOAST LIFTING OF PLANTING BAN
English and Welsh wine producers have particular reason to celebrate the New Year, following the announcement just before Christmas that extension to the EU wide planting ban will not apply to the UK. The EU Council has agreed to a permanent exclusion of the UK from the planting rights regime.
This planting restriction had been the greatest challenge to the continued development of the wine industry in the UK, which has been growing very successfully over many years. Under this EU planting ban, UK wine producers would have had to stop any further planting once production exceeded 3.3million bottles (25,000 hectolitres), averaged over 5 years. Although the EU Commission wanted to get rid of the planting restrictions, they were forced to compromise and extend the ban to 2015, in order to get other reforms through, which are designed to make EU production more competitive.
The Planting Ban was introduced in the EU in 1999 in response to the over production of poor quality wine in the larger member state producing countries which resulted in the infamous ‘wine lake’. The current EU Wine Reform, introduced by EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel, aims to revive the languishing European wine industry. Meanwhile, the UK has been steadily producing more and more quality wine, especially within the sparkling wine sector, and demand from both domestic and overseas markets has never been higher. The UK’s representative industry body, the UK Vineyards Association (UKVA), therefore argued that capping the expansion of this vibrant industry, which is completely unsubsidised, would fly in the face of the new Common Agricultural Policy.
The UKVA has worked closely with Defra, the NFU and MEPs to lobby against the restrictions. Bob Lindo, Chairman of the UKVA Council said, “If you had told me at the beginning of our campaign that we would get virtually all of our demands in such a short time, then I wouldn’t have believed you. The House of Lords Select Committees were right ‘on side’ from the very beginning. Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat (and UKIP) MPs, MEPs and Peers all supported us and many others as a result of our media campaign.
“It shows what can be achieved when we all sing from the same hymn sheet, and we should never underestimate just what has been achieved.”
Mike Roberts of RidgeView Wine Estate, and one of the key members of the UKVA’s EU Wine Reform Working Group, commented: “Our recent and current rate of planting will yield a production of over 4 million bottles by 2012 – an increase of over 100% of our present production. Further expansion is planned for this and the next years and we foresee our production may well double again. The UK is producing and building a demand for what is now recognised as world-class and competitive wines, without any subsidy or market assistance from the EU. We have fulfilled the prime objective of the EU Commission’s wine reform – to have European countries produce what the consumer wants. The EU has acknowledged our efforts by exempting us from the planting ban.”
EU wine reform amendments have also lifted bans on unlisted grape varieties, as well as the listing of grape varieties and vintage on table wine labels. These reform measures have been put in place to increase the competitiveness of European wines in the face of stiff competition from New World producers.
The lifting of the ban shows the credibility that English and Welsh wines have built up and will encourage the continued development of the UK’s wine industry.
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12th December
ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE GAINS TOP TEN RANKING IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
An English sparkling wine has once again triumphed in an international competition. Theale Vineyard Sparkling Chardonnay 2003 beat off stiff competition from fine Champagnes and top sparkling wines to make it into the world’s Top Ten Sparkling Wine at the world’s only dedicated sparkling wine competition, French-based Effervescents du Monde (sparkling wines of the world) 2007.
Since its first wine was launched in 2006 this small vineyard, which measures only 200 square metres (2150 sq feet), and planted with 704 Chardonnay vines, has received a growing list of top plaudits from the world’s best wine judges. The same wine also received a Silver Medal at the world’s premier wine competition, The International Wine Challenge, held earlier this year.
The Theale Vineyard is sited in front of the offices of Laithwaites, Britain’s leading independent wine merchant, in Berkshire. When Laithwaites built their new premises on a brown field site in 1998, a shrub border was due to be planted over debris from the previous building. However, Tony Laithwaite, the company’s owner and a geographer by training, saw an opportunity to experiment with growing vines to produce a unique English wine. An artificial hill facing south was fashioned with suitable topsoil and planted with Chardonnay vines imported from Champagne in 2000. The vineyard is managed by award-winning sparkling wine producer RidgeView Wine Estate, who also makes the wine under contract.
