English Wine Producers

The Marketing Association of the English Wine Industry

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Telephone: 0117 925 5577

email: events.bristol@hotleduvin.com

The Festival is open 11.00am-4.00pm on both days. Entry £5 - bookings can be made in advance via the website link below. Products can be purchased to take home on the day.

For further information, please contact:

http://www.hotelduvin.com/hotels/bristol/bristol-events.aspx

On Sunday 4th September Hotel du Vin will be organising an English Wine Lunch.

From 1pm, wines that are being showcased will be matched to a three course traditional Sunday Lunch prepared by their Head Chef Marcus Lang. Head Sommelier Mike Harrison will also be on hand to offer an insight into our national wine production and will provide tips to buying the best wines that our country has to offer. Tickets are priced at £30 per person and include the three course lunch and wine. Tickets should be purchased in advance by calling Hotel du Vin's Events Team on 0117 9255577 or events.bristol@hotelduvin.com

IN LONDON:

On Saturday 3rd September, Battersea wine merchants North & South Wines are hosting a day of English wine tastings and talks, with wines from Bolney Wine Estate, Chapel Down, Nyetimber, Giffords Hall and Ickworth. The format will allow producers to showcase their wines to our customers in a market stall concept. Dedicated sessions with the producers will take place where customers can learn more about wine and wine-growing in England.

Nathan will be showing artworks from Val Littlewood. Known as 'the bee lady' Val painstakingly captures instances in the lives of our fascinating British bees. More details at Nathan's Art Shop: http://nathansartshop.co.uk/

The event is open between 11.00am and 9.00pm and entry is free.

North & South Wines, 63 Broomwood Rd, SW11 6HU

For more information please visit their website or tel: 020 7228 2431

8th August

NEW WIGWAM STYLE CAMPING FACILITIES AT SECRET VALLEY VINEYARD

Sample Looking to stay near a vineyard? Innovative camping facilities have been introduced to Secret Valley Vineyard who this year have launched their new wigwams - the latest innovation in rustic accommodation. The wigwams are more cabins than tents - fully insulated, double glazed, securely lockable and with electricity giving both heat and light. Each wigwam has a roof light and one opening window for natural light and ventilation. Outside, there is a picnic table, barbecue and fire pit.

The wigwams are just one feature of the many other facilities for visitors that are available at Secret Valley, which remains a working farm and offers a host of activities for individuals and families alike.

The vineyard itself was planted in 2008 and the first wines were produced from the 2010 vintage: red, white and rosé. Vineyard tours are available and their wine shop is open every Sunday between 11am and 4pm. Further information is on www.secret-valley.co.uk

27th July

NEW WEBSITE FOR THAMES & CHILTERNS VINEYARDS ASSOCIATION, AND A SUCCESSFUL ENGLISH WINE FESTIVAL FOR THE REGION

The Thames & Chilterns Vineyards Association website has just been relaunched. Bearing the new T&CVA logo, the website is packed with news, listings and information from the vineyards of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Visit www.thamesandchilternsvineyards.org.uk for further information.

Around 600 wine lovers flocked to Stanlake Park Vineyard near Twyford last weekend to seize the opportunity of tasting 20 different Award-winning English wines from 8 individual wine producers in the Thames & Chilterns Region. This is the first time that an English Wine Festival has been held in the area and judging by the positive comments and enthusiasm shown by attendees, this could become an annual event.

Owner of Stanlake Park Vineyard and Vice President of the Thames & Chilterns Vineyards Association, Peter Dart, said “We are delighted with the number of people who came to taste our wonderful English wines this weekend. It was a pleasure to offer our award-winning wines to people with a genuine interest in local wines and who appreciated the different styles and tastes on offer.”

Expert wine talks, winery tours and lessons on how to professionally taste wine were provided by International Wine Competition Judge and Master of Wine, Patricia Stefanowicz. These sessions were extremely popular with the public and everyone who attended came away saying they had learned a lot about how professionals taste wine and how vineyards and wineries work. Patricia also chaired the panel, including two other experienced Competition Judges Anne Krebheil, a wine writer, and Lindsay Oram, a wine educator, both of whom are studying for the Master of Wine qualification, for the Thames & Chiltern Vineyards Association 2011 Annual Wine Challenge during the morning of 24th July. Of the 36 wines entered, 3 Gold, 12 Silver and 16 bronze medals were awarded which further confirms the quality of the wines in the Thames & Chilterns Region. The results confirm the successes which Thames and Chilterns enjoyed this year at the English and Welsh Wine of the Year National Competition and at International Competitions.

The Thames & Chilterns Vineyards Association Decanter for the best wine overall and the Sparkling Wine Trophy for the best sparkling wine were awarded to Stanlake Brut NV, a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay

The Mac Mackinnon Trophy for the best white wine was awarded to Pheasants Ridge Bacchus 2009, a dry still white.

The Emmbrook Trophy for the best red wine was won by Brightwell Vineyard Oxford Regatta 2007, made from Dornfelder grapes. Mention must go to Oaken Grove Benham Blush 2010, which earned a Silver medal and has already won an English and Welsh Wine of the Year trophy for the best unchaptalised wine.

Patricia Stefanowicz commented “ The overall quality of wines was excellent. We were particularly impressed by the quality of the sparkling wines entered into this year’s competition which shows how the terrain and climate here in the Thames & Chilterns region is ideally suited to this style of wine. The quality of English wines has improved immensely over the last 10 years and the wines from this region are certainly amongst the best I have tasted in this country”. Fellow judge Oram commented that the red wines were particularly impressive, too.

25th July

ROYAL PRESIDENT FOR UK VINEYARDS ASSOCIATION

Their Royal Highnesses Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall

Photograph courtesy of Denbies Wine Estate

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall has become the new President of The United Kingdom Vineyards Association.

Her Royal Highness takes over the position from Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, who retires from the role. Lord Montagu will become Honorary Lifetime President, in recognition of his long term dedication and commitment to the UK wine industry.

The UKVA President is the figurehead of the UK wine industry; the UKVA is the central body of growers and producers, through which the industry is kept informed of legislation and all technical matters, and advised on best practice in viticulture and winemaking.

Her Royal Highness has already visited English vineyards Camel Valley in Cornwall and Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey, where she was impressed by the quality of the wines. English and Welsh wines have been served on a number of Royal occasions.

“We are delighted and honoured that HRH The Duchess of Cornwall has agreed to be our new President,” commented Ian Edwards, Chairman of the UKVA. “Her support of this growing industry acknowledges the phenomenal growth in awareness of English and Welsh vineyards and wines. We are immensely proud of the achievements of many of our wines and are looking forward to continued success and increased volumes.

“I would like to extend, on behalf of the English and Welsh industry, our heartfelt thanks to Lord Montagu, whose unfailing support for our vineyards and wines stretches back decades.”

Former UKVA Chairman, Bob Lindo, added: “Her Royal Highness’s evident interest in our industry’s wines makes her an ideal figurehead for our industry. We are all so proud that she will be our new President.”

22nd July

NEW ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE ONLINE SALES WEBSITE LAUNCHED

Sparklingenglishwine.com logo

A new website, SparklingEnglishWine.com, has just been launched to promote and sell premium English sparkling wines from lesser known and newly-launched producers to top brands.

The range of wines available is increasing regularly and already includes, amongst others, wines from Gusbourne, Nyetimber, Ridgeview and Jenkyn Place and smaller producers Court Garden and Blackboys. Developing a wide range of wines will ensure customers of an informed choice of wines, and even if their preferred wine is out of stock, owing to limited availability from producers, there will always be replacement wines of equal quality at hand. It also allows for regular wine of the month promotions to be implemented with different producers. With a minimum spend of just £35, and currently offering free delivery, customers need not commit to purchasing a case of 12.

The site will also give customers a unique insight into their purchases, with regular updated news and producer profiles accompanied by photographs and videos.

SparklingEnglishWine.com was founded by Jeremy Cook, Tom Jones and Tim Wills, who all studied viticulture and winemaking at Plumpton College in East Sussex. “Our expertise in wine sales and production combined with internet business management has resulted in a distinctive business model that will be of enormous benefit to wine lovers,” says operations director, Tom.

“We just want to provide a medium for customers to learn about, purchase and try the best that England has to offer, whilst at the same time helping producers continue to create fantastic, accessible wines,” adds Jeremy.

The team will be taking English sparkling wine to events around the UK, with their upmarket, portable bar and offering tastings and sales by the glass or bottle. “It’s all about getting as many people tasting our wonderful English wine as possible,” says Jeremy.

18th July

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO TASTE AND BUY AWARD-WINNING ENGLISH WINES AT THE ENGLISH WINE FESTIVAL, JULY 23RD & 24TH 2011: STANLAKE PARK VINEYARD, TWYFORD, RG10 0BN

Vineyards in The Thames & Chilterns Region are toasting their success in this year’s English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition, by holding an English Wine Festival at Stanlake Park Vineyard, Twyford, RG10 0BN on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July 2011, where members of the public will be given the unique opportunity to taste and buy these award-winning wines in one beautiful location.

Award-winning vineyards from the Thames & Chilterns region will be making their wines available to the public over the two days, accompanied by expert wine talks and tasting hints from Judge and Master of Wine, Patricia Stefanowicz, winery & vineyard tours at the magnificent Stanlake Park Vineyard and the opportunity to accompany these delicious wines with local English cheeses.

Local vineyards participating in this event are:

Stanlake Park Vineyard, Twyford	Parhams Vineyard, Shaftesbury
Brightwell Vineyard, Wallingford	Pheasant's Ridge Vineyard, Hambledon
Bothy Vineyard, Frilford Heath	Chiltern Valley Vineyard, Hambledon
OakenGrove Vineyard, Marlow	Beaulieu Vineyard, Southampton
Dropmore Vineyard, Burnham	Manor Fields Vineyard, nr Aylesbury

More medals than ever before were awarded to the Thames & Chilterns Region – with many of the entries gaining a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal. The results revealed a broad mix of winners from large and small producers and include a number of first time entries from new vineyards.

“We were immensely impressed with the number of entries and the overall quality this year, which is why so many went on to win an award,” commented Judge, Susan McCraith. “I’m delighted to see so many smaller and new vineyards gaining some top awards – it just shows that quality is driven from the smallest producer to the largest. There are some real stars from all parts of the country. Congratulations to all entries and winners – they have a lot to be proud of.”

The English Wine Festival:

Venue address: Stanlake Park Vineyard, Twyford, RG10 0BN: www.stanlakepark.com

Opening Times: midday to 6pm on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July 2011

Entrance: £5 (children free)

Activities: wine sampling, winery & vineyard tours, expert wine talks, local vineyard information, cheese platters, wine to drink and buy

12th July

THE GLYNDE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND!

Come and enjoy a host of English wines along with top locally produced food and drink ... all at Glynde Place this Saturday and Sunday, 10.00am-5.00pm.

The English Wine Festival is playing host to vineyards and wines from all over the country. Local award-winning producers such as Ridgeview Wine Estate, Bolney Wine Estate and Breaky Bottom will be showing alongside other South East producers. Not only that, wine estates from further afield will also be represented, such as Three Choirs in Gloucestershire and newly-launched Coates & Seely from Hampshire.

An added treat for English wine enthusiasts, or visitors wanting to know a little more - wine experts Stephen Skelton MW and Joe Wadsack will be hosting tutored tastings throughout the day, giving plenty of useful facts and information and taking you through a tasting of five differnent wines. Cost: £7 per tasting. Further information is available here.

Foodies will have a whole range of delicious foods available to taste and buy, stock up on for a picnic or just take home. Celebrity chefs will be on hand giving cookery demonstrations that will be sure to whet the apetite, and Masterchef 2011 winner Tom Whitaker will be visiting the show too! More information here.

There's lots to see, taste and enjoy over the weekend. EWP will have a stand too - so come and say helllo!

Tickets are only £7.00 if bought on line, or £8.50 at the gate (concessions available). Ticket information and other visitor details are available on the Festival Website.

17th June

UK WINE INDUSTRY PODCAST INTERVIEWS - LISTEN TO ENGLISH WINE EXPERTS

The UK Wine Show has released three podcasts devoted to English wine. Each podcast, produced and presented by Chris Scott of ThirtyFifty, features an interview with a key personality in the world of English wine; the first one being Dermot Sugrue of Wiston Wine Estate on the subject of contract winemaking. Dermot is a former winemaker at Nyetimber but is now based at Sussex-based Wiston winery where he oversees the production of not only their wines but the production of still and sparkling wines for a number of other vineyards.

The next podcast is with Stuart Smith of Ryedale Vineyards, one of the UK’s most northerly vineyards, based to the east of York. Stuart also runs The Vine House, suppliers of vines to the public and commercial vineyards. Stuart gives an interesting insight in to importance of the choice of rootstock when selecting grape variety.

Finally, Mike Paul is a Business and Marketing Consultant to the Wine trade of long standing. He is currently a marketing and business mentor to the UK wine industry under the WineSkills programme, a Government and EU funded upskilling and training initiative. Mike has been advising many vineyards and wineries and in this interview he discusses the marketing of English wines and what the future holds for the industry.

Listen to Dermot Sugrue interview

Listen to Stuart Smith interview

Listen to Mike Paul interview

The UK Wine Show have run a number of other interviews with various producers, growers and other members of the UK wine industry. Shortly the whole series will be available to tune in to.

16th June

NEW WINES FROM LILY FARM VINEYARD

Lily Farm Vineyard in Devon have just announced that they have three new wines available. All three are from the 2010 vintage: Bacchus, which won a Silver Medal in the English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition; their Rose and Red, both of which gained a Bronze medal.

Further details and availability are on their website.

15th June

ENGLISH & WELSH WINE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2011 - RESULTS ANNOUNCED

RECORD MEDAL WINS

UKVA LOGO

Vineyards in England and Wales are toasting their success in this year’s English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition, the results of which have just been announced. More medals than ever before have been awarded – with nearly 90% of the entries gaining a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal. The results revealed a broad mix of winners from large and small producers and include a number of first time entries from new vineyards.

This year 274 wines were submitted from 78 vineyards, and is the highest number of entries this competition has ever received. The wines were tasted to international standards by a panel of 6 judges. Only Masters of Wine judge in this competition, bringing with them their wealth of experience, expertise and tasting to international standards. The judges this year were Susan McCraith MW (Chairman), Patricia Stefanowicz MW, Maggie McNie MW, Robin Crameri MW, David Bird MW and Anthony Foster MW. The competition took place over two days (13th and 14th June) in Bury St Edmunds, hosted by the East Anglian Winegrowers Association.

Bacchus remains the favourite amongst aromatic still whites, with no fewer than 4 of the main Trophies going to this single variety, and gaining just under half of all the Gold medals.

Rosé remains a popular style for both sparkling and still wines, and trophies in both these categories were awarded to newcomers to the industry. As well as the Waitrose Trophy for Best Still Rosé Wine, introduced for the first time this year is a Trophy for Best Sparkling Rosé, The Bob Lindo Trophy. Red wine as a category, although smaller in entries to the others, showed great promise this year.

The Sparkling wine category remains a strong performer, gaining just over a quarter of all the medals in the competition, and once again it is a sparkling wine that retains the Wine of the Year. The category continues to show a broad base of styles from traditional to non-traditional varietal wines, and included some first time entries from new vineyards just releasing their first wines.

The star of the show in the competition is the Gore-Browne Trophy – The Wine of the Year – which was awarded for a fourth year in a row to Ridgeview Wine Estate, this year for their Grosvenor Blanc de Blancs 2000, bottled in magnums. The wine also scooped the trophy for Best Sparkling Wine. Their 2001 vintage bottled in magnums scooped this same accolade last year.

A significant Trophy in the competition is the McAlpine Trophy for Winemaker of the Year, recognising the achievements of their wines in the competition, and this year the Trophy was awarded for the third consecutive year, and now fourth time in five years to Sam Lindo of Camel Valley Vineyard.

Packaging and presentation are a key attribute of any business, and The Montagu Trophy acknowledges this. The trophy is sponsored by Avery Dennison, Nightingale Austen Design and AJS Labels. After much deliberation the trophy was awarded to Bolney Estate Pinot Noir 2010.

A further new trophy has been introduced this year, donated by former Chairman of Judges Patricia Stefanowicz MW in recognition of the quality in sweet wines. Although generally small in number, wines entered in to this category have consistently won high marks. The first recipient of The Stefanowicz Trophy is Astley Vineyard Late Harvest 2009, produced from 100% Siegerrebe.

“We were immensely impressed with the number of entries and the overall quality this year, which is why so many went on to win an award,” commented Susan McCraith. “I’m delighted to see so many smaller and new vineyards gaining some top awards – it just shows that quality is driven from the smallest producer to the largest. Once again the aromatic still whites shone out as a truly impressive style, and coming from two excellent vintages. There are some real stars from all parts of the country. Congratulations to all entries and winners – they have a lot to be proud of.”

The results in full are available here

14th June

HUSH HEATH WINERY OFFICIALLY OPEN

Hush Heath Bottles Yesterday saw the official opening of the new Hush Heath winery in Kent. Attended by many trade customers of Hush Heath’s Balfour Brut Rosé, the day offered the opportunity to explore the established and new vineyards and orchards and visit the newly built winery, boasting state of the art stainless steel tanks, emblazoned with the Hush Heath emblem, as well as the impressive gyropalette system, disgorging, bottling and labelling lines.

Hush Heath Tasting Room

There was also the opportunity to soak in the welcoming atmosphere of the tasting room which proudly displays all the awards gained over the last few years – every vintage of Balfour Brut has won an award.

Balfour Brut 2006 was available to taste, along with the latest vintage of the still rosé, Nanette’s 2010, and a new, experimental still white from 100% Chardonnay – tasting straight from tank.

Addressing his guests, owner Richard Balfour-Lynn expressed his complete dedication to quality, from vine through to the bottle, packaging and of course the wine in the glass. “We are totally uncompromising in what we do – we want to be the leader in sparkling rosé,” adding that his winemakers – Owen Elias (Consultant Winemaker) and Victoria Ash (Assistant Winemaker) share his vision and passion to drive quality forward. Richard added: “The great opportunity for English wine is to remain at the top end of quality.”

Richard Balfour-Lynn Victoria Ash

Richard Balfour-Lynn Victoria Ash, Assistant Winemaker

Just under 30 acres has now been planted, spread over four plots on the estate, the most recent plot of just over 6.5 acres having been planted in May this year at Hush Heath. A fifth parcel has been planted in conjunction at Bourne Farm, Sandhurst by the owner, Chris Nicholas, for supply of grapes for the Balfour Brut label. When in full production Hush Heath anticipates a production of 100,000 bottles of Balfour Brut Rosé.

Balfour Brut sparkling rosé is available online from Harrods and Waitrose Wine; slurp.co.uk and the Bibendum website. It is also on a number of key restaurant and hotel lists and is now served on British Airways First Class flights.

Further information about Hush Heath, its vineyards, winery and wines are on their new website www.hushheath.com

Hush Heath emblem

12th June

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOUR FOR RIDGEVIEW’S MIKE ROBERTS

Michael Roberts, co-founder of Ridgeview Wine Estate, has received an MBE in the latest Queen’s Birthday Honours, it was announced yesterday.

The award was given for services to the drinks industry through his position as Chairman of English Wine Producers. It recognises the contribution that he has made to the growing reputation of the UK wine industry through the quality of its wines. Mike has played an active role within the industry, representing the interests of the larger producers and growing sparkling wine sector on issues affecting legislation and quality control.

English Wine Producers is a marketing co-operative of the leading commercial producers in the industry. EWP also undertakes the role of generic marketing association for the whole of the UK wine industry.

Speaking of receiving his MBE, Mike said that he is "very deeply honoured to have received this award but I do hope it will be seen not so much as an honour to me but a recognition of how magnificently English Wine has developed over the last decade or so. English Wine has truly become an international industry, producing award winning wines which are recognised throughout the world." (Ref: www.ridgeview.co.uk)

30th May

GUSBOURNE ESTATE WEBSITE GOES LIVE

Award-winning sparkling wine estate Gusbourne in Kent has just gone live with their website.

