Jo
FOOD + DRINK
On The Grapevine
T he Kent grape harvest is drawing to a close and the vines are looking forward to a much needed rest . They ’ ll now be entering into an essential dormant period where they build up reserves for next season , but the vineyards have one last show of beauty before the leaves fall this month … and they ’ ve saved the best ‘ til last .
It hasn ’ t been an easy year for the vineyard managers ; although there has been just enough sunshine at the right times to ensure we had a suitable crop , the yields have been much lower due to the disappointing summer weather and the failure of September to pull it out of the bag , as we have come to expect it to do . In Kent , we can rely on more hours of sunshine than any other county , but we still have our fair share of disease pressure such as mildew and rot , which affects ripe fruit in wet weather . I think , after last year ’ s boom harvest , this is nature ’ s way of restoring the balance . A couple of producers have shared their relief with me that they won ’ t have to source more tanks to accommodate this harvest !
As we are going into winter , it would be nice to think that there are some cosy vineyard retreats available for some entertaining wine tasting during the shorter days . Luckily , I know lots of places you can go .
If you fancy a trip to Canterbury , nestled in Burgate in the shadow of the cathedral is the wonderful Corkk wine bar that offers many , many English wines by the glass , together with delicious food to pair with it . Just a 15-minute taxi ride into the gorgeous Elham Valley will take you to Simpsons Wine Estate , whose wines feature heavily at Corkk . Simpsons offer a tasting experience in their hotel-chic room that overlooks the winery and you can book this throughout the winter on Wednesdays and Fridays via their website - simpsonswine . com .
If you ’ re looking at mid-Kent , Chapel Down and Balfour both have excellent tasting experiences that can be done inside , with superb views over the vines . You can make a day of it by having lunch at their restaurants , too . Take a look at chapeldown . com or balfourwinery . com for more ideas .
Further west , Squerryes in Westerham has plenty for those looking for winter days out . Their wine experiences are largely based in the tasting room , and you can either book a table at the double AA Rosette restaurant , or just have a drink in their new tasting bar . There ’ s also a very well-stocked deli with produce and wines from other parts of Kent , find out more at squerryes . co . uk .
The latest news in nearby Tunbridge Wells , Corkk has opened another English wine bar in the high street !
We won ’ t let the colder season dampen our enthusiasm for Kent wines , so let ’ s get out there and enjoy them !
Cheers !
Jo
JO GINN , BRAND MANAGER WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
jo @ winegardenofengland . com @ winegardenofengland
NORTH KENT COLLEGE STUDENTS WORK ALONGSIDE SOME OF THE REGION ’ S MOST ACCLAIMED CHEFS
North Kent College ’ s Culinary Academy students took part in the Chefs ’ Forum lunch event at the prestigious hotel , Cave , in Faversham . The event brought together top chefs from the region and hospitality students for a collaborative dining experience , where emerging young talent worked alongside renowned professionals to deliver a gourmet meal .
The culinary contenders included Patrick Hill , head chef at Thackeray ’ s in Tunbridge Wells , Cave ’ s very own chefs , John Bingley and Andy Holden , Craig Edgell of the multiple award-winning Buoy & Oyster in Margate , and up-and-coming chef , Ollie Eisenhardt of the Silverhand Estate .
Duncan Weetman , head of curriculum for the Culinary Academy at North Kent College , said : “ The Chef ’ s Forum arranged a fantastic day where the hospitality students were able to further develop their skills and experience working alongside some great chefs and front of house staff . They stepped up to the challenge and are a great credit to the Culinary Academy and college .”
142 • www . insidekent . co . uk