Only 756 bottles of this 100% Chardonnay wine were made. It can be purchased in person for £22.99 per bottle from the Laithwaites shop in Theale or by calling 0870 4448282 for home delivery.
Tony Laithwaite is delighted with the wine’s success:”We don't really know why the sparkling wine from this vineyard has proved so successful. Perhaps it is due to the carefully built south-facing slope or the shelter and heat from the surrounding buildings? Certainly Ridgeview’s skills and the dedication of the team who keep the vineyard immaculate have lead to its success.”
Another English wine produced by Ridgeview, this time exclusively for The Sunday Times Wine Club and Laithwaites – Ridgeview Merret South Ridge 2005 – added to the English success in the same competition with a Silver medal. The wine, with a cepage of predominantly Chardonnay, with Pinots Noir and Meunier, has enjoyed consistent success in this competition, with Silver medals awarded twice before to previous vintages. South Ridge is available from the Sunday Times Wine Club and Laithwaites, price £15.99 per bottle.
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11th December
"The Gourmet Wine Company"
VINEYARD AND RESTAURANT OPEN NEW WINE SHOP
Jabajak restaurant and vineyard, based near Whitland in Camarthenshire, have opened a new wine shop and tasting lounge – The Gourmet Wine Company. The new portfolio will feature wines from all over the world, including England.
Most of the wines listed are from small producers, from tiny cooperatives in the Mountains of North Western Spain, to a small family run operation in the Sacramento Valley in California and lesser known wine producing areas like Rust, in Austria.
The full wine list will soon be available on line to view and buy from www.thegourmetwinecompany.co.uk.
Wine from Three Choirs, who have been advising Jabajak on their own vineyard, is available to buy from the new list, and can also be enjoyed in their restaurant by the bottle or glass.
You can sign up to receive Jabajak's newsletter by contacting info@jabajak.co.uk, for regular news on their restaurant, accommodation, functions and other events.
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10th December
ENGLISH WINE REALLY IS THE TOAST OF CHRISTMAS
English wine will give Champagne and claret a run for their money this Christmas following Waitrose reports that its English wine sales have risen an incredible 120% year-on-year.
English sparkling wine sales are contributing to this outstanding increase. During November, Waitrose English sparkling wine experienced a sales uplift of 360% as customers, encouraged by its excellent quality, stocked up on their favourite British bubbly.
According to Waitrose, English wine is continually outselling wines from California, Alsace, Germany and Portugal and looks set to become the tipple of choice this festive season. In November, English wine outsold claret on Waitrose.com, the supermarket’s on-line service.
The Waitrose wine buying team, which includes five Masters of Wine, now takes English wine as seriously as any European or New World wine. Waitrose currently stocks wines from 11 UK vineyards and plans to increase its range still further in 2008.
English wine specialist Justin Howard-Sneyd, Waitrose Master of Wine, explained:
“English wines used to be regarded as the Cinderellas of the wine world – but now they are taking centre stage, and deservedly so."
“With the UK’s increasingly warm summers and the skills and expertise of English wine makers, English wine has seen a significant improvement in quality. It is also a great choice for customers wanting to try something a little different this Christmas.”
Every Waitrose shop in the wine-producing regions of England will have a range of between two and ten English wines, with a good proportion of Waitrose’s English wine selection available through Waitrose.com, Waitrose’s on-line service, including its best-selling Taste of England case, containing a mix of 12 English wines, £75.
Waitrose has scooped more major wine awards than any other supermarket. These include Best Supermarket of the Year at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2007, Off Licence News Multiple Wine Retailer 2007 and Supermarket of the Year 2007
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7th December
A TRULY CORNISH CELEBRATION WITH THE ARCHITECTURAL ELITE
‘Cornish Fizzy and Canapés’ was the invitation issued to the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects to celebrate the instalment of their new Master, Jonathan Ball MBE, AA Dipl RIBA ACI Arb, FRSA.