The website is packed with information, including background and the philosophy behind this sparkling wine estate and its wines, accompanied by a host of atmospheric photographs depicting all aspects of the vineyard, the team behind the wines and the wines themselves. There is also an on line sales facility to purchase their medal-winning 2006 Brut and Blanc de Blancs, and introduces their newly released 2008 sparkling Rose.

29th May

WARDEN ABBEY COMMUNITY VINEYARD CELEBRATE SUCCESS

In a triple celebration, Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) marked English Wine Week, National Volunteers’ Week and medal success by throwing a picnic lunch with wine at Warden Abbey Vineyard for the volunteers who have helped make the community vineyard’s first year a great succ

Warden Abbey Volunteers

Volunteers enjoying strawberries and a glass of Warden Abbey’s fizz at the recent picnic

The project’s debut wine “The Reformer” has just been awarded a medal of commendation in the International Wine Challenge 2011. This follows on from the wine achieving PDO status under earlier this year. The limited edition wine (only 1200 bottles have been made) will go on sale later in the year but can be pre-ordered now. Sales of the wine will contribute to the vineyard project and BRCC’s support for community initiatives.

Jane Markham is the Community Vineyard Project Manager and praised the volunteers for all they had achieved. “The vineyard’s an exciting and unusual resource for Bedfordshire, and provides a unique way to enjoy the outdoors, get fit, meet new people, and relax from the stresses of life. It’s been a fantastic first year, and the volunteers have been instrumental in this. It’s been a big learning curve and we’ve all learnt a lot. As well as individuals giving their time, groups from Autism Bedfordshire, the Ivel Valley Conservation Volunteers, Sandy Upper School and Mark Rutherford School have all helped out. The picnic is an opportunity to thank everyone who has worked so hard.”

The award-winning Warden Abbey vineyard is on a 4 acre site between Old Warden and Cardington, near Bedford, planted by the Whitbread family in 1986. The Whitbread’s final vintage was in 2008. BRCC is now running the vineyard in partnership with Shuttleworth College, and developing it as a "not for profit" educational and community resource. We want to provide opportunities for the whole community to get involved - not only by using the vineyard for horticulture therapy, helping people back into employment and skills development, but also for local volunteers and community groups to join in.

The project is still looking for volunteers and community groups who want to be part of the project. To get on their mailing list for news, or if you are interested in joining as a volunteer– please email info@wardenvineyard.org.uk or visit www.wardenvineyard.org.uk.

28th May

NEW ENGLISH WINE RETAILER OPENS UP IN BOROUGH MARKET

Wine pantry logo

With English Wine Week starting today what better day to officially open a new all English retail outlet, and in the foodie centre of London, Borough Market.

The Wine Pantry is the UK’s first tasting room showcasing uniquely English wines, cheese and cured meats has opened in London’s Borough Market.

Wine Pantry is an independent, boutique wine merchant with a rotation of 16 English still and eight sparkling wines available to buy as a taster, by the glass or as a bottle to takeaway.

English wine is fast growing in popularity and acclaim and Londoners can now discover the finest quality wines, many award-winning, that are produced in this country and which they have previously only read about. The aim of The Wine Pantry is to demystify and promote English wine sourced directly from the producers in the informal foodie environs of Borough Market.

With the use of specialised oenomatic dispensing machines to preserve the wines, customers can buy a sample or glass of wine. A 20ml sample of still wine cost from £0.50 and sparkling wine from £1.50. Wines by the glass cost from £4.50. Wines from Camel Valley, Denbies, Gusbourne, Breaky Bottom and Three Choirs are in the selection, alongside some wines rarely found in London such as Meopham Valley from Kent , Kenton from Devon and Strawberry Hill from Gloucestershire.

To complement the wines, there will be for sale in the shop a range of award-winning Cornish air-dried hams and salamis from Deli Farm Charcuterie, as well as cheeses from around the market.

The Wine Pantry is the brainchild of Julia Stafford, who worked in the City for the past ten years on the shipping side of oil and gas, and fell in love with English wine.

“ In opening the Wine Pantry I’m being utterly self-serving as I wanted to be able to buy the best of English wines as easily as possible. It seems that there are enough wine lovers out there who feel the same way. Well, now we can all drink English wine all of the time.

“In the course of my research, I have been fortunate to have met some of the most inspirational and innovative winemakers we have. As part of our mission to promote English wines, we also aim to provide private tastings, and organise visits to some of the vineyards where we source the wines we sell."

The shop is now open, based in Stoney Street just opposite Brindisa restaurant. Customers can also buy online at www.winepantry.co.uk

27th May

ENGLISH WINE WEEK STARTS TOMORROW!

Vineyards and outlets across the country are gearing up for a busy week

Vineyards from Yorkshire to South Wales to the Isle of Wight and outlets up and down the country are gearing themselves up to celebrate English Wine Week 2011, which kicks off this Saturday (28th May). The diversity of outlets taking part in this year’s campaign to highlight English wines shows that this is an ever popular subject for trade and consumers alike.

This year a number of key London restaurants are joining the campaign to raise awareness in England’s award winning and quality wines:

wine and food Bumpkin restaurants, based in Notting Hill and South Kensington, have extended their English Wine focus to English Wine Month, up until 30th June. Over the month, 10 English wines will be promoted by the glass or bottle, all of which have been specially selected to accompany their menu of seasonal British ingredients.

New British restaurant The Penny Black on Chelsea’s Fulham Road is devising a seasonal 2 or 3-course luncheon and 4-course dinner, each course matched with an English wine. The restaurant has increased its listing of English wines to reflect the seasonality of and interest in the wine and their carefully-selected British menu.

Hotels in The Mercure Hotel group are raising a glass to English wine by offering diners a complimentary glass of locally produced English wine with their evening meals throughout English Wine Week. A number of the hotels are also hosting complimentary wine tasting master classes on Thursday 2nd June – which will give a chance to come along to the hotel, meet representatives from a local vineyard and sample some delicious canapés or local cheeses. Further details are available on the English Week Website.

An exciting new retail outlet specialising in English wines is just opening up in time for English Wine Week. The Wine Pantry is the UK’s first tasting room showcasing uniquely English wines, cheese and cured meats is opening in London’s Borough Market. Wine Pantry is an independent, boutique wine merchant with a rotation of 16 English still and eight sparkling wines available to buy as a taster, by the glass or as a bottle to takeaway.

Vineyards themselves are getting in to the spirit of celebration and offering a range of attractions, from special offers and tastings, such as the launch of new 2010 vintage wines, to special events. Sharpham Vineyard in Devon (www.sharpham.com) are combining wine, art and music throughout the week, converting the winery in to a temporary art gallery displaying works of art from local artists. Sharpham will also be marking the Week with the launch of their new Sharpham sparkling rosé 2009, a blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes.

Camel Valley in Cornwall always enters in to the spirit of celebration and this year they will be hosting a ‘Fizz and The Outlaw's Fish’ evening, featuring guest Chef Double Michelin starred Nathan Outlaw. The evening will begin at 6.30pm with a tour of the vineyards and winery. There will be a comprehensive wine tasting with canapés including sparkling wines and a fabulous fish barbeque prepared by Nathan.

Recent award-winners Denbies Wine Estate are organising a cheese and winemaking day during the Week (2nd June). Guests that sign up will learn all about cheese making with local Norbury Blue cheese maker, followed by an insight into wine making with Denbies wine specialist.

Highdown Vineyard near Littlehampton in Sussex will be holding a Sussex wine and food fair on 5th June, providing a perfect opportunity to discover some more of the county’s delights.

Meanwhile, in Yorkshire, Ryedale Vineyards are hosting a tutored tasting of 8 Yorkshire wines on 4th June. In Wales, Wern-ddu Farm Vineyard will be launching their new 2010 organic vintage white wine at their vineyard open days taking place over several days during the Week.

English wines have certainly been in the spotlight recently. The Royal Wedding attracted a lot of interest and significant rise in sales as people proudly bought more and more into buying our own home products, and the headlines were made last week when a still rosé from Denbies Wine Estate beat over 300 entries from all over the world to scoop the only Gold medal in the International wine Challenge.

“There is a real buzz around English wines at the moment,” comments Julia Trustram Eve of English Wine Producers. “English Wine Week will help continue that focus and actively encourage the customer to try an English wine. As we are heading for the summer season, now is the perfect time.”

English Wine Week runs 28th May – 5th June and also includes vineyards in Wales. A full listing of what’s on, vineyard and other retailer and on trade activities can be found on www.englishweek.co.uk

EWW banner

FOLLOWERS OF TWITTER CAN FIND OUT MORE ON #englishwineweek

26th May

French wine producers fly in to taste Yorkshire's finest tipple

Looking at vines I

(L-R): George Bowden of Leventhorpe shows his vineyard to M Arnaud Isnard of Ch Masburel and Mr Ian Doubtfire, MD of Jet2.com

In the spirit of ‘entente cordiale’, a Bergerac wine producer and Yorkshire vineyard have been brought together to discover more about each others’ wines. Leading leisure airline Jet2.com flew in representatives from award winning Château Masburel to visit Leventhorpe Vineyard, Leeds’ very own wine producer.

The wine exchange celebrates the start of Jet2.com's weekly flights to Bergerac and the beginning of English Wine Week (Saturday 28th May – Sunday 5th June). Flights start from £29.99 one way including taxes and operate through the summer until 24th September. Château Masburel’s representatives, along with members of the French media, flew from Bergerac in the Dordogne Valley to Leeds Bradford International Airport, bringing with them samples of their own wine to show.

The French delegation brought with them some wine varieties of their own for a unique wine exchange, which took place at Leventhorpe Vineyard. Following a tour of Leventhorpe, hosted by owner and winemaker George Bowden, and the chance to taste the locally produced wine and Yorkshire cheese, the visitors, including Arnaud Isnard, manager of Château Masburel, journalist Christian Lacome and Bergerac Airport manager Olivier Gribelin, were treated to a civic lunch with Alan Taylor, Lord Mayor of Leeds, and a tour of the city, courtesy of Marketing Leeds. Other guests included representatives from Marketing Leeds, Leeds Bradford Airport and Jet2.com

There are 13 appellations in the Bergerac area producing a whole range of fantastic wines including Pecharmant and Montbazillac. Château Masburel produces red, white and sparkling wine including vintage lines from a range of grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. Meanwhile, Leventhorpe, which has won plaudits from Rick Stein and Oz Clarke amongst others, produces mainly white wine along with some sparkling and a small volume of red from early ripening varieties.

George Bowden from Leventhorpe Vineyard commented: “While winegrowing in Yorkshire might seem unusual to some people, wine has been produced in the region since the 16th century so we've certainly got some good heritage, with Leventhorpe producing fine wines for the last 25 years'

“It was a pleasure to welcome our guests to the vineyard – they really enjoyed all that Leventhorpe has to offer and of course it was great to taste some of the Dordogne’s finest wine.”

Leventhorpe 26.5.11

Managing Director of Jet2.com, Ian Doubtfire, said: “This is an excellent initiative which highlights the strengths of both regions. It has helped us to foster strong and mutually fruitful relationships with businesses and individuals associated with our Bergerac route.

“The Dordogne is a magical area for holidays, boasting some of the most beautiful countryside in France, picturesque villages and historical chateaus and ancient caves - and that’s before we even mention the wine!"

25th May

Ridgeview served at Buckingham Palace State Banquet for President Obama

Ridgeview Fitzrovia Merret Rosé 2004 was served at the state dinner to honour the visit of President Barack Obama. The state dinner was held at Buckingham Palace last night and the wines served were as follows :

Ridgeview Cuvee Merret Fitzrovia Rose 2004
Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2004 (Domaine William Fevre)
Echezeaux Grand Cru 1990 (Domaine de la Romanee-Conti)
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Vintage Rich 2002
Royal Vintage Port 1963

Guests of Her Majesty included Primie Minister David Cameron, Sir Richard Branson, Lord Coe, Tom Hanks, Kevin, Spacey, and Helena Bonham Carter. Lord Mayor Boris Johnson and former Prime Ministers Sir John Major, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

The 2004 vintage boasts an impressive pedigree; the wine scooped the Best International Wine Trophy in French based competition Rosé du Mondial, as well a Gold Medal in the English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition and Silver in the International Wine & Spirit Competition. Ridgeview wines have been served on a number of notable royal and state occasions, including The Queen's 80th birthday celebrations.

22nd May

English Wine Launch at Calfs Head, Nr Clitheroe

CalfsHeadB

April 9th 2010 may or may not be a memorable date, but In the small Lancashire village of Worston and in the world of English wine it is significant. This was the date that the Calf’s Head launched what is believed to have been the country’s first all English wine list.

The proprietor Chris Medley and manager Patrick O’Reilly took time out to travel the country to visit vineyards that they had selected as potential suppliers. 1000 miles and many tastings later, they headed back north confident that the people of Lancashire would be more than pleasantly surprised with the wines.

On Friday 13th May 2011 the Calf’s Head launched this year’s edition of their all English Wine list. Patrick O’Reilly who produced the list says:

“Looking back over our success with English wines, it has been phenomenal despite having a more conventional list of wines from Spain, France and New World running alongside.

In the first twelve months we sold almost three thousand bottles of English wine. That is over fifty bottles a week.

"Always having a selection of English wines available by the glass and being able to offer the opportunity to “try before you buy” has enabled us to enlighten not only Lancashire and even Yorkshire customers but many from farther afield. In fact many thousands have had the opportunity in the first year.

"Despite knowing the quality and potential of the English wines even we have been surprised at the immense demand in our restaurant. With six times our original forecast, more than one in every four wines we sell is English.”

This year more suppliers re listed such as Strawberry Hill Vineyard, Gloucestershire, Brightwell Vineyard, Oxfordshire, Wickham Vineyard, Hampshire and perhaps a little surprisingly a Yorkshire wine from the Summerhouse vineyard. "With long standing traditional ‘rivalry’ between Lancashire and Yorkshire, our opening gambit in the description reads “Yorkshire wine sold in Lancashire!”," adds Patrick. Favourites from last year, Biddenden, The Furleigh Estate, Carr Taylor, Denbies, and Stanlake Park remain firmly established in what the Lancashire Life magazine called “the premier destination for English wine”. Sixteen listed wines and the promise of several more as “guests” re-enforce that statement and certainly give enthusiasts something to embrace.

With such range of styles and flavours it is of little surprise to find that a significant number of bottles were seen on the dining tables on the first evening alone. Particular favourites over the first weekend have been the roses, Sea Pink from the Furleigh Estate and Biddenden Rose – last years biggest seller – being given the thumbs up all around. Patrick also stated that “the current vintage of red wines has been very favourably received” adding in almost a whisper “even the Yorkshire one!”

Answering the question as to how the idea for an English wine list came about, proprietor Chris Medley said: “My wife Pamela thought that with the trend to local and buying British, why not English wine if the quality and quantity is available.

"With such a success story unfolding there seems little else to do except raise a glass of English wine and as it says in the Calf’s Head wine list “Cheers to England”

Calf’s Head

Worston

Near Clitheroe

Lancashire

BB7 1QA

www.calfshead.co.uk

info@calfshead.co.uk

Telephone 01200 441218

18th May

Impressive results for English and Welsh wines - International wine competition results announced

Yesterday saw the announcement of results from three of the most prestigious international wine competitions, and English and Welsh wines once again made the headlines.

The International Wine Challenge saw an impressive win for Denbies Chalk Ridge Rosé 2010, the only still rosé to be awarded a Gold medal in the category which attracted over 300 entries. In addition to the 2 Gold medals for Enland, 14 Silver and 20 Bronze medals were also awarded.

The largest competition of the three, the Decanter World Wine Awards (over 12,000 entries from 44 countries) revealed an award-winnnig line up of winners, headed by Ridgeview Grosvenor 2007 which took the Regional Trophy (for the UK). This is the second year in a row that Ridgeview have taken this award - last year won by Grosvenor 2006 - which went on to scoop the International Sparkling Wine Trophy. 14 Silver and 42 Bronze medals were awarded.

The International WIne & Spirit Competition saw more medal winning wines this year over last, with 29 awards, including medals to a Jersey and Welsh vineyard as well as England. The only Gold medal also went to Ridgeview's Grosvenor 2007, cementing this wine as England's international winner this year. A further 6 Silver and 21 Bronze medals were also awarded in this competition.

A full set of the results will be available on the competition pages shortly..

17th May

English Rosé is Number One in the World

International Wine Challenge results announced reveal some outstanding successes for English and Welsh wines

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) has unveiled its greatly anticipated 2011 results which reveal two outstanding wins on the world stage for English rosés.

Denbies Wine Estate Chalk Ridge Rosé was the only rosé in the world to win a Gold medal. England was one of 21 countries to submit a wine in the still rosé category for which there were 367 entries. This marks an unprecedented achievement for an English wine.

The Chalk Ridge Rosé is 100% Rondo, a red skinned grape, early ripening with a depth of colour, suited to the English climate and grown on the estate since 2005.

Also flying the flag for England is Chapel Down, which gained a Gold for its sparkling Rosé Vintage Reserve Brut – produced from 100% Pinot Noir. Wales celebrated its first Silver medal for its Parva Farm Vineyard, Tintern Parva Bacchus 2009.

Now in its 28th year, the IWC awarded a record 406 Gold medals, a 13% increase year on year. A record number of 48 countries entered this year, with 5,117 medals awarded. A large part of the IWC's reputation is down to the quality and experience of its judges. This year, more than 370 winemakers, merchants and writers from around the world took part.

Tim Atkin MW and Co-Chairman of the IWC, says: “The IWC’s reputation means that for a wine to be awarded a medal is a tremendous achievement, and this year’s competition sees an even wider variety of superb wines from across the globe. The increase in the number of medal winners is testament to the quality of the entries and it’s great to see such a major success for English wines among such stiff competition.”

‘This is a huge success for Denbies,’ commented Christopher White, General Manager, ‘we have noticed a growth in demand and interest for premium still wines and this award reinforces the fact that English wine producers can and will continue to produce Internationally recognised wine.’

Denbies Wine Estate

12th May 2011

Rhone producer looking to plant in England

As reported in Decanter.com, Rhone producers Michel Chapoutier is looking for land to make wine in England.

Contrary to the general trend for planting in Sussex and Kent, M Chapoutier is looking elsewhere with a different soil structure, although the area remains undisclosed.

He told Decanter.com that he is 'sure there is potential’ in English wine but it must find its ‘grape of reference’. As to what he'll be planting and proposing to produce, he's considering various options, but 'investigating the potential of the Swiss aromatic variety Chasselas, which he believes is very well-suited to the English climate and terroir.'

Read the full story here

4th May

UK vineyards celebrate record production figures

Vineyard

The production figures for the 2010 harvest have just been announced, which reveals the highest production on record.

30,346 hectolitres was produced, equating to just over 4 million bottles. This is the highest volume ever, breaking a previous record of 3.5m bottles.

This substantial increase reflects the rise in planting that the industry has experienced in the last 5 years. Since 2004, vineyard hectarage has increased by nearly 75% to 1323.5ha.

Indications are that sparkling wine has now become the most widely produced wine style. In 2009 approximately 50% of total production was intended for sparkling wine, and based on the level of growth of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier plantings over the last 5 years, it is evident that this style is now increasing year on year in volume. Data collected in 2010 of grape varieties planted show that plantings of these three varieties account for almost 50% of the total area. Calculations based on the current acreage indicate that, when in full production, volumes of UK wines are set to reach over 5m bottles.

27th April

Royal Wedding fever brings in plenty of recommendations for celebrating with English wine

Prince William & Kate Middleton Champagne may be the choice of wine for the happy couple themselves to sup on their wedding day but the papers have been making plenty of English wine recommendations for the rest of us to celebrate with on Friday.

