Jo
FOOD + DRINK
On The Grapevine
June is the first month where our vineyards peak in terms of verdant abundance. They are not yet close to bearing any fruit; in fact, it is a critical time. If the weather is cold and wet, the flowers don’ t pollinate properly and the grapes form unevenly, causing the crop to be reduced in quantity and quality. Luckily, here in Kent, that is less of an issue and we are consistently finding that our crops are sufficient to make awardwinning sparkling and still wines.
Visiting the vineyards is a glorious experience at this time of year. You are in the heart of the Kent countryside, surrounded by bright green rows of lush vines, and you can drink the wine produced right there on location. It is no longer necessary to travel to Europe or even further afield to experience this feeling.
This month we celebrate all things Kent at the Wine Garden of England Summer Celebration. Nine of our top wine producers will be hosting tents around the beautiful lake of Chilham Castle. We’ ll also be showcasing the best street food in Kent and some floor-filling live music from The Brogues. You also have a chance to taste wines- along with the producers- in our Q & As that will be hosted by me on the stage throughout the day. The event is on 7 June, so if you can still get tickets via our website, I would highly recommend it.
Wherever you live in Kent, a vineyard is not far away. In West Kent, try Squerryes Winery in Westerham. There are tours and tastings from Thursday to Sunday. There is also a fantastic fine dining restaurant overlooking the vines, or if you have less time to spare, stop at the café and shop at the deli which stocks wines from many different Kent vineyards, as well as their own fine sparkling wines. If you’ re closer to West Malling, Yotes Court is for you. The vineyard is considered the best site in Britain and the wines are a testament to the ripe fruit that is grown there. The view from their Paddock Lawn is unsurpassed. Pop along for a tasting between Wednesday and Sunday.
SUNSETS & SPRITZES: NO. 42 MARGATE’ S ROOFTOP BAR PREPARES FOR THE SUMMER SEASON
With the glorious sunshine of June officially upon us, No. 42 by GuestHouse, Margate, has excitedly announced its Rooftop Bar and Pearly Cow beach terrace extended summer opening hours.
Perched above the sands with a front-row seat to Margate’ s sunsets, the rooftop is first-come, first-served, serving serious spritzes, curated wines and local beers to a soundtrack of chilled tunes and the backdrop of the unforgettable views of Margate’ s Main Sands.
Downstairs, Pearly Cow’ s beachside terrace offers laidback dining with the same passion for seasonal Kentish produce and fresh seafood. From oysters to the day’ s catch, an ice counter showcases ocean delights in a relaxed alfresco setting.
The Rooftop Bar will be open Thursday to Sunday in June( 12pm- 3pm lunch, 5pm- 8.30pm dinner), with opening hours extended from July.
Mid Kent is home to Balfour, Biddenden, Chapel Down, Gusbourne and Westwell. If you want a long lunch, head to Balfour’ s Winemakers’ Kitchen or Chapel Down’ s Swan Restaurant. Both wineries offer tours every day. If you are looking for something really luxurious, Gusbourne offers special themed tours and tastings that bring out rare wines money can’ t buy. Westwell is for the cool kids, with its winery and tasting room blended together, and its exciting and experimental range of wines that delight a range of palates. Westwell is also the place to go for delicious pizza nights among the vines, and sweeping views of the Pilgrims’ Way.
Further east, we have Simpsons and Domaine Evremond. A visit to Simpsons combines charming village life with state-of-the-art, hotel-chic tasting experiences. You can also leave via helter skelter. Look it up if you don’ t believe me! Domaine Evremond is the closest to Napa Valley that you’ ll find this side of the pond- a recently launched project from Taittinger and Hatch Mansfield, the people who bring you Villa Maria. The wine is as good as you would expect from a Taittinger winemaker growing grapes on Kent soil and the winery is jaw dropping.
I hope you are able to see at least one of these amazing wineries on your doorstep. Let me know how you get on.
Cheers!
Jo
JO GINN, BRAND MANAGER WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
jo @ winegardenofengland. com winegardenofengland
146 • www. insidekent. co. uk