To celebrate the Master’s strong Cornish ties, award-winning sparkling wine Camel Valley ‘Cornwall’ Brut 2005 was served to guests at the celebration, which recently took place at The Athenaeum Club in central London.
Jonathan Ball, a Cornishman born and bred, proudly announced that the wine served was from his home county during his welcome speech.
The many accolades in national and international wine competitions gained by Camel Valley for its wines were further expanded upon by Architect and Master of Wine, Patricia Stefanowicz. Guests were informed that Sam Lindo, son of proprietors Bob and Annie, and now winemaker at the vineyard, had scooped the much coveted trophy for Winemaker of the Year in this year’s national competition, The English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition. It was clear to see that the wine was much enjoyed by all those present.
Jonathan Ball MBE and Patricia Stefanowicz enjoy a glass of 'Cornwall'
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5th December
AN ORGANIC TIPPLE FOR LUCKY RICHARD………….
ORGANIC WINE FOR AN ORGANIC FARMER
Organic farmer Richard Browning had a real surprise recently when he heard that he was the lucky winner of the prize draw organised by Ilex Organics at this summer’s National Organic Cereal Events organised by the Soil Association.
The prize, a case of Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard’s top medal winning wines was presented to a delighted Richard at Tey Brook Farm near Colchester, where he and his family run a mixed organic farm growing cereals and vegetables alongside a herd of pedigree Hereford cattle. Richard has a thriving retail operation based on his farm shop and an expanding box scheme operating in and around Colchester.
Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard, founded by Roy and Irma Cook back in 1979 and situated in 1066 country near Hastings is the oldest and largest producer of organic wine in England. Their red, white and sparkling wines - all Soil Association certified organic - embody all that is best in organic produce. The shop is open daily along with Vineyard & Woodland Nature Trail and wine tasting.
Cheers Richard!
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7th November
DENBIES WINE ESTATE AWARDED INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION 'UK WINE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR'
Denbies Wine Estate was the recipient of the International Wine and Spirit competition UK Wine Producer of the Year 2007 at the IWSC competition dinner held in London yesterday evening.
In the ever increasing competitive market with key English wine producers receiving international awards, Denbies was honoured to be the recipient of this coveted trophy. The UK Wine producer of the Year is a reflection of the dedication of English wine growers to meet and maintain high quality and consistent standards.
 Denbies has now received International awards for all of its sparkling range, which includes the International Wine Challenge gold award and English Trophy for Greenfields Cuvee 2003. In September 2007, Denbies Wine Estate was acknowledged as one of the top four champagne/sparkling wine producers in the world at The International Wine Challenge Awards 2007. In elite company, Denbies Greenfields Sparkling Cuvee was competing against Champagne Fleury – millesime 1996, Charles Heidsieck ‘Champagne Charlie ’81 and Heidseick Brut Reserve 2003.
Denbies wine is available throughout the South-east and on-line www.denbies.co.uk. Denbies was recently invited to supply wine to Claridges, one of London’s premier hotels, the first English wine to be listed.
Marcus Sharp, Denbies' Winemaker
Denbies is situated in the North Downs, and benefits from identical soil as the champagne region in France. The family owned and run estate is located near Dorking, Surrey, and at 265 acres is the largest single estate vineyard in the UK.
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6th November
ULTIMATE GASTRONOMIC AWARD FOR ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE
English sparkling wine specialists RidgeView have been awarded one of the highest honours in the food and drink industry by the British Academy of Gastronomes. Egon Ronay founded the epicurean organisation and each year the Academy awards the Grand Prix of Gastronomy to the person, venture or product which has done most for gastronomy in the previous 12 months. The 2007 trophy has been awarded to RidgeView Merret Sparkling Wines. This very prestigious honour is a first for English Wine and highlights the recent renaissance in the sparkling wines being produced in this country. RidgeView are in very good company as previous winners of the trophy include Jane Grigson, Albert and Michel Roux, Somerset Cheddar and Prince Charles for the revival of mutton.