Wine expert Olly Smith recommends an impressive line up of English fizz in last Sunday's Mail on Sunday Live Magazine

In Saturday's Daily Mail (23rd April), Matthew Jukes included 2 English sparklers in his line up of festive fizz, including Chapel Down's Royal wedding special release The Union (Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend) and Marks & Spencer's English fizz, Marksman Brut, produced by Ridgeview.

Marskman is seen being tasted on Mr Drink n Eat's recent blog - recmomended wines to celebrate the Royal Wedding. For another online video presentation, check out Birds with Bottle's line up of English wines, complete with the presenters dressed up ready for a wedding celebration!

Saturday's Times (23rd April) saw Jane Macquitty recommending her top 30 sparkling wines, including Camel Valley's Cornwall Brut in the line up - " Loyalists and royalists will want a crisp, English hedgerow-scented champagne-method sparkler in their glasses for all those April celebrations," Jane notes.

Cornwall Brut, along with Nyetimber's Rose and Ridgeview's Grosvenor Blanc de Blancs was also recommended by Victoria Moore in Saturday's Telegraph for a wedding tipple

25th April

Celebrate the Royal Wedding with a Right Royal Knees-Up at Bumpkin Restaurant

Bumpkin

Firm supporters of English wines and seasonal British produce on their menus, Bumpkin Restaurants are organising a patriotic and fun knees-up to celebrate the Royal Wedding. Kicking off with an English Royal Cocktail, the evening will provide cabaret entertainment as you choose your menu and enjoy the best of British. More information here

The entertainment will take place at Bumpkin’s Notting Hill restaurant. For more information or to book a table contact the restaurant on 020 7243 9818 or email reservations@bumpkinuk.com

4th April

English sparkling wine trade delegation going to Italy

A group of top English sparkling wine producers will be heading out to Verona this weekend to present a range of wines to an assembled audience of trade visitors and journalists as part of the tasting events taking place at the international wine trade fair, Vinitaly.

The trade visit was encouraged and implemented by Italian wine magazine Euposia, who are organisers of an international sparkling wine competition, Bollicine del Mondo, an Italy-based competition only to traditional method, traditional varietal sparkling wines. For the last three years, English sparkling wines have gained some of the highest marks of all the wines tasted, putting England firmly on the international map for sparkling wines. Prompted by such successes, Euposia wanted to showcase some of England’s leading sparkling wineries to an international audience at Vinitaly, taking place in Verona 7th-10th April.

The delegation from England will comprise:

Bob Lindo of Camel Valley Vineyard, whose wines have won a trophy each year for the last three years in Bollicine del Mondo, including the International Sparking Rosé in the 2010 competition, as well as a host of other national and international awards;

Samantha Linter of Bolney Wine Estate, showing two sparkling wines that boast an impressive pedigree;

Andrew Weeber, owner of Gusbourne Estate, whose first two wines, a traditional blend and blanc de blanc, were released last year and already earned an impressive number of awards and accolades;

Vicky Ash, winemaker at Hush Heath Estate, whose sparkling Balfour Brut Rosé has been winning top awards at national and international level every year since their first release.

Also represented will be Ridgeview Wine Estate, who are, amongst the many awards they’ve won, the current holders of the Decanter International Sparkling Wine trophy – the first time a non-Champagne has won this award; and Denbies Wine Estate, whose sparkling wines have earned them top medals and awards nationally and internationally.

Julia Trustram Eve from English Wine Producers, who will be accompanying the wineries to Vinitaly and representing Ridgeview and Denbies, commented: “this is a first for English sparkling wine - to have an opportunity to showcase some of our top wines to a truly international audience. This is a start to seeking a higher profile abroad for our wines.”

2nd April

Camel Valley sparkling wine and wedding cake on Royal Wedding day

Visitors to Camel Valley Vineyard in Cornwall on Friday 29th of April will be able to enjoy a slice of wedding cake with a special glass of Camel Valley wine.

Winemaker Sam Lindo has made a slightly sweeter version of his famous Pinot Noir sparkling rosé specially for the occasion, which will be served by the glass or bottle. All proceeds from cake sales will go to Action Aid Haiti, where the Lindo family sponsor a child.

Founder, Bob Lindo, said ‘The vineyard will be open as usual on the big day, and we wanted to join in the celebrations. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall visited Camel Valley in 2008 and we’ve been proud to supply wine for functions at Clarence House. We hit on the idea of serving wedding cake to accompany a special wine and make some money for charity at the same time.’

The vineyard has raised £3,500 for the Cornwall Air Ambulance by offering tour up-grades.

31st March

Chapel Down launch limited edition fizz to celebrate the Royal Wedding

The union bottle shot

Chapel Down Wines has just released a sparkling wine to mark the next month’s Royal Wedding on. The 2006 vintage wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and named The Union.

“This is a new release that we are incredibly proud of,” commented Frazer Thomson, Chief Executive of Chapel Down Wines. “It has great finesse, life affirming sparkle and impeccably understated good taste.”

Only 2011 bottles have been produced and are available from the winery at Tenterden. The new addition to the portfolio of award-winning sparkling white and rosé wines and range of still white, rosé and red wines adds to the extensive choice available to celebrate the Royal Wedding in style.

25th March

A first for English Wine at Tesco

Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard located in Dorking in the heart of the Surrey Hills, is delighted to announce the release of English White 2011, which has been produced exclusively for the Tesco Finest* range.

This is the first time that Tesco have selected an English wine to be included in their Finest* wine range, which comprises over 100 products to choose from.

Denbies was invited to produce this wine for the 2011 range and worked alongside Tesco to create an exclusive still white wine. The wine was produced from grapes grown on the estate, a blend of Ortega, Reichensteiner and the more familiar Chardonnay. The result is a dry, punchy, refreshing white which goes well with dressed crab, lobster, light chicken dishes or simply cooked fish, such as sea bass or sole.

“Being selected by one of the world’s largest retailers to join their Finest* range represents a significant milestone for Denbies and English wines in general”, commented Christopher White, General Manager of Denbies Wine Estate.

15th March

English Sparkling Wine v Champagne - who wins?

A revealing tasting took place recently, organised by leading English wine expert Stephen Skelton MW (and author of www.englishsparklingwine.co.uk and englishwine.com as well as the definitive guide to the vineyards of the UK - The UK Vineyards Guide

A stellar line up of tasters (in alphabetical order) took part: Suzie Barrie MW (Winchester Wine School proprietor who wrote her MW dissertation on Champagne), Dee Blackstock MW (Champagne and sparkling wine buyer for Waitrose), Sue Daniels (MW student and wine technologist for Marks and Spencer) Michael Edwards (journalist and author of several books on Champagne), Victoria Moore (journalist, wine columnist for the Daily Telegraph), Jancis Robinson MW, OBE (journalist and wine-polymath), Julia Trustram Eve (English Wine Producers), plus Stephen himself.

52 English Sparkling Wines – all from award winning producers – against six non-UK sparkling wines (four Champagnes and two others) were set out and tasted blind. The wines were arranged in three flights: 11 Blanc de Blancs, which included Sainsbury’s Blanc de Blancs Champagne, produced by Duval Leroy, (£18.49), 15 Rosés including Sainsbury’s Etienne Dumont NV £18.99) and 32 blends which included 2 Champagnes – Moët & Chandon NV (£30.99) and Sainsbury’s Defontaine Premier Cru Champagne (£19.99) – and 2 other sparklers: Cloudy Bay’s New Zealand fizz Pelorus 2006 (£17.99) and Codorniu’s top Cava (£12.99).

The Champagnes were carefully chosen; the Moët because it is the world’s largest Champagne brand, the UK’s favourite and considered by most to be the benchmark for NV Champagnes, and the Sainsbury’s Champagnesbecause they are recognised as offering excellent quality and value for money. The Pelorus vintage is one of New Zealand’s best and the Cava – Codorniu –Spain’s top producer with over 150 years of experience in sparkling wine. The wines were also chosen because they were in the same price range as UK-sparklers are selling - £12.90 to £36.99.

It is interesting to note that of the first four top wines, three of them (apart from being English!) were Chardonnay dominant, with the top two, both from Ridgeview being 2 different vintages of their 100% Chardonnay, Grosvenor. The third wine in the line up was the rosé Champagne from Sainsbury’s, a worthy contender. Running in a close fourth was new sparkling wine estate, Gusbourne, showing its quality colours with its first release of its blend.

Commented Stephen: “One thing is certain: the best UK sparkling wines can more than hold their own with Champagne. Although Champagne occupied four of the top ten places, that still meant that six were English and with only one point separating the top twelve wines, it was all very close. RidgeView undoubtedly were the stars of the tasting and with their wines (I include wines they made for both themselves and their clients) occupying ten out of the top thirty wines, there is no doubt that the team is on a roll. Their win at the Decanter World Wine Awards last year (Best World Wide Sparkling Wine over £10) with the Grosvenor 2006 was no fluke.”

A happy surprise in the top 20 were two sparklers made from non-traditional grapes: Breaky Bottom with their 1005 Seyval Blanc, John Inglis Hall 2006 (20) and Davenport’s 100% Reichenstenier, Limney Estate Blanc de Blancs 2005 (17).

As Stephen concludes: “The best producers, those using the right varieties and clones, making their wine with care, ageing them for an appropriate length of time, and putting them on the market with a dosage that both respects the wine and the sector of the market they are aiming at, can produce wines that are truly world-class and at prices that are in no way out of line with the competition”.

You can read a write up by Susie Barrie MW from the tasting as well as report from Jancis Robinson (full report in her purple pages).

Thanks to Stephen Skelton MW for his report on the tasting.

1st March

Farm Business Award for Camel Valley

The best examples of Cornish farming were celebrated at the Western Morning News Cornwall Farm Business Awards dinner last night. Amongst the winners was Camel Valley Vineyard, who collected the prize for Best Farm Processor. There were a host of worthy winners, who had all been recognised for their contribution to farming and the food industry within the county.

The awards dinner had become "a highly valued night in the Cornish calendar," said Western Morning News Editor Alan Qualtrough, sponsors of the awards.

"These awards are splendidly uplifting when you consider the events of the last decade and the unwarranted and unnecessary obstacles put in your way," said Mr Qualtrough. "All of the entries exemplify what in an earlier age would be described as the Blitz Spirit. They are about resilience, co-operation, innovation and real hard work, precisely the qualities you all bring to your industry every day."

Said Bob Lindo, of Camel Valley: “It’s a great honour to be recognised by our county’s farming community. We are immensely proud of this award.”

18th February

Sam Lindo of Camel Valley collects Trophy for 'World's Best Sparkling Rosé' in Italy

International Award Winners Camel Valley Vineyard have confirmed their position as World Rosé Sparkling Wine Champions by winning the Trophy for the Best Sparkling Rosé Trophy at Bollicini del Mondo held in Verona, Italy and organised by Italian wine magazine, Euposia. The winning wine beat stiff competition from around the world to scoop the award.

Sam Lindo and award

The trophies were awarded at a gala dinner in the prestigious Café Dante in Verona on the 15 February 2011 in front of some of the world’s top wine producers and journalists.

The winning wines were each served with a specially designed food match and the 2008 Camel Valley Pinot Noir Brut was hailed a sensation when served with a parmesan cheese soufflé on a bed of mushrooms. UK Winemaker of the Year, Sam Lindo, collected the Trophy and Bob Lindo was given the honour of presenting trophies to other winners.

Said Bob: ‘An absolutely amazing evening was surpassed only by an even more amazing trophy – it is a work of art. It will be under lock and key for safe keeping for generations to come, and is now proudly on display at Camel Valley’.

Added Sam: ‘I was completely overwhelmed and I’ll remember this evening for the rest of my life’.

Camel Valley also currently holds the Waitrose Trophy for the best rosé in the UK’s own national competition, the English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition.

17th February

Plumpton college open morning - find out more about their wine courses

Plumpton College Logo

Plumpton College, currently the only college in the UK with a dedicated Wine Studies Centre, is holding an Open Morning on Saturday 5th March.

The open morning provides an opportunity for all prospective students to meet with staff across all the departments to discuss career choices as well as course options. Tours of the facilities and an opportunity to meet students to find out about student and residential life at Plumpton College will also be available..

Plumpton wines In the Wine Studies Centret a wide range of courses are offered up to Degree level in both viticulture and winemaking. Most of the UK’s winemakers have trained at Plumpton, and many former students also go on to winemaking careers overseas.

The main College is situated in the centre of the College's 900 hectare estate, close to Brighton and London, Further information on the college itself, and the open day are available on their website.

12th February

WSET English Wine Prizewinner Announced

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust awards ceremony recently took place. The different levels of courses are taken by wine trade candidates and the top winners receive an award. Each year the UK wine industry offers a prize which this year was awarded to outstanding marks in the WSET's Advanced Certificate level. This year it was awarded to Alex de Cata, who was one fo the top 30 candidates in the UK. Alex is an assitant manager at Majestic and his prize includes a case of award-winning wine along with the opporutnity to gain experience and participate in key activities in a vineyard and winery over the year (from pruning to harvest), and attend the UKVA's own competition awards ceremony at the House of Lords in July.

WSET winner

Alex de Cata (centre) receiving his award from Roger Marchbank, Deputy Chair of United Kingdom Vineyards Association (left), watched by Hugh Johnson (right)

10th February

OPEN DAYS FOR WARDEN ABBEY ANNOUNCED

Warden Abbey wines will be available for tasting and sales, with dates published for their open days this year.

Thursday 16th June - Midsummer Wine Sale, taking place at Southill Park, 6-8pm

Sunday 4th December - Christmas sale, taking place in the stable yard, Southill Park, 10.30am-3.30pm

Saturday & Sunday 6th & 7th August, the vineyard will be open,11.00am-4.00pm, offering tours and tastings and other local producers showing their produce.

For further information please contact Sue Park on sueP@southillestate.co.uk. Further information is also available on the website

9th February

KENT VINEYARD FOR SALE

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The Mount Vineyard, based near Sevenoaks in Kent, is up for sale.

The vineyard was established in 2004 with a first planting of 8,500 vines. This was increased to a total area of 10 acres, surrounding the house and gardens. White varieties comprise Phoenix, Seyval Blanc, Bacchus and Siegerrebe, with red varieties Rondo, Regent and Pinot Noir.

There are currently 4 wines produced and available for sale - all of which have won at least one award:

2008 Recession Red – a Rondo and Regent blend

2008 Shoreham Seyval

2009 Pinot

2009 Bacchus

By the end of Spring their new New Rondo & Regent 2009 wine will be released, to replace the Recession Red, and they are also producing a Rose Sparkling from the 2009 harvest (a blend of Seyval, Phoenix and Pinot Noir). which is due for release next year.

The property boasts a country house set in landscaped gardens and grounds with views over the surrounding countryside with the Darenth River to the westerly boundary. The house, believed to date from 1869, sits on the edge of the popular village of Shoreham which is located in the Greenbelt and Conservation Area. The property has been sympathetically restored and refurbished to a very high standard providing excellent family accommodation with an indoor swimming pool complex and a separate two bedroom apartment. As well as the vineyard there are two further fields, one of which has been planted with walnut trees, the other could be used as a paddock.

The property is being marketed by Savills, Sevenoaks for a guide price of £3.5 million . Contact Savills on 01732 789 700

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19th January

CAMEL VALLEY TOURS RAISE FUNDS FOR AIR AMBULANCE

The Lindo family of Camel Valley Vineyard yesterday handed over a cheque for £550 to Dania Shaw of the Cornwall Air Ambulance, having raised money through a siple initiative introduced to their vineyard and winery tours.

Visitors to the vineyard near Bodmin pay for a personally guided tour of the vineyard and winery which includes a glass of still wine, but for an extra pound they can 'upgrade' to a glass of bubbly to enjoy on the terrace. Those extra pounds go straight to the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, whose Patron is HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, and over the past few years this has amounted to £3500.

Bob Lindo said: 'We had wanted to do something for the Cornwall Air Ambulance ever since it airlifted our daughter, Esther, to Treliske when she had a riding accident in 1996 at the age of 15. I think it probably saved her life, and the speed with which she was taken to hospital certainly prevented her being paralysed. My wife, Annie, and I are very grateful to the fund raising which kept the air ambulance flying then, and our son, Sam, who is the winemaker here, came up with the idea of the upgrade. Everyone wants to try our famous Cornish fizz, people like to be generous and often give more than the pound.'

Air Ambulance Presentation

Camel Valley Vineyard Hospitality Manager Sophie Hicks, with Dania Shaw of Cornwall Air Ambulance, and Founder of Camel Valley Vineyard Bob Lindo looks on

14th January

BEST OF ENGLISH WINEMAKER TASTING DINNERS COME TO TOWN

Award-winning Battersea wine bar Artisan & Vine is joining with new drinks tourism website DrinkBritain.com to launch a Best of English Meet the Winemaker series of tasting dinners in February 2011. From Cornwall to Kent, Wiltshire to Oxfordshire, each month, one of England’s finest winemakers will take diners through five of his or her wines alongside a three course meal specially created by resident chef James Robson.

Forming part of Artisan & Vine's popular schedule of Wednesday activities, the series kicks off in February with Artisan & Vine favourite, Brightwell Vineyard. Co-owner and winemaker Carol Nielsen makes a return visit to share her white and red bestsellers along with a first taste of her new release rosé and sparkling wines.

In March, hear winemaker Sam Linter on how she produces Burgundy-beating reds at Bolney Estate in Sussex. Discover what's next for industry leader Chapel Down when CEO Frazer Thompson takes to his feet in April. Taste why Kent’s oldest winery Biddenden leads the way with Ortega with son of the founders, Julian Barnes, in May, and find out from former Winemaker of the Year Sam Lindo why Camel Valley in Cornwall provides such a good spot for vines in June. Join the smallest, newest of the vineyards to take to the podium in this series when Paul Langham of a’Becketts Vineyard opens the bottles in July and, finally, let winemaker Charlie Holland explain in August what it is that keeps trophy-collecting RidgeView ahead of the pack.

“For anyone wanting to find out for themselves why English wine is turning heads, this is the best way,” says DrinkBritain.com publisher, Susanna Forbes. “And call me greedy if you like, but I’m particularly looking forward to seeing how Robson’s seasonal style of cooking match the wines on offer.” Dishes in the frame include Welsh Queen scallops with black cabbage and blood orange; golden beetroot, goat’s curd and pomegranate mollasses; and Tamworth pork loin with pink fir apple potatoes and Puglian olive tapenade.

Tickets are limited to 35 per evening and cost £29.95 each, to include three courses and five wines - available online: http://www.artisanandvine.com/events/best-of-english

Artisan & Vine, 126 St John's Hill, Battersea, London SW11 1SL

Tel: 020 7228 4997

Artisan & Vine Set up in mid-2008 by Kathryn O’Mara, Artisan & Vine has an unparalleled English wine collection and was London’s first “natural” wine bar. It believes in showcasing wines that have a strong sense of place.

020 7228 4997; welcome@artisanandvine.com; @ArtisanAndVine on Twitter

Chef James Robson Joining Artisan & Vine in Autumn 2010, Robson worked most recently at Restaurant L’Office, one of Paris’ leading natural wine bars. Previously, he has championed seasonal British menus at Tabernacle Restaurant, Shoreditch and Wapping Food.

www.DrinkBritain.com As well as carrying news and drinks reviews, DrinkBritain.com

features the best wineries, breweries, distilleries and cider producers in the UK to visit.

Going live to the trade in November 2010, it will launch to consumers in Spring 2011.

