White Clover English Vineyard Experience

March 28th, a lovely day out in the heart of Sussex and Kent. A nice group had gathered for this superb tour, at Pelham House in Lewes for their pre-vineyard experience croissant and coffee. Amongst the group was Simon Majumdar of Dos Hermanos, the world's biggest food blog, we were honored.

Carr Taylor Vineyards are set in rural East Sussex just past the historic town of Battle, 1066 and all that. Established by David and Linda Carr Taylor in the late 60's they were the first to win Gold in France, beating the French at their own game. Since then they have gone from strength to strength and continue to produce great Sparkling wine, still white wine and a range of superb fruit wines.

Despite the threat of rain and occassional drop we ventured into the vineyard to get a close look at the vines. Although not much to see as yet, some early buds are showing after the winter prune, it is these small harmless looking buds that lay the foundations of this year's crop of grapes and resultant wines. After the vineyard and winery tour we ventured upstairs into the tasting room where we sampled no less than 6 wines including some great fruit wines. The tasting was fun, informative and tasty!

From East Sussex we ventured into Kent, just past the lovely town of Tenderden onto Biddenden Vineyards. Again another family set up established in the late 60's who actually lay claim to producing some the best ciders in the UK. We were only just into the vineyards when the heavens opened and like frightened rabbits we scampered back to the shelter and sanctuary of the tasting rooms. The wines are quaffable and of a good standard although it has to be said that where Biddenden do excell is with their ciders, which were sampled in full!

We ventured home, back to Lewes in the afternoon, many fell asleep in a pleasant wine filled slumber. Decanted and laiden with their complimentary bottle of wine as well as vineyard purchases all went on their merry way home.

Vineyard Escapades Forth Coming - Easter Weekend, two half day experiences which include an afternoon at Carr Taylor, Saturday 11th April and Easter Sunday at Plumpton Race Course for a superb trip to the gee-gees. In May we are promoting 3 unique experiences in promotion of English Wine Week and these can be viewed online at www.englishvinetours.co.uk

Art & Wine Tasting Workshops Available to Book

English Vine Tours are pleased to announce a unique opportunity for artists and wine enthusiasts to join us in an English vineyard for a day of inspiration and wine tasting.

Using the inspiration and insight gained from the morning wine tour and tasting, the afternoon will be spent in the vineyard or winery exploring the landscape and environment in a variety of media. These art and wine workshops are available to beginners and more experienced artists alike. They are intended to promote experimentation and personal exploration, to gain valuable experience in 'Plein Air' painting and wine knowledge.

Various dates are available during the summer months at vineyards across Sussex and Kent, beginning on April 15th at Chapel Down in Kent. Lunch with a glass of wine is included and prices start at £79 per person

Call Georgie or Ben today 01323 732 001 or visit the English Vine Tours website for more information on the English Vine Tours Art & Wine Workshops

Taylor & Shroff English Wine & Curry

Another great wine tasting event, presented by English Vine Tours to Healy's solicitors in Brighton. Many many thanks once again to Miss Victoria Reagan for organising the event, also present was the great John Healy himself and Spofforths Accountants.

The first part of the event was a fun blind wine tasting where certain similar wines were covered and all participants had to guess what was what. Most did well but once again the surprising outcome of this tasting was the overwhelming enjoyment of English Wines. We sneaked in a quality English Sparkling wine as well as a dry table wine and tasted them next to an own brand Cava as well as a New World Sauvignon Blanc.

The 2nd part of the evening was matching curry and spicy foods with wines. Whilst most wines tend not to match the great British curry, there is a new wine soon to be launched in the UK to change all this. Taylor & Shroff wines, produced by Carr Taylor in East Sussex, are currently only being offered into India. However they shall soon be available within the UK. Being stripped of tannins and high acidity the wines are part fortified giving them a higher alcohol level and residual sugars. Additionally blending into the base wines some fruit. Taylor & Shroff Ginger Wines, Apricot Wine, Red are three within the range that matched the hot and spicy foods amazingly well. Even the heat from the lime pickle disapated and the flavours opened up magnificently.

The initial hesitation was son left asunder as the wines were guzzled along with the Bombay Potato, Spiced Lentil, Naan Breads and chillies. An amazing success all round.

John & Vicky Enjoying Taylor & Shroff (wines for curry)

Whilst production of these superb and unique wines for the UK market place is not as yet in place, there is some stock for private consumption available from English Vine Tours at £11.95 a bottle. However we hope that we can start to get them placed in all our favourite Indian restaurants towards the end of April-ish! Once again many thanks to all at Healy’s, especially Anita who was a start throughout!

English Wines For Weddings

A few of our more affordable English wine favourites that would go down really well at any function including weddings...ahhh this makes me crave the warmth of a typical English sunny afternoons :)

Carr Taylor Vineyards, Battle East Sussex
Carr Taylor 1066 Off-Dry Aromatic White @ £5.99
Carr Taylor Alexis Dry White - £6.99
Carr Tayor Dry Rose - £7.49
Carr Taylor Sparkling Brut - £11.95
Prices quoted from their website. Orders can be placed at Carr Taylor's online store.

Sedlescombe Organic Vineards, Cripps Corner East Sussex
Sedlescombe Dry White - £9.95
Sedlescombe Organic Rose - £9.95
Sedlescombe Sparkling Bodium Brut - £17.95
NB Sedlescombe Organic are doing a great wedding offer: 20% off on 60+ bottles ordered - bargain! Orders can be placed online at Sedlescombe Organic's Online Store

For an another amazing English sparkling wine alternative to Champagne try
Breaky Bottom Brut (famously served at the G8 summit held at Gleneagles) - £18.95

For more tasting notes check out our 'Organic English Wine' Blog and 'Recommended English Wine & Tasting Notes' on our website.