The trophy was awarded to RidgeView last night at the British Academy of Gastronomes
Grand Prix Dinner at the Dorchester. Founder and Director of RidgeView Mike Roberts said “It  was a wonderful honour from such a prestigious group of people. It is a fantastic mark of respect for our family Company and English sparkling wines in general”. The British Academy of Gastronomes was founded by Egon Ronay in 1983. Its aim is to encourage the improvement of the standard of food and beverages in the UK and Ireland. All members of the Academy are non-professional and exceptionally well informed gastronomes from all walks of life.
Michael Roberts (left) receives
The Grand Prix of Gastronomy 2007
from Egon Ronay, founding president of the Academy
RidgeView have been producing sparkling wine for the past 8 years. The family run company has had incredible success in such a short time with 80 medals and 16 trophies. Past accolades include the Trophy for the Best Sparkling Wine in the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2005, Best International Rosé in the French competition Rosé du Mondial 2007 and last year their wine was served for Her Majesty’s 80th Birthday banquet. Due to such fantastic successes RidgeView are only just satisfying current demand for their sparkling wine and are now preparing a five-fold increase in production.
An article written by Egon Ronay for Times Online on English sparkling wines is available to view. 'English Fizz For Christmas' was published 21st November 2007:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/real_food/article2909495.ece
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5th November
CORNISH SPARKLING WINE TO BE SERVED AT STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT
Tomorrow's State Opening of Parliament will be celebrated in style with a toast of Cornish sparkling wine. Camel Valley's Award winning Cornwall will be served at Westminster to mark the start of the new session, as reported on BBC's South West Politics Show.
It's been a busy year for awards for Camel Valley Vineyards, based near Bodmin in Cornwall. The 'Cornwall' Brut 2005 won a Silver Medal in this year's International Wine Challenge, as well as a Gold in the national competition, the English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition. Gold medals were also awarded to their two other sparkling wines as well as another Silver from the International Wine Challenge. The icing on the cake was the award of UK Winemaker of the Year going to Sam Lindo, winemaker at Camel Valley.
‘It’s really nice to know that Camel Valley will be representing the English Wine industry at the State opening of Parliament," commented Bob Lindo, Proprietor of Camel Valley Vineyards. "It’s come on top of Sam Lindo being named ‘UK Winemaker of the Year’ and winning 3 Gold Medals and it crowns a very successful year for Camel Valley"
Bob & Sam Lindo
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1st November
REGIONAL FOOD & DRINK PIONEER RAISES A FAREWELL TOAST TO ENGLISH WINE CENTRE
After 35 years raising the profile of regional wine and food Christopher Ann has sold the English Wine Centre in East Sussex.
The centre, in the Cuckmere Valley at the foot of the South Downs near the village of Alfriston, is the only one of its kind in the country and has been at the hub of the English wine industry since the days when very few people had heard about English wine, let alone tasted it. Christopher's own passion for regional food, which again began long before food became so fashionable and 'food miles' hit the headlines, led to him opening the wine centre in 1972 and founding the English Wine Festival, which recently celebrated its 33rd year and is the longest running event of its kind.
The wine centre has been bought by husband and wife team Colin and Christine Munday, who have lived in East Sussex for 30 years. The couple's business lives had previously been centred in London and they wanted to leave the capital to work together and combine their own love of good food and wine. They will officially take over the wine centre from Christopher on January 10th, 2008, and will continue to employ the current team of staff.
left to right, Colin Munday, Christopher Ann and Christine Munday
The sale marks another milestone in the history of the wine centre, on land originally owned by Christopher's father, Captain Douglas Ann, who opened Drusillas Thatched Barn restaurant serving home-cooked food and keeping rare and regional breeds of cattle, pigs and sheep that were part of the formative years of Drusillas zoo park.
After taking over the business with his brother Michael, Christopher began researching traditional Sussex recipes, such as Sussex Pond Pudding and Chiddingly Hot Pot, which he also served while running the catering operation at nearby Michelham Priory for a total of 15 years.