@DrinkBritain on Twitter, DrinkBritain.com on Facebook

The full schedule of tasting dinners is below:

23 February: Carol Nielsen, winemaker, Brightwell Vineyards, Oxfordshire

23 March: Sam Linter, winemaker, Bolneywine Estate, Sussex

20 April: Frazer Thompson, CEO, Chapel Down Wines, Kent

25 May: Julian Barnes, winemaker, Biddenden Vineyards, Kent

22 June: Sam Lindo, winemaker, Camel Valley Vineyards, Cornwall

20 July: Paul Langham, winemaker, a’Becketts Vineyard, Wiltshire

24 August: Charlie Holland, assistant winemaker, RidgeView Estate, Sussex

11th January

HAMPSHIRE VINEYARD LAUNCHES INVESTMENT SCHEME

Hambledon Vineyard in Hampshire is looking to raise £3m to develop its vineyard and winery operation, now specialising in the production of premium sparkling wine. The aim is to secure private funding through a tax efficient Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS); minimum investment is £10,000. The amount raised will fund the ongoing expansion of the vineyard including the planting of vines on an additional 39 acres (33 acres of which are leased to vineyard) as well as developing the winery, cellar and its sales. Hambledon will be looking to produce 250,000 bottles of sparkling wines annually.

Hambledon vineyard boasts a long viticultural history – it is England’s oldest commercial vineyard, first planted in 1952 by Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones. The vineyard site boasts chalk soil similar to the Champagne region. Ian Kellett, now the Managing Director and founder of the Company, acquired the vineyard in 1999 and since 2005 has replanted 10 of the vineyards’ existing 23 acres with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The first wine will be produced from this year’s harvest, which will be due for release in 2012. Champagne maker and consultant, Hervé Jestin, has been brought in to oversee the winemaking.

The subscription is backed by fund management group Braemar and the Offer for Subscription closes on 28th January 2011.

If you are interested to know more about the funding initiative, please visit www.hambledonvineyard.co.uk where you can also register for the Company’s UKLA approved prospectus.

6th January

THE UK'S WINE MARATHON DATES ANNOUNCED:

BACCHUS MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON TAKING PLACE AT DENBIES WNE ESTATE

Bacchus Marathon

Denbies Wine Estate near Dorking, Surrey have joined together with Events to Live Ltd, Ashread, and are pleased to announce the 2011 Bacchus Marathon and Half-Marathon date on Sunday 11th September 2011.

Combining running, wine and a lot of fun, if you are passionate about any of these, then this is the race for you! The only race of its kind to be held in the UK, just prior to the grape harvest, entrants will be able to sample Denbies award winning wine as they traverse the route running through the spectacular scenery of the Surrey Hills and North Downs.

The event is being held to raise money for CHASE children’s charity. CHASE supports children and teenagers with life-limiting or significant life-threatening conditions.

Nicky Donbavand, Managing Director of Events to Live said ‘Last year’s inaugural race was a huge success. As well as raising money for CHASE the event generated a lot of interest and raised awareness for visitors to the area’.

Jeannette Simpson, Denbies Marketing manager commented, ‘Denbies is England’s largest vineyard and produces a range of 12 award winning wines, all of which can be sampled en-route. This is designed to be a real fun event – fancy dress is encouraged and there will be a post race BBQ to add to the party atmosphere!’

Established in 1986, Denbies Wine Estate is England’s largest single estate vineyard with 265 acres of vines.

Events to Live(sister company to award winning local running shop Run to Live in Ashtead) was set up in 2010 to raise money for various charities, provide well organised events and great experiences for all abilities of runners.

3rd January

NEW UK WINE TOURISM GUIDE PUBLISHED

Wine Tourism UK logo

A new tourism guide for English and Welsh vineyards has just been published and now availalbe for sale. Launched at last year's Wine Show London, this first edition of what will be an annual guide promises to put the English and Welsh wine estates/vineyards firmly on the tourist trail.

Wine Tourism UK is A5 in size, is broken down into 8 wine regions, providing full details of all 427 wine estates/vineyards, including custom drawn maps showing their locations. In addition to the wine estate/vineyard information, each region has a 2 page overview featuring major towns and places of interest plus details of the top 15-20 tourist attractions and a good selection of food and wine festivals in each area.

The book was compiled by Daniel and Nick Satchell and Steve Moss, inspired by a similar and very popular guide to the South African wine estates. "This book is a must for both tourists and wine lovers, wine produced from our fantastic vineyards is coming of age, it’s time to embrace it whilst taking in some of the outstanding countryside and attractions the UK has to offer," comments Daniel Satchell.

"It’s time to put the English and Welsh wine industry firmly on the tourist map"

The guide costs £15.00 + £2.75 Postage (1-2 days)and is available from on line retailers such as Amazon and www.winetourismuk.co.uk

wine tourism guide pages

10th December

ARTISAN & VINE HOST MEET THE WINEMAKER EVENTS IN 2011

Award-winning wine wine bar and wine mercants Artisan & Vine have teamed up with British drinks website drinkbritain.com to host a series of monthly 'The Best of England Meet the Winemaker' events, featuring some of England's top wine producers. Every month for 8 months, a different winemaker from England's best-known vineyards will host an insightful wine tasting. The evening includes a line up of wines paired with a specially devised three course English meal

Winemakers will include:

Andrew Parley from Chapel Down Wines

Julian Barnes from Biddenden Vineyard

Sam Lindo, Camel Valley Vineyard

Paul Langham, a'Beckett's Vineyard

The first event, taking place on 23rd February 2011, will feature Carol Nielsen of Brightwell Vineyard in Oxfordshire.

Tickets are £29.95 per person to include a tasting of 5 wines, three course meal and of course the opportunity to meet the winemaker on the night. Tickets can be purchased through Artisan & Vine

9th December

GUARDIAN MASTERCLASS TO FEATURE ENGLISH SPARKLING WINES TASTING

A series of masterclasses organised by guardian.co.uk will next year include one focussing on English wines. The tasting itself is taking place on 20th April 2011 – in time for St George’s Day on 23rd April (Easter Saturday).

In a special, two-hour Masterclass, hosted by the Observer wine correspondent, David Williams, you will get the chance to see why English wines have been grabbing the headlines. Using a tasting of some of the leading examples of English sparkling wine as a backdrop, David will look at why England is so well suited to sparkling wine, explain where and how it is produced, and also ask what other wines work well in the UK.

The tasting will take place in central London, 7-9pm, and tickets cost £75 per person. Places are limited so book ahead!

For further information please contact Patrick Keogh on masterclasses@guardian.co.uk or telephone 020 3353 2612

7th December

BIODYNAMIC FIRST FOR ENGLISH VINEYARD

Brand New Dec 2010: First Release (Biodynamic) This week sees the release of the first biodynamic wine to be produced in the UK. Sedlescombe Vineyard in East Sussex is the oldest organic vineyard in the UK and earlier this year adopted biodynamic principles, following 30 years as an organic wine producer.

The first wine to be released is 2010 vintage dry white, a blend of Bacchus, Rivaner and Solaris grape varieties and is available from this Friday, 10th of December. A specially designed label featuring the moon to signify the incorporation of lunar rhythms in biodynamic farming methods has been designed for the wine aptly named ‘First Release’. More biodynamic whites and rosé are planned for the spring, as are a red in early summer, followed by sparkling wines in 2012. All the wine labels will display the ‘Demeter’ symbol to signify certification to the international standard set by the Biodynamic Agricultural Association (BDAA).

Roy Cook, owner and winemaker at Sedlescombe admitted that “some people dismiss biodynamic practices, with their use of lunar cycles to determine harvesting and planting periods and microbial soil improving preparations made from cow manure buried in cow horns, as being slightly loony. We however see the emphasis on soil health and fertility through the use of natural organic composts as well as tuning in to lunar rhythms is what makes these surprisingly successful methods so mysterious, exciting and 21st Century friendly.”

In adopting a biodynamic approach, Sedlescombe have joined a growing world movement at the head of which are well known prestigious producers such as Romanée-Conti and Nicolas Joli in France and Seresin in New Zealand.

Roy Cook advises “To taste a wine at its best, drink it on a ‘fruit day’ according to the biodynamic calendar; even some of the larger supermarkets have discovered that wines taste better on these days. For December the best days are 8th, 9th, 17th, 18th, 25th, 26th, and 27th - just right for Christmas”.

2nd December

AWARD WINNING SURREY WINERY AND BREWERY JOIN FORCES

Denbies logo Surrey Hills Brewerey logo

Following months of planning, Surrey Hills Brewery have have this week officially confirmed the relocation of their brewery to Denbies Wine Estate.

The move to Denbies will encompass the installation of a new efficient brew-plant that can produce 75% more beer per brew than the existing brew-plant. The Denbies Estate has the additional opportunity to grow hops as an agricultural crop thus further enhancing the agricultural viability of both the Estate and the future of the Brewery.

An area of the winery building has been converted into the brewery which will remain totally independent. There will, however, undoubtedly be a synergy between the two businesses - for example from next year joint brewery and winery tours are planned, allowing visitors to learn about both wine and beer making.

A brewery on site is reinstating a tradition once practiced on the estate. An excerpt from ‘The House on the Hill’ c1900 records: "Denbies had a good reputation for its beer – 30 barrels were always kept in the basement. It was the duty of the underbutler to fill Toby jugs at 11am and again at 7pm for staff still on duty"

Denbies' General Manager Christopher White commented: ‘It is very exciting to reinstate one of the original products made here on the estate and Denbies is very pleased to support the growth of award winning products in the local area.’

The move will start this month, with a view to the first brew commencing early in the New Year.

1st December

NYETIMBER AT TASTE OF CHRISTMAS

Just about to take place is Taste of Christmas, and with it comes an opportunity to taste Nyetimber's current wines. As part of the wine tasting area, Nyetimber will be presenting a tasting table session taking place every hour on the hour from 11am - 5pm, with each session lasting 30 minutes. Representatives from Nyetimber will be on hand to talk through the wines and enlighten visitors on the story of Nyetimber.

The tutored tastings will show Nyetimber's award-winning 2001 Blanc de Blancs and introduce their newly released 2006 Classic Cuvée.

Taste Christmas takes place at Excel from 3rd-5th December, open from 10.00am-6.00pm each day.

30th November

ENGLISH WINE TASTING DAY AT THE HOTEL DU VIN TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Thursday 9th December

Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells is celebrating all that is brilliant about English Wines on Thursday 9th December from 11am to 5pm.

Locals and visitors alike are all invited to come and taste the countries finest wines. Working with the English Wine suppliers such as Hush Heath, Chapel Down, Gusbourne and Plumpton College to mention just a few, the complimentary event is an opportunity to sample the vineyards fimest wines, from award-winning sparkling to delicous still wines - all of which are bound to whet the festive palate.

Set in one of the town’s architectural landmarks a Grade 11 listed sandstone mansion, the hotel's philosophy of saluting the region’s local food and wine heroes reigns supreme.

For more information please press here

29th November

CHATEAU DE SOURS SUPPORTS RESEARCH AT PLUMPTON COLLEGE

One of Bordeaux’s wine producers is helping finance research into wine production at a British college. Plumpton College, the only college in the UK with a dedicated wine studies department, has received a donation from Martin Krajewski, owner and chief executive officer of Chateau de Sours in Bordeaux. Chateau de Sours is best known for its award-winning rose wines.

Plumpton is a partner college of the University of Brighton, through which the value of the donation has been doubled through the current government matched funding scheme. This has enabled the appointment of Dr Belinda Kemp as a full-time lecturer and research coordinator in wine.

Chris Foss, head of the Wine Department at Plumpton College, said: “This is a great boost for our research programme and will make a tremendous difference to the UK Wine Industry, which is growing in leaps and bounds.”

Belinda Kemp graduated from Plumpton College with a First Class BSc (Hons) in Viticulture and Oenology. After working the 2006 vintage at Nyetimber, she completed her PhD on the effects of vine leaf removal on fruit ripening at Lincoln University, New Zealand. Belinda’s appointment will also involve the management of current research collaborations with Jon Danielewicz, an expert on oxidation in wine, and Professor Richard Marchal, of the University of Reims. She will also establish new research links with colleagues from the University of Brighton’s Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Other industry collaborations are planned for the future with both UK and international companies, while further private funding will enable the sponsorship of MSc and PhD students completing front-line research projects at Plumpton College.

Martin Krajewski said: “Plumpton College is just starting out but it is already doing excellent research work and we are very proud to support them”

18th November

RIDGEVIEW CROWNED UK WINE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR AT IWSC AWARDS BANQUET

Ridgeview Wine Estate successfully added to its list of achievements last night by being crowned UK WINE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR at the International Wine & Spirit Competition Awards Banquet in London.

Ridgeview's impressive performance in the IWSC 2010 competition ensured its overall win - gaining 5 of the 18 medals awarded to English wines, including two Silver Best in Class for their Bloomsbury 2007 and Knightsbridge 2006 - the latter also gained a Gold medal in this year's Decanter World Wine Awards and was the Wine of the Year in last yea'rs English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition.

Mike Roberts of Ridgeview

The Trophy is based on the overall performance in the competition category. Those shortlisted are also asked to provide additional information on their winery which was taken into account when selecting the overall winner.

17th November

NEW WEBSITE PUTS BRITISH DRINKS ON THE MAP

English & Welsh Wines featured extensively

drinkbritain.com home page

DrinkBritain.com is a brand new website dedicated to showcasing British drinks and promoting the best places to visit. The website is being introduced initially to the trade, but will follow with a consumer launch next spring.

DrinkBritain.com will help visitors discover and explore beer, cider, wine and spirits producers, region by region, letting them delve deeper into the history and production methods of some of Britain's finest drinks.

The website also features 85 of the best UK producers to visit, many of them vineyards,

It will also provide regular news about Britain's drinks makers and quirky facts about the best of British produce.

Founder and editor Susanna Forbes explains: “We are delighted to introduce DrinkBritain.com to the UK trade and hope to rally support for our site ahead of our consumer launch in spring 2011. Our aim is to identify and showcase home-grown talent and to encourage the public to visit, understand and enjoy their locally produced wines, beers, ciders and spirits.”

“We know that the best way to appreciate the value of a drink is to see how it is made: the ingredients, the traditional methods, the modern innovations and the people behind the labels. Places of interest are often small or relatively new and therefore can be hard to uncover. We want to stamp British drinks on the map and encourage consumers to go and find them for themselves, giving them practical tips and all the information they need in the process.” Susanna adds.

The website has received encouraging comments from English wine producers. Bob Lindo of Camel Valley commented: “Are visitors aware of wine related tourism possibilities in the UK? Probably not, and so it’s a perfect opportunity for DrinkBritain.com to let everybody know (...) Unlike many other portals, Susanna has visited and stayed in many English Vineyards and she writes with hands-on, up to theminute knowledge and experience”.

Geoff Bowen, owner of Pebblebed Vineyards added: “The English wine industry is gaining momentum with considerable investment going into both vineyards and wineries (…) it is necessary for the industry to work harder than ever in developing awareness. Drinkbritain.com is helping by not only raising the profile of English wines but also pulling together the British drink industry, providing a stronger voice and a coordinated marketing approach”.

Susanna adds: “Britain is now a world-class producer in all drinks categories and there is a need to provide information to the general public in a format which is both user-friendly and relevant.”

There is another drinks culture in this country other than the one so often reported on in the media. This is something we can be proud of and we look forward to working with the trade to champion some of Britain’s finest tipples.”

16th November

ANOTHER TRIUMPH FOR ENGLISH WINES IN ITALY

The success rate of English wines in international competitions was further bolstered by a trophy awarded to Camel Valley in Bollicine del Mondo, a competition dedicated to traditional method sparkling wines.

Camel Valley Rose Sparkling

Camel Valley's sparkling Pinot Noir 2008 scooped the trophy for Best International Sparkling Rose, compounding its success as top international rose sparkling wine in the International Wine Challenge earlier in the year.

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee 2003 was runner up in the non-Champagne category and in the top ten highest marks awarded.

This is the third year of the competition, which takes place in Verona and organised by leading Italian wine magazine, Euposia. Judges included wine merchants, writers and sommeliers.

Further news on this story can be found on drinkbritain.com

15th November

DUNLEAVY VINEYARDS WEBSITE NOW LIVE

Dunleavy Vineyards in Somerset have just launched their website. The vineyard was planted in 2008 and is owned and managed by Ingrid Bates, one of the youngest vineyard operators in the country, who was just 29 when she planted.

Ingrid Bates, owner of Dunleavy Vineyard

The vineyard website links through to the background of the vineyard and up to the minute tweets are displayed on the home page.

Dunleavy Vineyard

There is also a chance to sign up to their newsletter so that you can take advantage of up the latest news on the vineyard and in time looking forward to the first wines to be produced.

www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk

14th November

NEW OWN LABEL SPARKLING CUVEE FOR MARKS & SPENCER

An exclusive Blanc de Blancs Ridgeview Marksman 2008 has been created for Marks & Spencer, and is now available in 100 stores, price £22.00 per bottle. The wine was fermented with Champagne yeasts and a proportion of it was matured in French oak.

The name comes from a Spitfire bought by M&S staff to help the win the Battle of Britain in the Second World War.

The wine gang recently published tasting notes on the wine: “Masses of fruit here, with lots of herby punch, nettles, and very bold and attractive stuff. The palate has lovely verve too, with bright lemon fruit, a crisp, racy mousse and real style. Another winning English fizz. Score: 90/100"

13th November

BUSINESS AWARD FOR FORTY HALL COMMUNITY VINEYARD

Forty Hall Community Vineyard has recently won a prestigious regional business award THE RSA TRUST START UP BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD presented by Enterprise Enfield and the RSA Trust. The vineyard was formed last year by Sarah Vaughan-Roberts, who was inspired by her own experience of the therapeutic benefits of horticulture, her passion for wine and her dream of developing a vineyard to provide a range of sparkling and still wines to the London market. Two acres of vineyards have already been planted on land owned by Capel Manor College, and earlier this year, the vineyard secured a £132,000 lottery grant from the Local Food Programme to establish 6-7 more acres.

The vineyard was selected from a shortlist of 27 new businesses and the judges commented:

“Sarah has been able to develop a business based on her own experience, commitment, focus and devotion with a strong vision of what she wants to achieve. It has value on different levels including benefiting the local community, supporting areas of mental health and the environment. She has gained the support from various groups and financial help to make her vision a reality”.

Forty Hall Community Vineyard is a self-sustaining social enterprise that aims to provide educational, social and mental health benefits to local people, as well as a range of horticultural volunteering opportunities. It is the only community run commercial vineyard in the UK and the only commercial vineyard within the M25 - which means it has the lowest food miles to central London.

For more information visit: www.fortyhallvineyard.org.uk

RSA Trust Winners

Back row centre: Sarah Vaughan-Roberts with

The Chair for Forty Hall Community Vineyard, Judith Lear, 3rd from right.

12th November

'PROUD TO BE ENGLISH' - WEST LONDON WINE SCHOOL TO HOST TUTORED ENGLISH WINE TASTING

The West London Wine School will be hosting an English wine tasting on 8th December. The tasting will comprise 8 wines of different styles from across the country to give a broad overview of the English wine industry. Wines from Denbies Wine Estate, Chapel Down, Bolney Wine Estate and Ridgeview will be in the line up.

"We are running another English wine tasting as the last was so well received," commented Jimmy Smith of the West London Wine School. "We promise a great line up of wines in the tasting."

Tickets cost £27.50 per person. To book tickets and for further information, please visit the West London Wine School website.

West London Wine School Tasting room

25th October

GOOD HARVEST FOR ENGLISH WINES REPORTED IN THE PRESS

Today's FT online has a report on the sparkling wine industry in the UK and looks to its future as volume grows year on year. The article "English Bubbly Has Cause For Celebration" is accompanied by a video featuring the harvest at Nyetimber and an interview with winemaker Cherie Spriggs.

Also in today's press, the Daily Mail reports a "Raise a glass to the best English wines in a decade ", outlining the good harvest enjoyed in England.

EWP will be publishing a harvest report shortly. Watch this space!

