Jo
FOOD + DRINK
On The Grapevine
This is a New Year resolution that I will be happy to stick to - keeping the good readers of insideKENT updated on what ’ s happening in our local wine industry ! I ’ m delighted that Sam has asked me to start 2024 with a regular column about Kent vineyards and the incredible wine that is being produced right here on our doorstep . I hope you ’ ll enjoy reading it , and perhaps you ’ ll be inspired to visit some of the wineries that feature here .
A little bit about me just for starters …
I grew up in Tunbridge Wells , moved to London to seek my fortune , didn ’ t find it , but had a great time organising events in the drinks industry until my children were born . I ’ ve been back in Tunbridge Wells for 18 years and am now living with all three of my children who fill my house with laughter most of the time , and more importantly share a bottle of wine with me whenever required . I realised English wine producers were under-represented at wine events so I started my own local wine tastings to introduce people to their local vineyards . I then started a regular wine slot on BBC Radio Kent with my good friend Julia George , and that ’ s how I got noticed by the member vineyards of the Wine Garden of England who asked me to work for them . Best job I ’ ve ever had .
So , what is the Wine Garden of England ? It ’ s a collaboration of eight Kent wine producers : Balfour , Biddenden , Chapel Down , Domaine Evremond , Gusbourne , Simpsons , Squerryes and Westwell . They are spread across the whole county and offer a completely diverse range of wines and visitor experiences . What they share is a passion for opening their doors to visitors , and they all work together to promote wine tourism in Kent . You may have been to some of our events - we do a large summer event where you can come and meet the producers and taste the wines , and we ’ ve got lots of exciting stuff planned for 2024 .
I ’ m looking forward to keeping you updated with what ’ s happening in Kent wine over the coming months . I can ’ t sign off before I ’ ve made a recommendation to chase away those January blues . Balfour has opened an amazing new restaurant on their estate in Staplehurst , overlooking perfectly manicured vines . It ’ s called The Winemaker ’ s Kitchen and it pairs the best local produce with award-winning still and sparkling wines made in their state-of-the-art winery . Make a booking on www . balfourwinery . com and let me know what you think !
Jo
JO GINN , BRAND MANAGER WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
jo @ winegardenofengland . com @ winegardenofengland
SWEET INSPIRATION FOR NEW BOWLEYS DESSERTS
Inspired by remarkable personalities and famous quotes , Bowleys at The Plough , the community-owned , family-run pub restaurant in Trottiscliffe , has launched new desserts , specially crafted for the people of Kent that promise a journey through history and culture , beautifully expressed in every delectable bite .
‘ Please , sir , may I have some more ?’ Oliver Twist ’ s rice pudding with damson jam is Bowleys ’ reincarnated classic . Reminiscent of Charles Dickens ’ iconic character , it offers a comforting blend of creamy rice pudding and the sweet tang of damson .
‘ Happiness can be found .’ Dumbledore ’ s rum dark chocolate is a magical concoction inspired by Michael Gambon ’ s iconic wizard , featuring the richness of dark chocolate infused with the warmth of rum .
‘ No one would do such things .’ Winston Churchill ’ s coffee mousse is an adventurous dessert reflecting Churchill ’ s spirit , combining the boldness of coffee mousse , the decadence of dark chocolate ice cream and a surprising hint of black pepper tuile .
‘ Life On Mars ’ is an otherworldly treat paying homage to David Bowie uniting the contrasting yet complementary flavours of salted caramel and dark chocolate .
The new dessert menu will be available from January .
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