"Everyone that experienced these dishes loved them, but still it was not possible to convince the majority that the way forward was almost back," he said. In tandem with the country's emerging wine industry, in 1978 Christopher became founder chairman of the Weald and Downland Vineyards Association and in 1985 compiled a small leaflet listing a few local producers, which lead to the formation of a fledgling organisation encouraging shoppers to buy locally and businesses to stock and serve local fare. It marked the birth of A Taste of Sussex, which is now under the umbrella of Sussex Enterprise.
There were no limits to the promotional lengths Christopher was prepared to go to in turning the spotlight on regional food and drink. This included an English wine run to Paris, in light-hearted opposition to the annual Beaujolais Nouveau run, and linking the Cuckmere Valley with Mereville in France, the first rural link of its kind that was later awarded a European Flag in recognition of the work involved. This twinning also resulted in the formation of the Cuckmere Valley Boules Club, which now has nearly 100 members who play three times a week on the wine centre's eight petanque pitches.
Christopher said: "However much I have enjoyed being involved in the English wine industry there comes a stage when we all have to plan ahead for our retirement. I am delighted that Colin and Christine are keen to maintain the ethos of the business, while giving the boost of enthusiasm that is so essential in such an unusual place."
Colin and Christine are both bringing a diverse range of skills to the wine centre, which has a shop, wine museum that is also used for private and corporate events and a 17th century barn which is particularly popular for wedding receptions. Christine worked at a London management consultants and stockbrokers before a complete change of scene working as a perfume mixer. Also a calligrapher and designer, after bringing up their family she recently designed and refurbished five properties and obtained degrees in literature and completed courses on food and fine cooking at Leith's School of Food and Wine in London.
Colin - who went to the same grammar school in Dartford as Mick Jagger but missed him by three months! - studied tax, law and accounting before becoming a chartered accountant. Specialising in tax and business, he was finance director and manager of several advertising and communication companies over a period of 22 years and worked around the world in Europe, Japan and the USA. Eight years ago he co-launched a brand and communication research company, which now has offices in the London and Paris and the USA.
"I am also a lover of food and wine and wanted to leave London and the world of advertising to work with Christine," he said. "A great opportunity occurred to purchase the English Wine Centre and build from the good base that Christopher and his employees have worked so hard to achieve."
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30th October
NEW TERM AT PLUMPTON COLLEGE
Recently opened Wine Studies Centre opens its doors for the first time
The latest bunch of happy students have enrolled on the Wine Studies courses at Plumpton College. This year has seen record numbers of students enrolling for all courses at Plumpton College.
The College offers unique and very successful Wine courses, ranging from many part time courses, through to Degree level. Full time courses are available as Foundation Degrees in Wine Business and Wine Production with a unique BSc degree in Viticulture and Oenology. All the courses can be taken on either a full time or a part time basis, and Plumpton College aims to be as flexible as possible in terms of accommodating students' needs.
All the Wine courses at Plumpton College are sponsored by Oddbins and Vignobles Investissment Transaction. Wine Studies students study in a new, state-of-the art commercial Winery and gain much benefit from three college-run vineyards, producing award-winning wines.
Find out more about Wine Studies courses at Plumpton College at the next Information Morning on Saturday 10 November 2007. This occasion will allow an ideal opportunity to discuss all aspects of its courses with staff as well as meet current students.
Contact: Mr Chris Foss, Head, Wine Studies, Plumpton College
Plumpton College
Ditchling Road | Plumpton | Nr Lewes | East Sussex | BN7 3AE
T: + 44 (0) 1273 890454 | F: + 44 (0) 1273 890071
email: Chris.Foss@plumpton.ac.uk| website: www.plumpton.ac.uk
The pick of the bunch, pictured outside the Winery at Plumpton College
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TELEGRAPH TRAVEL CRITIC PRAISES JABAJAK RESTAURANT AND VINEYARD
Jabajak, in Whitland, Carmarthenshire, is a vineyard and a restaurant with rooms, owned and run by
Amanda and Julian Stuart-Robson.
It was recently visited by Daily Telegraph critic, Paddy Burt, who wrote it up in the Travel section of the Saturday Telegraph recently (20th October) and gave Jabajak a praiseworthy account, being particularly complimentary about their menu, with seasonal dishes from locally sourced and grown produce.