15th October

DENBIES ANNOUNCE LINE UP OF CHRISTMAS EVENTS

eventsxmas

It's a circus spectacular at Denbies Wine Estate this Christmas. The vineyard is hosting a line up of themed Christmas party nights to get anyone in the festive mood. From 'Fire & Ice', A diso inferno with firework finale on Friday 3rd December to 'All the Fun of the Fair' on 10th and 11th December, culminating in a Big Top Ball on Saturday 18th December. These and the other specactular events are all listed on the Denbies Wine Estate Website.

All the events include a glass of Denbies wine on arrival and a three course festive meal. Prices start from £34.50.

5th October

ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE WEBSITE NOW ONLINE

All you wanted to know about English sparkling wine - the ultimate website - www.englishsparklingwine.co.uk - has been designed and written by leading English wine expert, Stephen Skelton MW. Stephen is a consultant to a number of leading English vineyards and is also the author of The UK Vineyards Guide 2010 - a detailed guide to the UK wine industry.

The website contains news and detailed articles on English sparkling wine; and more information on this, the fastest growing sector of the UK wine industry, will be added along the way.

29th September

DECANTER FINE WINE ENCOUNTER - RIDGEVIEW IN THE LINE UP

Ridgeview fans are in for a treat, with the opportunity to taste their current range of sparkling wines at the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter - a major event for wine enthusiasts - taking place Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th November. This is the first time that an English wine producer has exhibited at this event. As winners of the International Sparkling Wine Trophy in this year's Decanter World Wine Awards, Ridgeview's presence is bound to attract attention.

The Fine Wine Encounter, organised by Decanter Magazine, brings together 100 top producers from around the world and offers an opportunity to taste a wide range of fine wines and styles. The event takes place at the Landmark Hotel, London NW1. Tutored tastings and masterclasses led by leading names in the world of fine wine are also taking place.

Tickets cost £50 per person per day (or £90 if booking to attend on both days). Further booking details are available on the Decanter website.

28th September

HARVEST AT THEALE VINEYARD

On Thursday 30th September, Laithwaites Wine Theale Vineyard in Berkshire, will go to harvest. Laithwaites report that the grapes are looking the best they ever have and predict their largest harvest to date.

At only 200m², Theale is one of the UK’s smallest commercial vineyards and was planted with 704 Chardonnay vines imported from Champagne in 1998. The vineyard lies directly in front of Laithwaites Wine Head Office in Berkshire. The vineyard only produces Quality Sparkling Wine - Theale Vineyard Founder’s Reserve Chardonnay.

Around 40 people will be taking part in this year’s harvest – including staff from Laithwaites Wines, a small army of wine makers and harvesters headed up by Mike and Simon Roberts of Ridgeview Wine Estate, and this year, a group of special needs students from Brookfields School. The children from this school have been making items out of donated corks and wooden boxes from Laithwaites, as part of Laithwaites’ continued project in association with the Prince’s Trust and their Million Makers Team. The items that the children produce will go on sale to raise funds at Laithwaites’ Vinopolis flagship store, The Arch, in November.

Since the first 2002 vintage, Theale Vineyard Chardonnay has received a growing list of top awards from the best wine judges. The 2003 vintage won a Gold medal at the Effervescents du Monde held in Dijon, France - one of only ten wines to win such an accolade. It also received a Silver Medal at The International Wine Challenge in 2007. More recently, Michael Broadbent MW said the 2003 vintage “…looked lively for a six-year old sparkling, with remarkably good nose and flavour." (Decanter Magazine, December 2009)

The 2004 vintage was served as an aperitif at the Laithwaites Wine 40th Anniversary Show banquet last year to over 50 wine producers. Many commented that they couldn’t believe it wasn’t Champagne.

The 2005 Vintage – the latest release - will be available to taste at the harvest day. Owner and co-founder, Tony Laithwaite will be involved in a phone link from France during the morning, where he too is out harvesting. This will be Theale Vineyard’s 8th Official Harvest.

23rd September

2010 VINE VARIETY DATA PUBLISHED

The vine variety plantings recorded in 2010 have been published. The Wine Standards Branch (Food Standards Agency) conduct an annual survey in August of grape varieties and hectarage planted and have recently released the data.

Total hectarage now recorded amounts to 1323.51ha (3,269 acres), up on the 2009 total of 1215ha (3001 acres).

Chardonnay is now the most widely planted grape variety in the UK, with 249.3 ha planted (amounting to just under 19% of total hectarage), taking over from Pinot Noir, which comes in second (247.77ha). The % of hectarage planted with the three traditional varieties (including Pinot Meunier) now totals 41.5%, an increase on 2009, indicative of the year on year growth of the sparkling wine sector.

The top 20 planted varieties between them account for nearly 80% of total area planted, and most show an increase on 2009 figures due to the higher hectarage recorded.

The line up of the top 20 varieties stay relatively unchanged, with Fruhburgunder (Pinot Noir Precoce) just overtaking Huxelrebe in the line up from last year.

Further information is available here.

22nd September

CHRISTMAS AT DENBIES - FESTIVE EVENTS ANNOUNCED

Snow from Box Hill Denbies Wine Estate have announced a host of festive events in the run up to Christmas, including a number of party nights, from disco and fireworks, to a cellar murder mystery - plenty to enjoy and get you in the Christmas mood. The series of evenings all involve a three course festive meal, a range of Denbies wines, including a glass on arrival and accompanied by lively music to get you in the party mood. Further details are on their website.

Denbies is also available for bespoke office parties and have a range of packages on offer - contact their Banqueting and Events office for further details: Tel: 01306 742002 Email: events@denbiesvineyard.co.uk

20th September

ENGLISH WINE LIST AT PORTOBELLO RESTAURANT, OXFORD

It's British Food Fortnight (18th September - 3rd October) and outlets across the country are celebrating the best of British food and Drink.

Portobello Restaurant in Summertown, Oxford, have compiled an English wine list as part of their support for this fortnigh's campaign. The wines encompass all styles, from sparkling (Chapel Down Brut Vintage Reserve and Ridgeview's rose sparkler Fitzrovia); still white from more locally based vineyards Stanlake Park (their oaked King's Fume) and Bothy, a red from Wickham Vineyard and dessert wine from Battle Wine Estate.

Specialising in modern British dishes, these wines will provide an excellent accompaniment to their seasonal menu.

For further information please contact 01865 559653 or visit their website.

14th September

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT ... DRAGON INVESTOR VISITS PEBBLEBED

Following Pebblebed's successful pitch recently on Dragon's Den (see news 15th July below), a 'follow up' programme will shortly be aired on BBC2, showing investor Duncan Bannatyne visiting Geoff Bowen, owner of Pebblebed, in Devon, and learing more about the vineyard project.

The programme will be aired on Friday 24th September on BBC2 at 9pm. Tune in to find out more !

13th September

SWVA Logo

SOUTH WEST VINEYARDS ASSOCIATION COMPETITION 2010: WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Sharpham Red Voted Overall Winner

The results of this year's South West Vineyards Association Annual Competition have just been announced. The tasting itself was held on Friday 10 September at Three Choirs Vineyard, with the Results Day on Saturday 11 September at Ancre Hill Estates in Monmouth.

The judging panel comprised:

Margaret Harvey MW (Chair)

Bill Gunn MW

Anthony Manifold

Bryony Wright, of Proven communication

Patrick Shave, of Hop Pocket wines

Matthew Bernstein, of Kenton Vineyard and SW Competition Secretary reported: "there were 108 entries, and 98 of these received an award – I think this is a record! The Judges were very impressed with the overall standard."

The Competition winner - South West Wine of the Year - iss Sharpham Red 2009, which scooped the only Gold in the competition. Trophies are awarded to wines in both commercial and non-commercial categories, highlighting the quality of the wines in each sector.

The full results are published here.

10th September

FIRST ROSE FOR NYETIMBER

Nyetimber rose bottle & glass Sparkling wine producer Nyetimber is soon to release its first Rosé wine.

The new Nyetimber Rosé 2007 is being pre-released this month as a limited edition of 1,500 bottles, each one being individually numbered by hand on a one-off label.

The wine is a blend of 25% Pinot Noir and 75% Chardonnay, with a portion of the Pinot Noir fermented on the skins for colour. The Rosé joins the existing portfolio of Classic Cuvée and Blanc de Blancs vintage wines.

Nyetimber Rosé will be initially available exclusively in Harvey Nichols department stores and in their on-line shop (RRP £45) as well as in selected restaurants and bars including Hakkasan, Launceston Place and the re-opened Savoy Hotel. However it will be more widely available next year.

Next spring the wine will be fully released, featuring a new permanent label which will form part of a new identity currently being developed for the brand and all its wines.

This is the first wine that has been made and released by Cherie Spriggs, Nyetimber’s winemaker. Cherie, a dual Canadian/British national, qualified as an oenologist at the University of Adelaide and worked in wineries in Australia, the United States, New Zealand and Canada before joining Nyetimber in early 2007, shortly after Eric Heerema, owner and CEO, bought the estate and embarked on the journey to realise the full potential of Nyetimber.

Eric Heerema commented; “Nyetimber’s first Rosé and Cherie’s first wine marks an important and exciting moment in our evolution”, adding, “Change takes time, especially when striving for outstanding quality but we hope everyone will enjoy it as much as we do”.

7th September

NEW ADDITION TO CAMEL VALLEY TEAM

Sam and Katryn Lindo Congratulations to the Lindo family of Camel Valley Vineyards who are celebrating a new arrival. Winemaker of the Year Sam Lindo and his wife Kathryn are now the proud parents of a baby girl. Delighted first time grandfather Bob Lindo, proprietor of Camel Valley, announced the birth yesterday: “Sam and Kathryn produced a new wine maker today and her name is Harriett. Weighs about ½ a picking box apparently and all doing well."

Could this be a third generation of winemaker in the family? “We’ll start her off with picking and see how it goes!” added Bob.

Little Harriett’s arrival is timed just before what looks to be a busy harvest for the Lindos this year, and a hectic year of successes for the vineyard, which scooped a host of top medals and trophies in the annual wine competitions, including a Gold medal and Trophy for Best International Sparkling Rosé in the International Wine Challenge and Trophy for best Rosé in the English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition.

2nd September

RIDGEVIEW TRIUMPHS AT DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS

Ridgeview Wine Estate put English sparkling wines on the map by taking the Top Sparkling Wine Trophy at last night's Decanter World Wine Awards Dinner. The International Sparkling Wine Trophy was awarded to Ridgeview Grosvenor 2006, beating stiff competition including five Champagnes which included Taittinger Prélude NV, Charles Heidsieck Millésime 2000 and Thienot's Brut Rosé NV.

Mardi Roberts, Sales & Marketing Manager reported that they had all gone as a team to the dinner more as a night out - little realising what was in store. "It took us completely by surprise to firstly hear our names on the shortlist for the trophy, then to actually have our wine announced as the winner," she commented. Proprietor Michael Roberts and his son, winemaker Simon went up to accept the trophy to rapturous applause.

"The whole family is just so pleased at this great accolade," added Mardi. "It's great for Mike Roberts Ridgeview and fantastic for English sparkling wines."

Decanter's Tastings Director, Christelle Guibert, said this was an incredible home-grown success. 'What a result,' she said. 'As if further proof was ever needed, this unequivocally rubberstamps England's membership to that exclusive club of truly world class, sparkling wine producers. Up against a clutch of Champagne's finest, Ridgeview has produced a stupendous wine that defeated them all. It's a truly remarkable win.' (Decanter.com).

Mike Roberts

Whilst dodging film crews and interviews from around the world as a result of the success, it's back to business for the Roberts team. Their wine will soon be availble through the Wall Street Journal Wine Club. The wine club will be launched in November, and is a venture with Laithwaites.

And of course the 2010 harvest is looming. The quality and quantity of the grapes so far is very positive, helped along the way with the recent warner drier weather.

9th August

AWARD-WINNING PUTNEY PUB TO LAUNCH ENGLISH WINE LIST

Award-winning Putney pub, The Bricklayer’s Arms, is to launch an exclusive English wine list in September.

The Bricklayer's Arms is Putney’s oldest pub and currently CAMRA’s (Campaign For Real Ale) Greater London Pub of the Year. The family-owned, independent pub stages regional beer festivals, each featuring up to 50 ales from around the UK – some of which have never been served in London before.

Becky 1.JPG Landlady Becky Newman, who took over the pub is 2005, says: “I am delighted with the success of our Real Ale festivals and am thrilled with the on-going support of both customers and breweries. It was because of their support that I decided to research the possibility of selling English wine exclusively.”

Following a year’s worth of research, Becky was amazed by the quality of English wines available.

Becky Newman

“I grew up in the generation that avoided English wine because of the poor quality and price. How times have changed!” says Becky. “The range and quality available is astounding.”

Becky’s aim is to create one of the most comprehensive lists of domestically produced wine in the UK and to become a centre of excellence for English wines. Wines on the list include sparkling from Ridgeview Wine Estate, Chapel Down's still white Pinot Blanc, Denbies Wine Estate's best selling Surrey Gold, two reds from Bolney Wine Estate, a further red - a 100% Gamay - Biddenden and A'Beckett's still Rose.

“I am very excited about launching an exclusively English wine list and I would urge anyone who still thinks that English wine is of poor quality or anyone who has never tried English wine to do so, because I am certain they will be as amazed and as impressed as I am.”

The list will be launched officially on 9th September. Full details about The Bricklayers Arms is on their website.

brick inside 2.jpg

26th July

CHILFORD HALL CROWNED EAST ANGLIAN WINE OF THE YEAR

Chilford Hall Bottle Chilford Hall Vineyard in Linton, Cambridgeshire is celebrating after its Chilford Hundred Sparkling Rosé 2004 was awarded the top accolade of Wine of the Year 2010, as well as the Spear Trophy for best sparkling wine and a Gold Medal at the East Anglian Wine Growers Association 2010 awards.

The vineyard was awarded eight prizes in total in the prestigious regional competition, held on 21st July 2010 in Wissett in Suffolk, including: a commended certificate for the Müller-Thurgau Siegerrebe 2009, and four Bronze medals for the Schönburger Müller-Thurgau 2009, Ortega Reichensteiner 2009, Blush 2009 and the Schönburger single variety 2009.

The judging panel included: Anthony Foster MW, Robin Crameri MW, wine producers Roy Williams and Mary Mudd, and James Long, managing director of Corney and Barrow (East Anglia) Ltd, all of whom blind tasted 65 wines submitted by vineyards across the East Anglian region before coming to a decision.

Chilford Hall’s 20-acre vineyard has been in operation in Linton since 1972, with the first vintage produced in 1974. The estate is famous for sparkling and still rosé and white wines, and produced its first Granta Valley red wine in 2008 that sold out within six weeks.

Anthony Foster, Master of Wine and Chairman of the EAWGA judging panel, says, “Chilford’s Sparkling Rosé 2004 is a spectacular example of méthode traditionelle (bottle-fermented) wine, and as a pink wine, has all the elements required to stand up on a world stage. It is as good a wine as I’ve ever tasted; it has fruit, autolysis, structure, elegance and style.”

Mark Barnes, Chilford’s Wine Maker, says, “We are absolutely thrilled to have won Wine of the Year along with a Commended and four Bronze medals. We had great compliments from the judges, who made it clear that our Sparkling Rosé could stand up in an international competition and, as winners, we look forward to hosting the competition at Chilford Hall Vineyard in 2011.”

Glen Mejias, General Manager and Director of Chilford Hall, says, “Interest in English wine and winemaking is growing and Chilford has recently introduced weekday and evening winery tours and tastings to cope with larger group enquiries.”

“Wine sales are increasing year on year; we are bringing out newer vintages into our onsite shop and online store much faster than before as popularity increases, people look to buy local and recognise the excellent quality of English wine.”

25th July

CELEBRATIONS AT THE HOUSE OF LORDS

It was a day of celebration and the meeting of many of the figureheads and personalities in the UK wine industry both past and present, alongside new faces to the UK wine scene. The Annual Awards ceremony for the English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition took place last week at the House of Lords, where Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, President of the UKVA and a vineyard owner himself, handed out certificates for medals awarded along with the prestigious trophies.

Speaking to the assembled audience of producers and growers, Susan McCraith MW, Chairman of Judges in this year’s competition, commended the overall high quality of entries: “It was a great competition with a record number of gold medals reflecting the quality of the 2009 vintage and also the ever-increasing expertise in vineyards and wineries.”

Susan concluded: “When we sit here in two years’ time the London 2012 Olympics will be about to start. Everyone will be rooting for Team GB and hoping for UK medals. Let’s make sure that English and Welsh wine medal winners are the wines of choice for our nation and for our visitors. There shouldn’t be a single restaurant in London (or elsewhere for that matter!) without an English wine.”

Susan McCraith MW

Each of the trophies is awarded to a particular category and their origin was introduced before presentation. Many of these date back to the early years of the industry and commemorate and acknowledge the leading figures and innovators of their time.

The crown of the trophies is the Gore-Browne Trophy – The Wine of the Year – which was received by Mike Roberts of sparkling wine producers RidgeView Wine Estate for their 2001 Grosvenor Blanc de Blanc bottled in magnums. The same wine also won the Sparkling Wine Trophy and Trophy for Best Presented bottle.

Another notable trophy is the McAlpine Trophy for Winemaker of the Year which this year was awarded to Sam Lindo of Camel Valley Vineyard. Sam won this trophy two years ago so was delighted to receive it a second time.

Lord Montagu and Mike Roberts

Sam Lindo Winemaker of the Year

Lord Montagu, Mike Roberts (Ridgeview) Lord Montagu, Sam Lindo (Camel Valley)

A full set of the competition results is available here.

16th July

WINE AND CHEESEMAKING EXPERIENCE DAY ANNOUNCED WITH DENBIES WINE ESTATE AND NORBURY BLUE DAIRY

Wine and cheese - a natural partnership that goes back to ancient times. This will be highlighted by Denbies Wine Estate who are teaming up with local cheese Norbury Blue Dairy which is located just 10 minutes away from the vineyard situated just outside Dorking.

Norbury Blue is Surrey’s only handmade cheese, the milk comes from a farm-assured, closed herd of Friesian cows from Norbury Park farm. The dairy cows are fed on fodder that is grown locally and entirely GM free. The unpasteurised, vegetarian blue cheese produced has a soft and creamy texture with a blue-marbled effect.

Denbies wine is single estate grown, all the wine is made from grapes grown on the estate with the entire wine making process carefully crafted from vine to bottle.

On Thursday 25th November, Denbies and Norbury are teaming up to offer a day of discovery. The morning session will be at Norbury where visitors will be offered an hands on experience in cheese production. After lunch, visitors will spend time with the Denbies winemaker/expert, who will explain the finer techniques of wine making and blending. Visitors will also be invited to blend wine, this is followed by a wine tasting in the Denbies Cellar.

The day places the emphasis on local quality produce and is the only one of its kind in the UK. Further details and booking are available on the Denbies website - www.denbies.co.uk

15th July

A DEVON VINEYARD'S ENCOUTER IN DRAGON'S DEN

- AND SECURED SUCCESSFUL INVESTMENT

Pebblebed Vineyards have gone where few have trodden .... into the Dragon's Den.

Geoff Bowen, owner of Pebblebed, appeared in the first episode of this the 8th series of Dragon's Den seeking investment in his new vineyard business in Devon.

Happily for Geoff his pitch was successful and he secured the full investment he was seeking from Duncan Bannatyne in return for a 40% stake in the business. Mr Bannatyne acknowledged the direction in which English wines were going and the quality they represent.

Read the full story here

You can see watch the Dragon's Den episode this week on BBC iPlayer

12th July

THREE CHOIRS OPENS A ROOM WITH A VIEW

Three Choirs

Three Choirs Vineyards in Gloucestershire will be celebratig the launch of their new Vine Room on July 27th.

Complementing the Three Choirs’ restaurant, The Vine Room provides a more informal dining experience.Tthe room will boast panoramic views over the vineyard complete with terrace for dining.

