Jo
FOOD + DRINK
NEW ELHAM VALLEY VINEYARD WINES FUEL CHARITY ’ S MISSION
What if your next glass of wine could change a life ? The Fifth Trust ( www . fifthtrust . co . uk ), a Kent-based charity , is thrilled to unveil two new wines from its Elham Valley Vineyard with all proceeds going directly towards supporting adults with learning disabilities .
On The Grapevine
Now is just about the most exciting time to visit a Kent vineyard . The fruit is ripe and hangs heavy on the vine , and the autumn sun gives everything a wonderful golden hue . Harvest is well underway , so you ’ ll see plenty of action at the vines and in the winery .
How do we know when it ’ s time to harvest the grapes ? It depends on the wine we want to make . If we are making sparkling wine , the grapes needn ’ t be too ripe , because we need a highly acidic base wine to make traditional method sparkling wine , similar to Champagne . So these grapes always get picked first . If we are making still wine , such as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir , we want as much sugar accumulation in those grapes as possible , because that will convert to alcohol during fermentation and create a well structured , complex wine . Those grapes need to be left to ripen for as long as possible , but they must also be picked before the wet weather sets in , or there ’ ll be trouble with mildew and grape rot . The timing is everything , and because most grapes are harvested by hand , it ’ s a tough balancing act for vineyard owners to have the harvest workers available at the right time .
The largest English wine producer is the well known Chapel Down , where the 2024 harvest is expected to produce over 2,000 tonnes , which equates to around two million bottles . Their estate in Tenterden is relatively small , with an intimate , family atmosphere that makes visitors feel relaxed and welcome . This is where the original vines were planted in the 1970s , and much of the newer plantings are elsewhere , on the chalky slopes of the North Downs . Tours and tastings run throughout the week , all year round , and you can turn up for a tasting anytime between 10am and 5pm . Come and see the action this month - maybe next year you ’ ll be amongst the volunteer grape pickers at your local vineyard !
Cheers !
Jo
JO GINN , BRAND MANAGER WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
The fresh additions - a sparkling rosé from the 2022 Seyval grapes and a still rosé from the 2023 Seyval and Pinot Noir harvest - are the latest in a line of exceptional wines that not only taste good but do good .
The Fifth Trust provides essential day care services for around 170 adults with learning disabilities across two sites in the Elham Valley . Through community work , creative activities , and practical life skills , the charity helps its students build confidence and independence . The vineyard is a key part of this mission where students actively participate in the winemaking process , from vine maintenance to bottle design .
Social enterprise manager Peter Stratton said : “ Our vineyard is more than just a beautiful setting . It ’ s a place where our students learn , grow , and contribute in meaningful ways . By enjoying our wine , you ’ re supporting the invaluable services that help our students live fuller , more independent lives .”
Elham Valley Vineyard wines are available at The Fifth Trust ’ s Vineyard Garden Centre and Café , as well as online at www . vineyardgardencentre . co . uk / shop . Proceeds from all sales are reinvested into the charity , funding essential programmes that enrich the lives of adults with learning disabilities .
You can visit the vineyard seven days a week between 10am - 4pm at Elham Valley Vineyard , Barham , Canterbury , Kent , CT4 6LN . jo @ winegardenofengland . com winegardenofengland
THE FIFTH TRUST STUDENTS ENJOY SERVING THE WINE AT THE CHARITY ’ S CAFÉ .
136 • www . insidekent . co . uk