The vineyard was recently planted and comprises red and white varieties, including Pinot Noir and Huxelrebe. When in production the vineyard will produce still white and sparkling varieties.
We are delighted with the review especially as so many restaurants and hotels have fallen prey to her reviews," commented Julian. "She has actually awarded us 5 stars which really is fantastic."
You can read the full article on
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/main.jhtml?xml=/travel/2007/10/20/et-room-service-120.xml
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29th October
DEVON WINES STLL IN THE HEADLINES
The wines of Devon are certainly being well supported within their region. After producing their Devon Wine Trail earlier in the year, in time for English Wine Week, publicity continues from strength to strength.
Look out for a feature in Devon Today, when their November issue will feature a range of English wines to drink with food at Christmas.
Sunday Telegraph wine correspondant Susy Atkins recently held a very positive wine tasting at the Ashburton Cookery School, featuring a range of wines from Devon. Further information on this and the other talks and tastings that Susy undertakes are on her website www.susyatkins.co.uk
Further copies of the Devon Wine Trail are still available either through English Wine Producers or from Yearlstone Vineyard.
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23rd October
CHAMPAGNE ROEDERER LOOKS AT POTENTIAL VINELAND IN ENGLAND
Celebrated Champagne house, Louis Roederer, has recently been exploring potential vineyard land in the South East of England, with a view to producing sparkling wine.
Frederic Rouzaud, President of Roederer, and his Vineyard Director Jean-Baptiste Lacaillon visited potential land sites in Kent and Sussex in September, accompanied by wine consultant Stephen Skelton MW. With land prices in the South East of England near a tenth of the value of that in Champagne, England presents a viable business option.
'They looked at an unplanted site which is for sale, and three existing vineyards, two in Kent and one in West Sussex,' said Skelton. 'We discussed things like soils, yields, sugar levels and the different clones that are used here.'
'We had fantastic visits with some dynamic new growers and very interesting discussions,' Monsieur Lecaillon said. 'We will keep in touch and watch their development over the next two or so years. Maybe in three to five years this will go further in a joint venture.'
Source: decanter.com
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22nd October
ENGLISH WINE CELEBRATES SUCCESS AT TESCO DRINKS AWARDS
The results of the Tesco Drinks Awards 2008 have just been announced. For the first time this year an English wine category was introduced, where rosé proved the outright winner, scooping awards in the sparkling and still wine sections. Both winners are guaranteed regional listings at Tesco stores.
The English wine winners were for sparkling: Hush Heath Balfour Brut Rosé 2004 and for still rosé: Celebration Rosé, from Wickham Vineyard. Brightwell’s Bacchus 2006 was a runner up in the still wine category. The awards were presented by Dan Jago, Category Director Beers Wines and Spirits, at the awards ceremony on Friday 19th October.
The Tesco Drinks Awards, now in its 15th year, were open to all products not previously listed in a major national retailer, and were expanded and revitalised to include spirits and UK wines for the first time. All the winners, which also comprised categories in ale, spirits and organic wines, are new to the UK multiple market.
This was the largest ever Tesco Drinks Awards, with over 400 products – all of them never before listed at a national level. Products were judged blind by teams of experts recruited from the industry and press.
Dan Jago commented “At Tesco we are committed to bringing new, exciting products to the market. Great drinks deserve shelf-space and a chance to gain access to the UK consumer, and that is exactly what these Awards are designed to achieve.”
The winners will appear in-store early next year.
 
Dan Jago of Tesco presenting certificate to Certificate presented to Gordon Channon
Karen Hargreaves of Hush Heath Estate of Wickham Vineyards
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19th October
FURTHER EXPANSION OF CHAPEL DOWN VINEYARDS
Chapel Down Wines, the largest producer in the UK, has purchased a further 116 acres in the North Downs, near Aylesford. The site is prime chalk soil, ideal for sparkling wine production, and will, when in full production, expand Chapel Down’s sparkling wine output to 1 million bottles.