The Vine Room will open on the launch day at 10.00am. Visitors will also be able to taste Gloucestershire’s finest produce at the mini farmers market (between 10.00am and 2.00pm). Stallholders will include Three Choirs own suppliers, exhibiting the highest quality local offerings. At 11.00am there will be a cookery demonstration by Three Choirs' chef Darren Leonard and tours of Three Choirs will also be on offer. Children are welcome to participate in a range of fun family activities and learn about the local wildlife on a guided nature walk.

The Vine Room is also available for private parties, a selection of menus are available, ranging from English cheese plates to finger buffets and barbeques all expertly prepared using locally source seasonal produce wherever possible.

8th July

BANK HOLIDAY ENGLISH WINE WEEKEND IN NORTHUMBERLAND

The Feathers Inn at Hedley on the Hill near Stocksfield in Northumberland will be celebrating English wines and ciders over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

As part of the weekend events, the Feathers will be holding an English wine and food night on the Sunday night (29th). Chef and co-proprietor Rhian Cradock will be hosting the event, producing and pairing dishes using local produce to complement the range of wines produced from around the country. Bank Holiday Monday will see an English cider and wine festival and farmers market with outside BBQ, games and competitions. The festival is free to attend and proceeds are going to the NSPCC.

The Feathers has an active wine club and recently took part in the North East Wine Fair. The pub has received many accolades, and are Winners of the Good Pub Guide Northumbria dining pub of the year 2008, 2009, 2010.

5th July

LOTTERY SUCCESS FOR LONDON VINEYARD

An exciting Enfield based project is celebrating its entrepreneurial success, following the creation of London’s first ever commercial scale community vineyard; thanks to a £132,000 grant from Local Food.

Forty Hall Community Vineyard were amongst the successful applicants to receive funding from the Local Food Programme, a £50 million funding programme supported by the Big Lottery Fund which will be supporting food related community projects right across the country.

Volunteers at Forty Hall Vineyard Two acres of land have been planted to date, with 15 acres planned in total. The aim of the project is to establish the vineyard as a self-sustaining social enterprise that will provide educational, social and mental health benefits to local people, as well as a range of horticultural volunteering opportunities.

Forty Hall's Vineyard Manager, Sarah Vaughan-Roberts, commented: “The Local Food funding marks a key turning point for Forty Hall Community Vineyard, enabling us to employ a project manager, extend our services to the local community and, critically, to plant enough vines next year for the project to become financially self-sustaining in the future. It is a hugely exciting milestone in our development.”

The project is being supported by Capel Manor College who have provided the land for the vines to be grown on. The College supported the project closely during the development stages, and will also maintain an active role long term. The community vineyard project forms part of a wider initiative for Capel Manor College to develop a hub of community organic food production, distribution and educational skills.

Local Food has been developed by a consortium of 15 national environmental organisations, and is managed on their behalf by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT). Supported by the Big Lottery Fund's Changing Spaces programme, Local Food will distribute grants to a variety of food related projects to make locally grown food more accessible.

1st July

DENBIES APPOINTS VINTAGE WINEMAKER AND VITICULTURIST

Denbies Wine Estate is very pleased to announce the appointment of Brendan Seal as Vintage Wine maker and Viticulturist. Brendan is currently winemaker at Mount Edward Winery, New Zealand which is acknowledged as one of the emerging stars of the wine growing world, situated in the Gibbston sub region of Central Otago, some 25km east of Queenstown.

John Worontschak, co-director of Litmus wines, Operations Director at Denbies adds “Brendan’s appointment reinforces our commitment we have at Denbies to produce truly stunning wines. His New World and European experience will bring a different dimension to the development of Denbies still wine making.’

Brendan brings specialist experience, developed at Mount Edward, which includes growing limited quantities of premium and small batch classic white varieties. Past experience also includes working at Chard Farm in their early years and in Europe working with Andre Ostertag in Alsace.

England is recognised for producing outstanding sparkling and fine aromatic wines. With the appointment of Brendan working alongside resident winemaker, Marcus Sharp, Denbies are looking to push the boundaries of still wine making to a different level. Significant developments in the vineyard commenced with the planting of 4 acres of sauvignon blanc in the spring, another first for English winemaking at Denbies.

Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard, currently has a range of 12 wines and produces over 450,000 bottles of wine per annum. Denbies is located in Dorking, Surrey with direct rail access from London Waterloo and Victoria mainline stations.

30th June

ENGLAND MAY HAVE LOST IN FOOTBALL BUT HAVE WON IN WINE!

Camel Valley Vineyard in Cornwall has left Champagne on the sidelines by scooping a top prize: the World Sparkling Rosé Trophy in the International Wine Challenge (IWC). The winning wine, 2008 Pinot Noir Rosé Brut (£24.95), reached the final trophy tasting by winning a Gold medal in this year’s IWC. It then had to face a further tasting by an elite panel of judges, and overcame competition from Gold medal winners from the same category and from different countries, such as 1999 Charles Heidsieck Rosé Champagne (listed at £45.99), to scoop the crown.

The same wine was also awarded the England Trophy for Camel Valley, who win this Trophy for the second successive year.

UK Winemaker of the Year Sam Lindo, refused to believe the news when he first heard it from a Guardian journalist following up the IWC press release. Said Sam: ‘Winning the England Trophy for the second successive year was almost too much to hope for, but I never, in my wildest dreams, expected to win the International Trophy too!’

Said founder, Bob Lindo: ‘The news came through just as I was about to start our Wednesday 5pm Grand Tour. The 60 or so visitors, who clapped and cheered and we had a fantastic spontaneous celebration.’

Sam Lindo, 33, is the second generation of wine maker at Camel Valley and his father Bob, no stranger to wine awards, believes that the injection of youth and enthusiasm has made Camel Valley aspire to the highest level. Added Bob: ‘We have a very young, capable and well trained team here and they work exceptionally hard in order to make the best of every grape; this is their award.’

18th June

ENGLISH & WELSH WINE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2010:

RESULTS ANNOUNCED

UKVA logo This year’s English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition results are announced today, with more medals awarded than ever before, acknowledging the consistently high quality of wines and winemaking coming from the UK. 90% of wines entered won an award.

Medals were awarded across the style categories by a judging panel of five Masters of Wine, chaired by Susan McCraith MW. The results reveal the quality of the 2009 vintage, shown particularly in the dry white and still rosé categories.

A record number of entries from England and Wales were recorded, acknowledging the larger harvest of last year but also including some new wines and vineyards.

The category that stood out most for the judges was the still rosé section, where 6 Gold medals were awarded (none were gained in the 2009 competition). The hard fought trophy for this category – the Waitrose Rosé Trophy - was won by Camel Valley Fortnum & Mason Rosé 2009. This is the second successive year for Camel Valley in winning this popular award and the third time overall. An additional trophy was awarded from this category – that of for Best Unchaptalised Wine - won by Wickham Vineyard for their Row Ash Rosé NV.

Still dry white wines were a strong category, with the varietal Bacchus taking the lead on the medal board, gaining all but one of the 6 Gold medals, as well as the Trophy for best commercial production from the previous vintage – awarded to Chapel Down Bacchus 2009. Other single varietals, such as Madeleine Angevine, Ortega and Huxelrebe also won medals.

Red wines showed great promise this year with more medals awarded in both the Pinot Noir and other varietal categories. This year’s Red Wine Trophy was awarded to Plumpton College’s Sutherland’s Block 2009 Pinot Noir.

The Sparkling wine category proved to be as competitive and impressive as ever, with a higher number of Gold medals over last year. Wines from non classic varietal performed well alongside the classic varietal sparklers, and sparkling rosés upheld their strong performance.

Gore-Browne Winner

The star of the show in the competition is the Gore-Browne Trophy – The Wine of the Year – which was awarded for the second year in a row to Ridgeview Wine Estate, this year for their Grosvenor Blanc de Blanc 2001, bottled in magnums. The wine also scooped the trophy for Best Sparkling Wine.

Another significant accolade in the competition is the McAlpine Trophy for Winemaker of the Year, awarded for a second time to Sam Lindo of Camel Valley, who first won the title in 2007.

Sam Lindo - Winemaker of the Year 2010

Sam Lindo

One notable trophy in the competition, the Montagu Trophy, acknowledges a key part of any wine producing business, that of packaging and presentation. This trophy is sponsored for the first time this year by Avery Denison, the world’s largest manufacturer of food and drink label materials. After much deliberation the trophy was awarded to Ridgeview’s Grosvenor 2001 Blanc de Blancs (magnums) – not only for the quality of design in the foil and labelling but also for its presentation in hand crafted wooded boxes, adding to the prestige of the wine and reflecting the wine estate’s identity.

There was a triumph for the dessert wine category, with a Gold medal awarded to Eglantine’s North Star 2006, produced from 100% Madeline Angevine, adding to its already impressive Gold medal gained in France in Vinalies earlier this year.

“As a panel we were all very impressed with the quality of this year’s entries,” commented Susan McCraith MW. “We were delighted to award a record number of Gold medals across all the categories. The still rosé category was the highest quality we’ve seen - truly world-class, and the red categories were the best we’ve ever tasted. The dry white wines impressed us greatly, and showed that the aromatic qualities of the grape varieties grown – particularly Bacchus – are a highly successful style here in the UK. There were some real stars in the sparkling wine categories to rival some of the best in the world. My congratulations to all entrants and winners. There is a lot to be proud about.”

Acknowledging the organisation behind the scenes of the competition, Susan added: “I’d like to personally thank Brian Shirley, Chairman of the South West Vineyards Association, and his team for putting on such a well run tasting for us in Shaftesbury. There were a lot of wines to deal with and the two days of judging went very smoothly. I would also like to thank all my fellow judges for their time and effort over the competition.”

The official Awards ceremony for the competition will take place later in July at the House of Lords, hosted by the President of the United Kingdom Vineyards Association, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu.

VIEW THE FULL LIST OF AWARDS HERE

15th June

SEVA logo

SOUTH EAST VINEYARDS ASSOCIATION COMPETITION 2010 NEW VINEYARDS SCOOP TROPHIES

A record number of medals were awarded this year in the annual South East Wine of the Year Competition. Andy Howard, Chief Wine Buyer for Marks and Spencer, led a team of four specialist wine industry professionals to judge the best English wines in Sussex, Surrey and Kent. Tasting alongside him were Patricia Stefanowicz MW, wine educator Lindsay Oram and Sue Daniels, wine technolgist at Marks & Spencer.

Nearly 60 entries were received, of which 75% were awarded a medal in the Highly Commended, Bronze, Silver and Gold categories.

Winning wines were submitted from a diverse range of vineyards from the SE region, including large producers such as Ridgeview, Chapel Down and Biddenden Vineyards alongside smaller producers such as Bluebell and Nutbourne, and even amateur producers, who also won medals.

The awards ceremony was held at Denbies Wine Estate on 8th June 2010 and attended by winemakers, vineyard owners and related professionals. Andy Howard commented on howt English wines have gone from strength to strength, improving year on year, and was encouraged by the quality of the wines and the number of entries.

The judges selected 9 of the best wines to taste during the meal.

Two new names to the Englsih wine scene stole the show. The top wine this year was Gusbourne Estate Classic Blend 2006, a sparkling white from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier made by winemakers Michael and Simon Roberts of Ridgeview Wine Estate. Vineyard owner Andrew Weeber collected the South East Wine of the Year trophy for this one of Gusbourne's first wines. Runner up, and winners of the Charles Laughton trophy, was Bluebell Vineyards, whose winemaker Kevin Sutherland (from Plumpton College) collected the award for their sparkling Blanc de Blancs 2006.

Award Winners

SE Wine of the Year Winners 2010 Andrew Weeber (Gusbourne) and Kevin Sutherland

A more detailed write up of the event can be found on drinkbritain.com

14th June

THE 2010 ENGLISH & WELSH WINE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION:

JUDGING UNDERWAY

UKVA logo The annual national competition for the UK wine industry - the English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition - takes place today and tomorrow in Shaftesbury. Over 200 English and Welsh wines will be put through rigorous assessment by a top panel of judges to find out which will be crowned Wine of the Year 2010.

The Competition itself will take place in the historic surroundings of the Mayor’s Room, courtesy of Shaftesbury Council. This year has attracted the highest number of entries ever, reflecting the successful harvest from 2009 in still wines, and the growing number of new wines produced from more recently planted acreage.

The judging will take place behind closed doors, with the wines being tasted blind and in style order by a distinguished panel of Masters of Wine who bring with them a wealth of experience from trade buying to wine writing and lecturing. This is the only competition of its kind whose judging panel is made up entirely of Masters of Wine. The judging panel comprisesf: Susan McCraith MW, Patricia Stefanowicz MW, Maggie McNie MW, David Bird MW and Julian Brind MW.

The panel is chaired by Susan McCraith MW, in the first year of her three year tenure. Susan McCraith commented: “I’m looking forward to a fascinating two days of judging. I know we can expect some top quality wines and a good range of style and grape varieties to show the diversity of wines now produced in England and Wales.”

Following the judging on tomorrow (Tuesday 15th), there will be a unique opportunity for members of the public to taste from the line up of wines that were entered in to the competition, and explore for themselves the wide range of styles that is now produced in the UK. This tasting will take place in the stunning surroundings of the recently reopened Hotel Grosvenor, situated in the heart of Shaftesbury on the High Street. The wines will be on show in the hotel’s main reception room from 2.00pm-5.00pm and entry to the tasting is free of charge and open to all wine enthusiasts. For more information please contact the competition organiser, Brian Shirley on 07850 842095.

The full results will be announced on Friday 18th June, when the top awards including Wine of the Year and Winemaker of the Year will be revealed.

13th June

ENGLISH WINE PROMOTION AT BUMPKIN RESTAURANTS

It's great to see so many England flags flying out there at the moment. Yesterday's football results may have been a little disappointing, but there's plenty still to look forward to ..... and let's let that include English wines too!

English Wine Week may be over for another year, but Bumpkin restaurants are continuing their English wine promotion right through to the end of July which will see us through - and beyond - the World Cup final.

There are currently two Bumpkin restaurants, located in Notting Hill and South Kensington in West London. These restaurants bring country inspired cuisine to the heart of London, also serving fine wines and premium beers, including their own ale brewed in Kent. Their seasonal British menu features everything from market garden salads to their classic Charter pies.

Accompanying their dishes is a wide selection of wines, including some from England, from Three Choirs, Chapel Down and Ridgeview. Their English wine selection was promoted during English Wine Week, and have been warmly received by diners - infact so popular are they proving that the promotion is continuing. So if you are in the neighbourhood, why not pop down for a truly English experience?

7th June

DEVON ROSE WINES OUTPERFORM ROSES FROM THE LOIRE VALLEY

As part of this year’s Devon Wine Week, the Devon Wine School hosted one of its special blind tastings on Thursday 3rd June. The idea was to see how Devon’s Rosés would match up against Rosés produced in France’s Loire Valley.

Local vineyards have had a couple of difficult years in 2007 and 2008 but 2009 was kinder and 2010 is starting to look very encouraging.

The tasting panel, chaired by Susy Atkins, the highly regarded author and broadcaster, was made up of wine professionals from around Devon. They tasted 20 wines, 17 of which were still and 3 of which were sparkling. 11 wines came from Devon and 9 came from the Loire Valley

The wines were all presented in plain bottles to make it fair and the tasting produced some real surprises for the panel, who awarded just 2 silver medals, both of which went to Devon vineyards. Bovey Tracey’s Ashwell Vineyard won silver for its still 2009 Rosé and Topsham’s Pebblebed won silver for its non-vintage Sparkling Rosé. 8 Bronze Medals were also awarded, with 4 going to the Loire Valley and 4 going to the following Devon Vineyards:

2009 Pebblebed Rosé

2009 Kenton Vineyard Rosé

2009 Sharpham Estate Rosé

2009 Manstree Vineyard Rosé

Four of the top 10 wines were made by Yearlstone’s Juliet White.

After the tasting, Susy commented:

'Devon's roses won fair and square in this professional blind tasting. At the end of a gloriously sunny English Wine Week, it's inspiring to see how well Devon's wines can perform against a similar group from a classic European wine region. I thought it especially interesting that the wines came from "difficult" vintages yet still showed so well.'

The panel of 6 tasters were:

Susy Atkins (chair)

Ben Foster (owner of wine importers Newton Wines)

Richard Hartley (owner of the Culm Valley Inn, Culmstock)

April Marks (owner of Regency Wines in Exeter)

Richard Racynski-Floyd (manager of Coolings Wine Bar in Exeter)

Andy Whiteman (owner of the Harris Arms, Lewdown)

The tasting was organised and administered by Alastair Peebles Master of Wine of The Devon Wine School

3rd June

ENGLISH WINES AND ENGLISH WINE WEEK IN THE PRESS

English wines have been attracting attention in the press lately - highlighting also the many activities that are going on for English Wine Week. Here are just a few:

Matthew Jukes wrote up his chioce of English wines in his column in the Daily Mail (Saturday 29th May) - it is also on his own informative website www.matthewjukes.com

Tim Atkin reveals his top English wines in today's Times

This week's BBC programme See Hear, broadcast yesterday (2nd June), introduces viewers to English wines and Denbies Wine Estate- it can be viewed on BBC iplayer

BBC's The One Show last Friday (28th May) heralded a huge success for English wines in a blnd tasting with French wines - there's just time to catch it on BBC iplayer

The Calfs Head pub and restaurant, near Clitheroe, has made headlines in their regional press, by launching an English wine only wine list for English Wine Week - more here

Country LIfe (May 26th edition) featured English Wine Week with recommendations from their wine expert Amelia Pinsent.

Guardian.co.uk listed key vineyards where you can stay (21st May)

Jane MacQuitty, The Times on Saturday wine expert listed her top English sparklers (15th May) along with a tasting video where tastes her chosen three English sparkling wines.

Wine writer Simon Woods on his website tastes a range of English reds - see our news item below (28th May - left hand column).

MERCURE HOTELS CELEBRATE ENGLISH WINE WEEK

Visitors to 24 of England's Mercure Hotels during English Wine Week will have a chance to enjoy a glass of local wine when they dine. Mercure hotels are located throughout in different parts of the country and each hotel will be sourcing still white and rose wines from a vineyard located nearby, or at least in the same county or region. The participating hotels are listed within each regional section on this website.

Mercure, which is part of the Accor group, is known for its individually styled hotels, each with their own character. Hotels range from those in city centres to country manors, in key provincial locations.

Jonathan Sheard, Director of Operations, Mercure UK and Ireland, said: “English Wine Week is an excellent way to highlight the quality and variety of English wine, alongside Mercure’s quality service. Mercure restaurant menus will be perfectly complemented by the English wine offered.

This week is a fantastic way to remind ourselves that great tasting wine can be found on our doorstep, which is why we are offering diners a complimentary glass of English wine for the week.”

Participating Mercure hotels are listed by region on the What's On and Wine and Food sections of the English Wine Week website.

Mercure logo

2nd June

ONE DAY WINE WORKSHOPS TO TAKE PLACE AT DENBIES

Ever wanted to learn more about wine - where it comes from and and how to appreciate and taste it?

Denbies Wine Estate are offering the opportunity to learn all this in one day. Their One Day Wine Workshop will cover all aspects of wine tasting and appreciation, grapes varieties and wine regions. Denbies One Day Wine Course will be hosted by our Denbies Wine Expert. No prior knowledge is necessary.

The course will include:

How to taste wine
What is a ‘ blind’ wine tasting – what to look for when tasting different wine styles
Examples of contrasting wine styles from around the world – Including French, English, Spanish, New World
Wine and food pairing – the right match?
Refreshments throughout the day – two course lunch with Denbies award winning wine
Behind the scenes tour of the Winery
Tasting glass & Denbies Estate grown vine to take away

The One Day Workshops will be available on:

Saturday 3rd July

Saturday 18th September

Saturday 22nd January 2011

11.00am-4.00pm

Cost is £95 per person - reservations are strongly recommended.

