Jo
FOOD + DRINK
On The Grapevine
And just like that, we’ re picking the grapes! Harvest is here, and what an amazing year it’ s been. We’ ve had the right weather at the right times, so if the fruit is the quality we are hoping for, it bodes well for the 2025 vintage. With many of the traditional method sparkling wines, you won’ t actually get to taste the 2025 vintage until 2029. Luckily, we’ ve got the 2021 vintage to keep us going for now!
Three vineyards that have specific harvest events are Yotes Court, Gusbourne and Balfour. They usually advertise these experiences a month or two in advance, so if you are unable to join them this year, make sure you plan it for the next harvest.
Yotes Court is the newest member of Wine Garden of England. We knew the wines were great, but as soon as we saw their fantastic
OYAL
view and welcoming tasting
BELL
room, we had to invite them to join
WELCOMES
us!
ACC
They are based off the Seven Mile Lane in West Peckham, not far from Tonbridge station. The owner, Susannah Ricci, is well known in shaped him both as a chef and a person. the horseracing world and the Yotes Court branding reflects jockey silks and colours. They produce a range of mainly still wines that have
“ The buzz of the kitchen, the anticipation of service, the way quickly gained a good reputation and they are one of the first to grow it brings people from all walks of life together- it’ s like a
F MICHAEL MCDAID & ANNO
Divico, a new disease-resistant grape variety that produces a fullbodied red wine. Their harvest event is on Saturday 4 October, which so lucky in the UK to have access to world-class ingredients
world of its own and I love that,” said Michael McDaid.“ We’ re is a fun day of picking grapes followed by eating and drinking on the year-round. I want to bring that to the table- food that’ s paddock lawn overlooking the vineyards( yotescourt. co. uk). humble but done to the highest standard.”
Gusbourne
ALDO
is widely considered to be among
ZILLI
the finest English wine
FOR
Adding even more power
THE
to The Royal Bell’ s kitchen
CAF
, the producers. Based near the South Coast in Appledore, the nearest main venue is also thrilled to announce that chef Aldo Zilli, station is Ashford just 20 minutes away. They produce award-winning renowned for his Italian cuisine and vibrant personality, sparkling wines in the main, and also some of the country’ s best will oversee Aldo’ s Pizza and Zilli Caffé. With decades of chardonnay and pinot noir still wines. Not only do they employ local experience and a relentless passion for authentic Italian people to pick for them during this month, they also offer a Harvest flavour, Zilli’ s involvement brings bold, high-energy vibes
Estate Tour that gives guests a close up look at the harvesting to the scene with seriously fresh and expertly handcrafted process, together with generous tastings and a three-course meal. pizza slices with real taste.
Take a look at their website to book this or any other wonderful experience on offer( gusbourne. com).
Balfour Winery, near Marden station, is always ready for guests. It is open every day and offers a free shuttle service on weekends. There are many events in their diary, for example the Late Summer Harvest Festival last month. You can become a member at Balfour and enjoy discounts on wine purchases and invitations to special events such as their annual picking party this month. Check out their website or simply visit and see for yourself how easy it is to have a good time at a Kent vineyard( balfourwinery. com).
If you’ d like to visit all the Wine Garden of England vineyards over the next 12 months, membership may be for you. For £ 200, you and a friend can enjoy a tasting experience at each of our nine vineyards, which is valued at more than twice that. You’ ll also get a discount on our Summer Celebration tickets next summer. Email me or visit winegardenofengland. co. uk for more information.
I hope you enjoy the fruits of our labour this month- and try a new wine from Kent.
Cheers!
CULINARY POWERHOUSES AT THE HELM OF THE ROYAL BELL
The Royal Bell, Bromley, is proud to announce the appointment of new executive head chef, Michael McDaid, bringing 24 years of culinary experience and a passion for honest, ingredient-led cooking to the kitchen. Awardwinning celebrity chef Aldo Zilli will also be joining the team ready for the upcoming Aldo’ s Pizza and Zilli Caffé, further cementing the venue’ s reputation as Bromley’ s most exciting culinary destination.
Michael’ s hospitality journey began at age 15 as a glass collector, but after quickly finding his home in the kitchen, he’ s yet to look back. Since then, he has cooked in some of the most respected and formative kitchens including Seabird at The Hoxton, BAFTA New York, The Princess Royal and most notably, St. JOHN, which he describes as the place that
Jo
JO GINN, BRAND MANAGER WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
jo @ winegardenofengland. com winegardenofengland
124 • www. insidekent. co. uk