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24th September
GLYNDE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL WINNERS TOAST SUCCESS
English wine c ompetition winners announced
There was air of celebration on the first day of the Glynde Food & Drink Festival, the new home of the English Wine Festival. Traditionally, wines from exhibiting vineyards are entered in to a festival competition. This year's festival competition was judged by an eminent line up of experienced tasters: wine writers Charles Metcalfe and Olly Smith, wine merchant Henry Butler and English Wine Centre owner (and founder of the English Wine Festival) Christopher Ann.
As Chairman of Judges, Charles Metcalfe presented the prizes to the following winners:
Best Sparkling
Winner: Breaky Bottom Cuvee Alexandre Brut 2003
Runner Up: Stanlake Park Hinton Grove NV
Best White
Winner: Biddenden Ortega 2006
Runner Up: Stanlake Park Bacchus 2006
Best Rose
Winner: Biddenden Gribble Bridge Rose 2006
Runner Up: Stanlake Park Pinot Blush 2006
Best Red
Winner: Plumpton Pinot Noir
Runner Up: A'Beckett's Estate Red 2005
The Wine of the Show was presented to Breaky Bottom for the sparkling wine.
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13th September
MAD DOGS & ENGLISH WINE ON A BICYCLE MADE FOR TWO
Two Brighton men are getting ready to take to the roads of Europe on a tandem - with a pannier full of English wine - to raise money for the only children's hospice in Sussex.
After forming the initial idea, which naturally enough evolved over a glass or two of wine, Henry Butler and Andy Martin are now starting to plan their route, which will take them through France and across the Alps to Bra in north west Italy, the headquarters of the Slow Food organisation.
They will launch their fundraising campaign for Chestnut Tree House, near Arundel, at the Glynde Food & Drink Festival being held later this month. This year's festival will also incorporate the 33rd English Wine Festival and has provided Henry and Andy with an ideal launch pad for their epic bike ride.
 Henry owns Butlers Wine Cellar in Brighton's Queen's Park and is a keen supporter of the slow food movement, which began in Italy in 1989 as the antithesis to fast food. Andy, who works in London as an IT consultant, is equally passionate about good food and wine.
"We did a wine tasting and auction in aid of the hospice and that is how the idea first started," said Henry. "Chestnut Tree House is the only children's hospice in Sussex and costs around £2 million per year to run. Families are not charged for their care and the hospice receives no government funding at all, so it relies completely on the generosity, help and support of the people of Sussex.
"The aim is to set off from the English Wine Centre at Alfriston with bottles of wine that win awards at the Glynde Food & Drink Festival and then catch the Newhaven ferry to Dieppe. From there we will visit Jacquesson in the Champagne region, travel up to the mountains of Alsace to see the bio-dynamic winemaker Domaine Ostertag and about turn to Burgundy to meet the Bret Brothers before working our way through Rhone and the Alps to Bra in north west Italy. Along the way we will arrange English wine tastings with groups of French people and hopefully raise awareness about English wine and money for the hospice."
While the pair source a tandem they have been taking to the roads around Brighton on separate bicycles to start getting fit for next summer's bike ride and anyone interested in supporting them can find out more by visiting their stand at the food festival taking place on Saturday and Sunday, Septemnber 22nd and 23rd.
More information on the fundraising is available on www.maddogsandenglishwine.com
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10th September
ALL SET FOR THE GLYNDE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL - THE NEW HOME OF THE ENGLISH WINE FESTIVAL
The English Wine Festival is soon upon us - as part of the Glynde Food & Drink Festival, taking place on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September.
It is the second year Glynde has staged the festival and this year's event will provide plenty of attractions for food and drink enthusiasts of all ages.
Following the success of the Kids' Kitchen at last year's festival, author and television presenter Amanda Grant will be staging even more foodie events for budding young chefs. Other festival highlights include talks by Peter Bayless, winner of BBC MasterChef 2006 and a packed programme of talks, demonstrations and tastings.
Set in the magnificent grounds of the Elizabethan manor house against the backdrop of the South Downs, foo | |