Please contact events@denbiesvineyard.co.uk

Tel: 01306 742002

1st June

ENGLISH WINES NOW SERVED AT THE CINNAMON CLUB

London's Cinnamon Club is now listing English wines on its wine list. Nyetimber Classic Cuvee 2005, Chapel Down Pinot Reserve 2004 and Chapel Down Bacchus 2009 are now served alongside an extensive list of wines from around the world, chosen to complement the wide range of dishes served from the menu.

Sommelier Laurent Chaniac commented: "this is becoming the least well kept secret, those wines are truly to be enjoyed by everyone, complexity, finesse and length are what they are all about."

The Cinnamon Club offers ever evolving menus combining Indian ingredients with local produce and Indian cooking techniques with a European design template. This successful combination produces a distinctive layering of flavours, and is accompanied by a carefully matched wine list.

The Cinnamon Club

The Old Westminster Library

30-32 Great Smith Street

London SW1P 3BU

Tel: 020 7222 2555

31st May

DENBIES WINS GOOD HOUSEKEEPING AWARD FOR BEST SPARKLING WINE

Denbies Wine Estate was delighted to be the recipients of the prestigious Good Housekeeping Food Awards 2010 ‘Best English Sparkling Wine’ for Denbies Greenfields Cuvée.

The annual awards, held in London at a glittering celebrity chef star studded ceremony, honour the very best in food and drink and entries are judged by the expert Good Housekeeping Magazine, the largest selling women’s magazine, panel; Prue Leith, co-founder of Leith’s Cookery School, Jane Asher, actress and writer, Valentine Warner, Chef and food writer, Atul Kochhar, Chef and Great British Menu finalist and Meike Beck, Good Housekeeping chief home economist. The panel was assisted by Richard Ehrlich, Good Housekeeping's wine expert who tasted dozens of English wines before making a shortlist of five for judging.

‘Just the right amount of bubbles not to obscure the flavour’ commented Jane Asher on the Greenfields, which is traditional bottle fermented method and made using the classic combination of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.

The Award was presented by Richard Corrigan, Michelin-starred and TV star chef, to Christopher White, Denbies General Manager, who commented, ‘Winning the Good Housekeeping award for Best English Sparkling Wine is a great honour. I would like to thank everyone at Denbies who has contributed to producing such an outstanding wine.’

Greenfields Sparkling Cuvée was served to HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at the finals of Great British Menu which is currently being aired on BBC 2.

Denbies collecting award

L-R: Jane Asher; Jeannette Simpson, Elfrida Spooner and Christopher White

of Denbies; Richard Corrigan

30th May

'THE FLOWERING OF THE VINE' CELEBRATIONS TAKE PLACE IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE VINEYARD

Pre flowering vines

John Freeland, of Warwickshire wine merchants C A Rookes, attended a 'Flowering of the Vine' ceremony - a French tradition where the vines are blessed at flowerig. Although a little early in English vineyards, it was an occasion much enjoyied, and attending by Two French Wine orders, members of the Ordres des Chevaliers Bretvins (the Muscadet wine order from the Nantes region) and the Commanderie du Taste Saumur (another wine order from the Loire). John is a member of these orders. The ceremony took place at Barton House Vineyard, Barton on the Heath in Gloucestershire.

The Rev Canon Anthony Wells gave a short sermon, blessing the vines for a good and bountiful harvest hopefully in 100 days, as the vines were onlyjust showing the buds for full flowering in the next few days. This was followed by the well know hymn “All things bright & beautiful” and the day concluded with a lunch accompanied by Muscadet and Saumur Champigny.

Ceremonial Group

29th May

ENGLISH WINE WEEK STARTS TODAY

Check out the many events and activities going on around the country for English Wine Week.

tasting wine Some of the highlights of this year’s English Wine Week include the Mercure Hotel Group whose key hotels in England will be offering their dining guests a complimentary glass of wine from a local vineyard during the Week. Other participants include The Wine Society and Laithwaites Wine. In Devon, local vineyards are collaborating again to host Devon Wine Week, ensuring that on every day of the Week there will be an event or activity either at a vineyard or local outlet. Working alongside them are retailers and restaurants that will be highlighting English wines with their menus – showing just how delicious the marriage of local food is with locally-sourced wine is. In Wales, Welsh Wine Week will also be celebrated with activities taking place in a number of vineyards.

Some other snippets to whet your appetite:

In Lancashire, hotel and restaurant The Calfs Head near Clitheroe will be selling only English wines during English Wine Week, offering a ‘try before you buy option’ on the listed range.

Camel Valley Vineyard in Cornwall are teaming up with Rick Stein’s Deli and promoting a ‘Green Fit & Fresh' initiative, and Help Haiti along the way: collect your picnic from Rick Stein’s Deli, hire a bike on the Quay at Padstow and cycle the Camel Trail. Get your award winning wine by the bottle or glass and enjoy your picnic at the vineyard. No cover charge, donation for Action Aid Haiti would be welcomed. Camel Valley also celebrates its 21st birthday this year and to mark the occasion, winemaker Sam Lindo has created a series of wines from small, distinct parcels of the Camel Valley vineyards, and will launch the first of these ‘monopole’ wines during English Wine Week.

The Wine Society will have on tasting their listed range of English wines in their cellar shop in Stevenage Information on the wines listed by the Wine Society can be found on www.thewinesociety.com

Stanlake Park Wine Estate based near Twyford, Reading are launching their partnership with Rumsey's Chocolaterie where they have developed some exclusive English chocolate to pair with their wine, probably the first vineyard in England to have done so. www.stanlakepark.com

28th May

ENGLISH WINES PRAISED ON BBC'S THE ONE SHOW

Tonight's One Show on BBC1 launched English Wine Week off on a positive note. Food ciritc, Jay Rayner is by his own admission not a fan of English wines. Jay and four members of the public took part in a blind taste test, organised in the cellars of Berry Bros & Rudd by Master of Wine Simon Roberts who selected two French wines for every English wines, based on price and style. The first flight of sparkling wines pitched award-winning Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2001 against two Champagnes. Not a bad result: Nyetimber was voted by 2 of the 5 tasters as their favourite. With the three red wines, all 5 tasters selected the same wine as their favourite - all 5 had chosen Bolney Wine Estate Pinot Noir 2008, beating two red Burgundies. Jay Rayer admitted that he had to reconsider his opinion of English wine.

There was flight of still white wine. it was also reported that the One Show production team selected the English wine - Chapel Down Pinot Blanc 2006 as their favourite.

You can see the show on BBC iplayer:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00skfq1/The_One_Show_28_05_2010/

20th May

ENGLISH WINES TAKE FOUR GOLD MEDALS IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS

It’s been another great year for English and Welsh wine in the major international wine competitions, whose results were announced earlier this week at the London International Wine & Spirits Trade Fair.

English wines impressed particularly the judges at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) and Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) with no less than 4 Gold medals shared amongst three producers Camel Valley, Nyetimber and Ridgeview. Along with the results from The International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), English and Welsh wines won 120 awards, more than ever before.

Two of the Gold medals were awarded in the IWC to Nyetimber’s Blanc de Blancs 2001 and Camel Valley Noir Rosé Brut 2008. This was a second successive year as a Gold medal winner for Camel Valley and a first major win in this competition for Nyetimber.

The two other Gold medals were won in Decanter World Wine Awards by Ridgeview Wine Estate for their Knightsbridge Blanc de Noirs 2006 and Grosvenor Blanc de Blancs 2006, which also took the regional Trophy. UK doubled the number of silver medal winners in this year’s DWWA.

The International Wine & Spirit Competition saw three times as many Silver medals as were awarded last year. Whilst the majority of came from the sparkling wine sector, there were notable wins for Bolney Wine Estate’s Pinot Noir Red 2008 and Eglantine’s dessert wine North Star 2006¸ which were both awarded Silver Best in Class.

New Welsh vineyard Ancre Hill Estate in Monmouthshire won a Silver Medal in the DWWA and Bronze in the IWSC for the same still wine – their White Welsh Regional Wine 2008 – showing the ongoing developments and success from the Welsh wine industry.

These and many other English and Welsh wines will soon face scrutiny in the UK’s own national awards – the English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition, which takes place in mid June. This is the only competition in the world where the judges are all Masters of Wine. The results will be announced at the end of June.

10th May

A NEW BOUTIQUE WINERY IN WEST SUSSEX

Peter and Bridget Gladwin Nutbourne Vineyards and Charles and Wendy Outhwaite (owners of Redfold Vineyards) are joining forces to establish a new boutique winery exclusively dedicated to the production of their two prestigious English Marques.

The winery will be situated between the two vineyards and is currently under construction being fitted out with state of the art equipment imported from Germany and France. It will have an initial production capacity of 100,000 litres a year and will be ready for this year’s harvest in October.

Owen Elias, the former head of winemaking at Chapel Down in Kent and four-time winner of UK Winemaker of The Year, will become consultant winemaker for the new enterprise. Other members of the new winemaking team are currently being recruited.

The two vineyards are less than 1km from each other just outside the village of Nutbourne, near Pulborough in West Sussex. They both share the same gentle south facing slopes of greensand soil along with their well known neighbour Nyetimber Vineyards. Nutbourne Vineyards have been established for nearly 30 years and produce a range of award-winning white and rosé still wines together with their much acclaimed Nutty Brut Sparkling.

Redfold was planted in 2008 with the classic Champagne grape varieties of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Their first commercial crop will be this summer and their first wines will be released in 2013.

5th May

POSITIVE RESPONSE IN PARIS TO ENGLISH WINE TASTING

As reported below a tasting of English wines was staged for wine enthusiasts by French wine blogger Miss Vicky Wine on April 22nd in Paris.

Miss Vicky Wine worked hard to persuade English vineyards to part with some wines and she personally brought them over to the tasting. Around 80 Miss Vicky Wine followers came to the tasting, eager to taste the English wines presented.

A selection of styles was presented, including 3 top sparklers: Hush Heath Balfour Brut 2006, Ridgeview Grosvenor 2006 and Camel Valley White Pinot. A pleasing range of still white and red wines from Bolney Wine Estate and a still rose from Cornish vineyard Polgoon were also well received.

The wines from the lesser-known grape varieties (such as Rondo, Dornfelder, Muller-Thurgau) caused lots of interest and the sparkling wines showed just how competitive our sparkling wines are getting.

Miss Vicky concluded in her blog: "and the French all wished they could buy the wine in Paris ..."

4th May

CO-OP TO PLANT OWN ENGLISH VINEYARD

The Co-operative Farms is to expand its "Grown by Us" food and drink range to include wine, and planting a vineyard on its farm in Gloucestershire.

The vineyard will produce a still white wine, made primarily from Ortega, and which will be sold as part of The Co-operative's "Grown by Us" brand (food and drink either grown by The Co-operative Farms, or made using its produce).

The vineyard is being planted on around six acres at The Co-operative Farms' site at Down Ampney, near Cirencester.

"The Co-operative has a well-deserved excellent reputation for its wine, and the prospect of adding an English white wine, made from grapes grown on one of our own farms, is very exciting," commented Christine Tacon, The Co-operative Farm's Managing Director.

Gloucestershire is one of the UK's leading wine-growing areas. Cirencester was a town in Roman times, and it's likely that wine was grown in the area then. A wood next to The Co-operative's Farm is called Vines Brake, suggesting it was once home to a vineyard.

(source: www.talkingretail.com)

1st May

NEW RANGE OF WINES AT BOTHY VINEYARD AS VINEYARD SHOP OPENS FOR THE SUMMER SEASON

Bothy Vineyard re-opens for business on 1 May 2010 with a wider range of wines than ever before. In addition to their popular still whites- Oxford Dry 2009 and Renaissance 2009 - and rose Oxford Pink 2009,m there are still limited stocks of the Trophy winning medium sweet Paradox.

New wines to the range are a red wine made from a blend of red and white grapes grown on site - Cote Bothy - and its first ever oaked white made from Bacchus - Oxford Fumé. Both of these were made using French oak barrels imported from Burgundy.

For the first time in nearly a decade a new sparkling white - Halcyon Days - will alsobe available

The vineyard shop will be open from 10am every Friday, Saturday and the first Sunday of each month, or you can arrange to visit outside these times by contacting them first.

(source: ukvino.co.uk)

26th April

2009 PRODUCTION FIGURES ANNOUNCED

The 2010 English Wine Producers Trade & Press Tasting took place on St George’s Day (23rd April). The tasting highlighted an industry that has shown sales growth despite the economic climate and that is continuing expand production and in fact looking to a very positive future.

This is supported by the official wine production figures that were released last week by the Wine Standards Branch of the Food Standards Agency, confirming earlier predictions that 2009 production was 3+ million bottles. The hectarage in production is showing a 20% increase on the previous year alone whilst there is a further 25% planted but still to come on stream. New plantings continue with more anticipated this year.

Much of the recent plantings and a growing percentage of production are for sparkling wine. The line up of wines in this year’s tasting was indicative of this growing trend, with more sparkling wines than ever before on show.

The trade tasting attracted key buyers from supermarkets to independent wine merchants, hotels and restaurants to wine bars, reflecting the growing interest from the trade in the UK wine industry.

16th April

ENGLISH WINE TASTING TO BE STAGED IN PARIS

The word on English wines continues to travel. Wine writer and blogger Anne-Victoire Anne-Victoire Monrozier - also known as Miss Vicky Wine - has organised a wine tasting of English wines in the Grains Nobles wine bar, which also houses a famous tasting school - based on 8 rue Boutebrie, 75005. The tasting will take place on Thursday 22nd April.

"Most of the people coming will be expats, young workers, wine bloggers, people in the wine trade and I hope a few journalists," comments Anne-Victoire. The line up of wines will include top offerings from Ridgeview Estate, Bookers, Polgoon, Camel Valley and Heath Hush - most will be sparkling, although there will be some still rosés and a pinot noir red.

Further information about the tasting will be on Miss Vicky Wine's site.

it will be the first time for a while that Parisians have been introduced to English wine. Miss Vicky Wine has promised to give us a report back on how they were received - we will report back to you!

15th April

DENBIES' RUNNERS IN LONDON MARATHON

THe Hills Are Alive!

Not that they'll be supping wine as they complete the arduous 26 miles and 385 yards - but two of the Denbies Wine Estate team will be running in this year's London Marathon - PR and Marketing lady Jeannette Simpson and Kelly Walsh, Banqueting & Group Bookings Manager.

For both it will be the first time they will be running in the Marathon, and both are running for a very worthy cause - The Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, who Denbies have worked with over the past few years.

Rainbow Trust Children's Charity provides practical and emotional support to families when their child has a life threatening illness. Immediate help is available for families and for 24 hours a day when needed. For more details, please follow Rainbow Trust Children's Charity

"This is a daunting task but we are determined and with the big day just around the corner are now really making a last request for our fundraising!," comments Jeannette. "Thank you so much to all of you who have supported us so far but if you haven’t, and are able to, any amount would be greatly appreciated!"

Donations can be made on the Just Giving site - http://www.justgiving.com/teamkj

If you would like to find out more about the charity please contact Jeannete Simpson.

14th April

NEW ENGLISH WINE LIST LAUNCHED AT LANCASHIRE HOTEL

The Calf's Head, at Worston near Clitheroe in Lancashire recently launched their new all-English wine list. The list was compiled after extensive research by buyer Patrick O'Reilly. The list currently runs alongside their other extensive wine list featuring wines from around the world.

The English wine list, which features wines from Biddenden, Bolney Wine Estate, Denbies and Stanlake Park amongst others, was launched last Friday, offering complimentary tastings to their customers. Julian Barnes, MD and winemaker at Biddenden, was there for the launch.

"We were absolutely over the moon with the positivity shown by our customers," Patrick commented. "It has been an exciting and interesting topic for myself as I have reserached this subject and we are sure now the concept will be a bigger success than we ever imagined

"The enthusiasm around here has been amazing and exceeded all our expectations," he added.

The Calf's Head is a country house hotel and restaurant, situated in the Ribble Valley close to Clitheroe. Further information is available on their website www.calfshead.co.uk

Watch out for more English wine promotions there!

Pasted Graphic 1

7th April

FIRST COMMERCIAL ENGLISH SAUVIGNON PLANTING AT DENBIES WINE ESTATE

As part of the ongoing vineyard development at Denbies Wine Estate, three hectares of Sauvignon Blanc have been planted. Clone 108 on Gravesac rootstocks were chosen for early ripening and limestone tolerance.

The Sauvignon Blanc planting is part of Denbies strategy to move to more premium dry white wine styles.

“There is always an element of risk with any new variety that is introduced to the UK” commented John Worontschak, consulting winemaker with Litmus wines who are working with Denbies on its expansion plans. “Three hectares, although small in terms of Denbies overall size is larger than the average English Vineyard! We are confident with this great site that we will achieve full ripeness. “

“ It is our aim to move towards more complex and challenging Northern European wine styles that will offer the consumer something more at the top end than just fruitiness: the wine world has moved on enormously and we are moving with it” Worontschak adds.

Chris White, MD concludes “This is exciting times for Denbies, we have planted many varieties here that have been considered a risk, 20 years ago pinot noir was the major example and is now one of England’s premier varietals and an integral part of Denbies wine production. Many English vineyards recently have concentrated solely on sparkling wine growing, and although an important sector of the market that we also compete in, as an industry, we should not abandon the quest for truly great premium still wines.“

29th March

JOIN IN THE STANLAKE PARK CHAMPAGNE CHALLENGE THIS EASTER

Over the 4-day Easter Holiday (April 2-5) Stanlake Park Wine Estate, based near Reading, will be hosting a very special challenge. Visitors over 2nd – 5th April will be challenged to tell the difference between their own Sparkling Wine and a Champagne. The wines of course will be tasted blind and responses recorded. At the end of the four days all the responses will be added to up to see which of the wines comes out on top. We will let you know the outcome!

Two of Stanlake’s sparkling wines will be in the Challenge line up: their Heritage Brut (a blend of Seyval Blanc, Muller Thurgau, Reichensteiner and Pinot Meunier) and Stanlake Brut, a more traditional blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

Visitors will also have the opportunity to taste other sparkling wines recently added to Stanlake’s extensive range of wines and styles: a rosé sparkling and a ready made Kir Royale, produced with their 20 year old blackcurrant liqueur blended with their sparkling wine.

Stanlake has just rebranded their range of sparkling wines, reflecting the high quality of the winemaking with traditional winemaking and a distinctly English style.

For further information on this challenge the other activities taking place at Stanlake, visit their website www.stanlakepark.com

24th March

INTERNATIONAL SILVER MEDAL FOR RIDGEVIEW

Ridgeview Grosvenor bottle Ridgeview's Blanc de Blanc Grosvenor 2006 has been awarded a very prestigious Silver medal in Chardonnay du Monde 2010 which honours the best wines produced from Chardonnay.

The 17th annual Chardonnay du Monde® wine competition was held March 10-13, 2010 at Château des Ravatys, the wine estate of the Pasteur Institute at Saint-Lager in the Burgundy wine (France) and the wines tasted by an international panel of judges

Over 880 wines from 37 countries across the world were entered.

Further information on the competition can be found here.

5th March

CHILFORD HALL VINEYARD AND CHILFORD WINES & BISTRO OPEN FOR NEW SEASON

Winery Tanks

Chilford Hall Vineyard in Linton, Cambridgeshire reopens on Friday 5th March for the new season with winery tours, wine tastings, wine sales and refreshments.

Following good weather conditions in 2009, the October harvest produced over 20 tonnes of grapes, including a significant increase in the Rondo and Regent grape varieties, leading to an increase in production of red wine.

Chilford Hall Vineyard has traditionally produced sparkling and still white and rosé wines; Chilford’s first ever red wine “Granta Valley” was produced last year and was so popular it sold out within six weeks. The second red vintage Granta Valley 2008 will be on sale later this year.

