The Dentists do Wine

Wednesday 15th July, 2009. The weather looked over cast and there was a distinct possibility of rain! The West Terrace Posse where mustering in numbers, gathering at 8.45am outside their house for the enamellay challenged (aka - West Terrace Dental Practice).

The chiefs, Toby and Sam had arranged a half-day vineyard tour with a nice lunch as a group day out, team bonding or just a jolly to a vineyard?! The weather was holding, which I was glad about as Sam was wearing a decidedly (rich) blue light summery number with a lovely pair of matching sandals. Whilst a nice summer outfit indeed, not great for a muddy vineyard with lashing rain, so I quietly prayed to Bacchus, Dionysus and anyone else whom I thought would listen to me.
Having safely arrived, traversing the beautiful East Sussex countryside, the historic town of Battle, quaint Westfield we arrived at our vinous destination of Carr Taylor. Tea and coffee dispatched off we set to look at these things called vines. Rich green, and healthy looking the vineyards looked a picture of billowing green-ness and the prospect of a bumper harvest remains whispered but unspoken as not to tempt fate too much!

Viticulture (growing grapes) was far more interesting for most than I am sure they had expected and the trip into the actual winery where vinification (wine making) is explained was also educational for most. Thus the tour over, on with the wine tasting! We sampled at least 10 wines from Carr Taylor (Carr Taylor Vineyards, Westfield, East Sussex). Sparkling Rose, Sparkling Brut, still whites, still rose and fruit wines. Whilst not everyone enjoyed every wine, which is normal for a group of this size (14) they were enjoyed by most and opened up a whole new world of possibilities to another dedicated group of wine drinkers. Drink English, it's good for the planet!!

After a sumptuous Sussex Ploughman's Lunch, the group waded in with their boots, wallets and all and seriously raided the shop before departing. A really good day out for everyone was had.