Glen Mejias, Director at Chilford Hall, says, “We are looking forward to an exciting new season, the weather last year was a huge improvement on the past two years, producing very good fruit quality and we will produce some excellent wine this year.”

Onsite wine shop Chilford Wines and Bistro is open every day between March and October from 10am to 5.30pm, and offers free onsite parking, wine tasting, lunches, refreshments and a selection of wines and local produce for sale.

Tours of the winery take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and on Bank Holidays at 11am and 2.30pm and cost £9.95 per person. Advance group and coach party bookings are welcome, evening tours available by prior arrangement.

Please contact Chilford Wines and Bistro on 01223 895625 for further details. English Wine Week is Saturday 29th May to Sunday 6th June 2010.

To find out more about Chilford Hall Vineyard please visit www.chilfordhall.co.uk

3rd March

A TRIUMPH IN FRANCE FOR EGLANTINE

north star Eglantine Vineyard has won a gold medal in Vinalies, an international competition that takes place annually in Paris.

Eglantine North Star 2006, a dessert wine produced from Madeleine Angevine was the only English wine to gain an Gold medal in the competition.

And this wine has a proven track record - his is the second Gold tha it has won tfrom Vinalies, the previous being gained by the 2004 Vintage two yeas ago.

North Star has consistently won awards foreach of its vintages on both the national and international stage. The wine is produced from some of the ripest Madeleine Angevine grapes in the vineyard - Eglantine's answer to Icewine. Limited quantities are available - price £20 per half bottle - contact Eglantine direct.

19th February

FRANCE VS ENGLAND BLIND TASTING REVEAL IMPRESSIVE RESULTS

A France VS England blind tasting took place recently in Oxford, at Balliol College. The tasting was arranged by Diego Zancani (Modern Languages, also Praefectus of Holywell Manor) and Yannick Joseph (UKvino & Butler of Balliol College).

About 20 members from Holywell Manor (Oxford University) Wine Tasting Club - all post graduates - took part in the tasting.

The wines were chosen by Yannick and matched according to their percentage of alcohol and their main flavours

The results revealed an even 2 all, and one draw (scores were makred out of 100). The winning marks gained by England however, were significantly higher then their competitiors:

Champagne Lafitte (71/100 VS Three Choirs "classic cuvée" (70/100) (Winner: France)

Cremant de Bourgogne rosé (76/100) VS Wicham rosé 06 (75/100) (Winner: France)

Bordeaux Blanc 08 Delor (68/100) VS Stanlake Park "Kings Fumé" 06 (80/100)

(Winner: England)

Anjoux Rosé 08 (70/100) VS Chapel Down English Rose 08 (70/100) (DRAW)

Burgundy Bouchard Ainé 07 (62/100) VS Wickham (Pinot Rondo) 07 (81/100)

(Winner: England)

Yannick passed on some comments on the wines:

1)Three Choirs, Creamy texture with very fruity aromas of grapefruit, greengage and edelflower (maybe too fruity to be a Champagne)

2)Wickham Sparkling Rosé 06, crisp fresh and clean. Hints of ripe berry fruits, especially strawberry, raspberry and green apple (again too fruity to be Cremant de Bourgogne)

3)Stanlake Park "Kings Fumé"06, a world class white wine, rich, fruity with a long finish and a very elegant oak touch.

4)Chapel Down English Rose, Clean, crisp refreshing with long finish. flavours of lime, raspberry and wild flowers.

5)Wickham Red 07. Another worldclass wine, with a fantastic texture on the palate, with flavours of ripe berry fruit, fresh meat and cinamon.and a beautiful oak finish.

15th February

FIRST SCOTTISH WINE TO BE PRODUCED THIS YEAR

This year's harvest will include the UK's first ever Scottish wine. Vines planted 4 years ago at the Ardeonaig Hotel in Perthshire will be harvested this autumn. Top chef and hotel owner Pete Gottgens, plans to sell the wine in his hotel restaurant and run classes in wine-producing.

If successful, he will look to expand the 48 Bacchus and Madeleine Angevine vines to 800 once he knows which of the varieties grows best on the banks of Loch Tay. This vineyard is now a member of the Mercian Vineyards Association, making it, not unsurprisingly, the most northerly vineyard in the UK to have joined.

“If we have a warm summer, then we are in business. This will be the first harvest that we actually pick the grapes,” said Mr Gottgens, who used to be Nelson Mandela’s personal chef.

“Cold is not the problem, the lack of sunshine is our biggest problem. If the wine is fit for consumption it will be served by the glass with our food. If it's not good enough we can make it into vinegar.”

Source: Daily Telegraph

12th February

FIFTH DEVON WINE WEEK ANNOUNCED

14 Devon vineyards will be taking part in the Fifth Devon Wine Week, which begins on May 29th - and it remains by far the biggest regional celebration of English Wine Week.

Those taking part this time are:

National Trust Knightshayes

Cannington College Bridgwater ( guest member - and see item below)

Redyeates Wedge

Ashwell

Willhayne and an associated vineyard close by

The Week's main event is to be: The Devon Challenge. Devon rosés ( still and sparkling ) vs the rosés of the Loire, to be held at the Devon Wine School by Master of Wine Alastair Peebles.

Daily events and activities taking place over Devon Wine Week will appear on their website www.devonwineweek.co.uk by April 1st.

11th February

NEW CHAIRMAN FOR UKVA

Ian Edwards is the new Chairman of the industry's representative body, the United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA), replacing Bob Lindo of Camel Valley Vineyards, who stands down after 3 years in the Chair.

Ian is owner of Furleigh Estate in Dorset, a 5.5ha vineyard planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus and Rondo, and producing sparkling and still wines, the first released in 2009. In what has been a busy and challenging time for the UK wine industry with the changes in the EU wine regime, Ian has played a major role in negotiations and interpretation of the legislation.

UKVA LOGO Bob’s 3 years as Chairman saw the biggest changes UKVA history. The EU wine reforms and the removal of the planting ban posed significant challenges but the greatest achievement of the UKVA over that period was to negotiate with DEFRA for training funding for its members which has, to date, resulted in the launch of WineSkills, a training programme run and implemented by Plumpton College. During his tenure Bob also set about modernising the approach of the UKVA in response to the explosion in planting.

Said Bob: “It’s been an enjoyable 3 years and I’ve been supported by an excellent team. I’m really thrilled to see the WineSkills training programmes in place; it’s an opportunity to make our wine industry even more skilled and professional. My successor Ian Edwards will be an excellent replacement; his understanding of the intricacies of the EU wine reform will be invaluable as the industry implements its new labelling.”

10th February

CAMEL VALLEY CELEBRATES THE END OF THE CORNISH OYSTER SEASON

Showing the classic marriage between Englsih wine and local food, Camel Valley will be part of a 3 day authentic oyster gathering and Cornish Seafood Market, taking place over the last weekend in March at Mylor Yacht Harbour, Falmouth, Cornwall.

The weekend celebrates the end of the oyster season, with the harvest from the last wild oyster beds and for the last fleet working under sail in Europe. See the fleet in action then enjoy traditional harbourside entertainments including a fresh local Seafood Market – then celebrate the start of the summer with Camel Valley Seafood Sunday – a jazz, sparkling wine and seafood Sunday.

Award winning Cornish produce includes:

Cornish stout – Pennycomequick

Cornish sparkling wine – Camel Valley Brut

Cornish shellfish – oysters, crabs, mussels, prawns, scallops

Cornish seafood – mackerel, sardines, tuna

Cornish produce – sea salt

Last weekend in March – Friday 26th, Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th – 10am til late

Plenty of parking arranged at the top of the hill – Porloe Farm

For further information please contact Cornish Native Oysters – www.cornishnativeoysters.co.uk

26th January

A BARREL FULL OF TROPHIES

Why Camel Valley have justifyable reason to celebrate

2009 was a good year for Bob & Sam Lindo of Camel Valley Vineyard - infact it was a great year for them. The father and son winemaking team have scooped some major trophies this last year - both in the UK and abroad. Camel Valley took the only Gold medal and went on to win the English Wine trophy in the 2009 International Wine Challenge - and Bob gained the added accolade as being celebrated as 'English winemaking legend' when the awards were publicly announced at the London International Wine & Spirits Trade Fair in May of last year. Further awards included the Waitrose Trophy for Best Rose Wine and the EWP Trophy in the national competition (The English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition, which is the only competition to only have MW's as judges), followed by the South West Vineyards Association Trophy for best Sparkling wine. To crown the year, Camel Valley won the very glamorous Trophy for Best International Traditional Method Sparkling wine in 'Bollicine Del Mondo' (news item below) in December.

... no pressure for 2010 then!

BobSamLindo with trophies

Bob (left) and Sam Lindo celebrate with their trophies

18th January

UK VINEYARDS GUIDE 2010 NOW AVAILABLE

skelton wines cover 2010 Stephen Skelton MW has just released his latest, definitive and comprehensive guide to the industry: UK VINEYARDS GUIDE 2010, which is packed with detailed information and essential data.

Chapters include an in-depth history of the industry, from pre-Roman Britain to the present day, charting the progress from the birth of the modern commercial wine industry post-war, and more latterly the surge of growth in the last decade. Stephen also casts his eye into the crystal ball to look at the future of the industry and tackles the topical subject of the effects climate change on the UK’s viticulture.

Viticulture, vinification and grape varieties are also covered in detail. The definitive list of almost all vineyards in England, Wales, Ireland and the Channel Islands provides the most comprehensive record available – extensively researched and featuring useful information on each. Additional lists identifying the organic and biodynamic vineyards, vineyards of 4 hectares and above and a breakdown of vineyards by country and size are also included, along with chapters recording the competition successes over the years and useful contacts relevant to the industry.

This book provides an essential reference book to all aspects of UK wines and their producers.

The author, Stephen Skelton, is a Master of Wine, viticultural consultant and writer. He has advised, and continues to advise, many of today’s growers in the 35 years that he has been involved with grape growing and winemaking in the UK. This is the fourth guide that he's written.

The book is available only from: www.lulu.com Reference: 7848482 or www.englishwine.com - Price £22.95 + postage and packing.

15th January

BIBENDUM TIMES ON HUSH HEATH

An excellent article on Hush Heath Estate, producers of award-winning rose sparkling wine, was featured in wine merchant Bibendum's on line magazine, Bibendum Times. The article covers in depth the quality behind the wine from the grapes to the packaging, and an interview with owner Richard Balfour-Lynn. It provides an insghtful look at one of England's top sparkling wine estates.

Packed with interesting stories from the world of wine, Bibendum-Times is a must-read for any wine enthusiast.

13th January

RESTAURANT AT CHAPEL DOWN NOMINATED FOR AWARD

The finalists of the Kent Restaurant Awards 2009 in association with restaurant reservation and takeaway ordering website OrderOnlineNow.co.uk, has been announced. One of the finalists in the 'Best English' Restaurant category is Richard Phillips at Chapel Down. Located at the Chapel Down Winery, the highly respected chef Richard Phillips has created a successful restaurant boasting a highly imaginative menu in the surroundings of Tenterden vineyard.

Over 6500 members of the public nominated and voted for more than 300 establishments across the county. A panel of expert judges visited a shortlist of more than 70 venues, assessing the quality of the cooking, service and ambience, awarding additional marks for the use of local produce of sound provenance using sustainable farming practices.

“We are fortunate enough to live in one of the most affluent areas of the country, surrounded by some of the finest farm produce, wild game and seafood available, said OrderOnlineNow.co.uk founder Andrew Frisbee, who added, “The local restaurant scene has enjoyed a number of high profile openings this year, as existing venues continue to improve their performance.”

The 12 category winners will be unveiled on Thursday 28th January.

BARCLAY BROTHERS TO ESTABLISH VINEYARD ON SARK

News issued by decanter.com

Sirs David and Frederick Barcley, owners of the Daily Telegraph newspapers and the Ritz hotel in London, are to establish vineyarsd on the Island of Sark in the Channel Islands. They have recruited Bordeaux winemaker Alain Raynaud to oversee the operation.

5 hectares will be planted mainly with Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Gris, mainly for the production of still wine but some sparkling wine will also be produced. The wine will be sold mainly to tourists visiting the island.

Alain Raynaud is the owner of Chateau La Croix de Gay in Pomerol and consultant for a number of estates including Colgin in Napa.

'The Sark vines stand at an elevation of about 100m above sea level, and on the same latitude as the Loire. There is great potential here for developing quality white wines,' he comments.

Planting will take place in April this year.

The full story is available here from decanter.com

NYETIMBER AND CAMEL VALLEY RECEIVE THEIR TROPHIES

Following the announcement of the outstanding success of two English sparkling wines in the international sparkling wine competition “BOLLICINE DEL MONDO” in Italy in December (see news item below) it was time to celebrate with the gala dinner and trophy ceremony at the prestigious restaurant Bottega del Vino in Verona.

Brad Greatrix, winemaker at Nyetimber and Bob Lindo, owner of Camel Valley both attended the event, and were rewarded with very decorative trophies to mark their success.

Nyetimber Classic Cuvée 2003 beat all the contenders, gaining the highest marks and was crowned Champion, whilst Camel Valley's Pinot Noir Brut 2007 took the award for Best International Traditional Method in 2010'. Both wines beat the likes of Champagnes Canard Duchêne and Louis Roederer Millésime 2000 amongst other worthy worldwide contenders.

Brad Greatrix of Nyetimber receives the top trophy:

Brad Greatrix

Bob Lindo (centre, red tie) receives his award

12th January

RED, WHITE & BRUT!

Wine Trail for Kent

Produced in Kent, the champion of Kent’s food and drink producers, has just uncorked an update of its wine trail, encouraging consumers to discover, experience and sample Kent’s award-winning vineyards and wines.

The free trail, which comes in a handy fold-out A5 colour brochure and is available online at www.producedinkent.co.uk (or from tourist information centres in Kent) tracks the history and heritage of Kent’s wine growing tradition. Wine trail users can ‘work up a thirst’ with a fabulous 4.7 mile walk, which starts at Camer Park, a 45 acre site of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the walk passing through Meopham Valley vineyard en route. The trail also includes details of some of the best hotels, pubs and restaurants to enjoy Kentish wines, with information on retailers and visitor attractions in the region that stock the county’s wines.

A fascinating time line charts the rise of the wine making industry, from Roman times, through the Middle Ages, to the present day and there is an intriguing description of the wine making process covering Kent’s Red, White, Rosé and Sparkling wines.

Readers can find out about today’s successful and award-winning wine producers. Full details of Kent’s 14 commercial vineyards are included, with a cluster of six vineyards centred around the ‘micro-climate’ enjoyed in the Weald of Kent. Many of the vineyards offer fascinating vineyard tours and tastings, including Kent’s oldest family owned vineyard Biddenden Vineyards, established in 1969, and the largest producer of English wines The Chapel Down Winery (part of English Wines Group).

‘Red, White & Brut’ can be viewed or downloaded from www.producedinkent.co.uk

11th January

CANNINGTON COLLEGE VINEYARD WINS NEW LEASE OF LIFE

Cannington College's vineyard in Somerset - once renowned for its heavy and early cropping - is to be restored to its former glory.

Bob and Jenni Beard, owners of a small vineyard nearby, have agreed to take over the care of the thousand or so vines - grapes will be bought by Yearlstone Vineyard, and the college's owners - Bridgwater College - will take a share either of the proceeds or of the resulting wine.

The deal follows three years of discussion between Cannington and Yearlstone to save the vineyard - and reverse Bridgwater College's original decision to grub the vines in 2006.

" We're really pleased that Cannington have agreed to keep the vineyard going and that Bob and Jenni (with two friends ) want to take it over. It's been heart-breaking to see such a great site with mature vines under threat, when most of us in the South West have to buy in grapes from all over England" said Yearlstone's Roger White.

Bridgwater College and Yearlstone have struck up a close relationship - with the college's French-exchange students paying

regular visits to Yearlstone to see round the vineyard and winery. Cannington is offering to join in the well-supported Devon Wine Week in the final week of May as a " guest " Somerset attraction.

The vineyard at Cannington includes Rondo, Regent, Seyval Blanc, Siegerrebe and Madeleine Angevine.

Further info: Roger White at Yearlstone

roger@yearlstone.co.uk

6th January

2009 'A Vintage Year' for UK's vineyards

As 2010 begins, winemakers can celebrate a vintage end to the last decade, following one of the best harvests on record. More than a number of winemakers are even talking in superlatives: ‘Fantastic’; ‘wonderful quality year’ and ‘one of the best ever’ amongst them when describing the 2009 vintage.

Grapes With a number of new vineyards also now coming in to full production, volumes are looking to be considerably higher than the last two years and likely to match (maybe even exceed) the record 2006 figures of over 3 million bottles.

Across the country the fruit quality was exceptional, with many of the highest sugars ever recorded along with good acids. Excellent fruit flavours in many of the aromatic varieties were reported, along with the traditional varieties – Chardonnay and the Pinots – which displayed potential alcohols of 11-13%. There will be many more unchaptalised wines produced this year than has been seen for some time.

harvesting

The scene was set earlier in the year when little late frost was experienced, followed by a near perfect period of warm late spring and early summer weather, particularly over flowering (remember the memorably warm and almost all dry Wimbledon fortnight). A wet July replenished much needed moisture in to the ground. The growing season was however boosted by the prolonged warm autumn, giving rise to grapes of the highest quality..

Yields were variable in different regions, but the largest growth area, the South East, saw a bumper crop. East Anglia experienced a very dry growing season. Some parts of the south west suffered from late frost and damp late June/ July but bolstered by the long warm autumn which resulted in good, average yields.

picking “The main pleasure was the cleanliness of the grapes,” comments one grower. Another added that they have “probably harvested some of the best quality grapes ever.” One winemaker stated that 2009 is “potentially one of the best vintages for wine quality of the decade.”

The UK therefore anticipates top quality wines from 2009, which are already displaying depth and character in tank. Many will have to wait, of course, for the sparkling wines from this year. 2009 has produced the highest volume of wine that will go on to secondary fermentation. As Michael Roberts of Ridgeview added: “All in all and fantastic year – a pretty wonderful build up for the London Olympics!"

5th January

LLOYD JONES - PEMBOA VINEYARD, CORNWALL

It is with great regret that we announce the death of Lloyd Jones, who died on Christmas Eve. Lloyd and Janet Jones planted their vineyard at Mellangoose Mill, Pemboa near Helston at a time when vineyards were very few in Cornwall. In those early days it was usual to plant a couple of acres, set up a winery in an outbuilding and generally make your own way, and this is what they did. From the first he supported the South West Vineyards Association, coming 'up country' to committee meetings, representing Cornwall and stepping in to edit and publish the SWVA's journal, the Vine Post when there was a need.

Martin Cursham, Secretary of the SWVA commented: "He was one of the English wine pioneers and for that, and his friendly kindness, he will be long remembered and sadly missed."

Adds Bob Lindo of Cornwall's Camel Valley Vineyard, and Chairman of the UKVA: "Lloyd, together with Janet and Pemboa Vineyard, made a serious contribution to the Cornish wine fraternity and I’m very saddened by the news that Lloyd has passed away. Lloyd was cheerful, laid back, hard working, friendly, likeable, decent, gentle and kind. Lloyd spoke kindly of everybody and everything and we will all miss him in Cornwall and our thoughts are with Janet."

4th January 2010

ENGLISH WINE SALE AT VINEYARDS OF BORDEAUX

Yes we know the name isn't quite synonymous with English wines, but this wine shop, based in Plymouth, has been waving the flag for English wines (as well as wines from ... well, Bordeaux) for a number of years.

However all good things come to an end, and the proprietor is moving on to pastures new in May. Until then, all remainng stock is available for sale at a 20% discount. English wines include those from Sharpham, Three Choirs, Old Walls and Pebblebed.

The shop is open from Monday to Saturday 10am till 2pm. Tel 07931 328908, or email curzy69@hotmail.com for further information.