Jo
FOOD + DRINK
On The Grapevine
Welcome to a brand new year, full of hopes and dreams... and absolutely no broken resolutions. Now is often the time to take stock and look at what makes you happy, and what has become more trouble than it’ s worth. Many of the friends I’ ve made in the Kent wine industry have been through a similar thought process and are now happier than ever. They are no richer, but certainly happier!
Kent is a fast growing wine region with plenty of opportunities for a first job or second career. People starting their work life are in high demand. Cellar door hosting is a great way to get in and learn a business, and it can often fit in with university or college due to its seasonal nature. Plumpton and Hadlow Colleges offer vineyard management courses, and the former is a European centre for education in winemaking. The industry is growing at such a rate that we need more graduates from these establishments than ever before.
Tour guides and ambassadors can be trained on the job- it’ s a fantastic way to meet people and learn firsthand about the workings of a vineyard. Most positions are flexible, so it’ s a great option for dipping your toe into a second career.
Sales and marketing is also a crucial part of our growth and there’ s a lot of opportunity for talented, creative individuals who could develop brands and sell bottles to the trade.
For specific job opportunities, it’ s best to visit the websites of the wine producers. However, if you are keen to get involved but don’ t wish to commit to a life change, I am always interested to hear from people who would like to work at the Summer Celebration. Next year it’ s at The Castle, Westenhanger, on 6 June. Bartenders, hosts, shopkeepers and general runners are all needed to ensure the event runs smoothly. If you or someone you know would like to get involved, please email me on jo @ winegardenofengland. co. uk.
BIDDENDEN EXPANDS BIDDIES RANGE WITH ALCOHOL-FREE ADDITION
Biddenden Vineyards has launched its latest addition to the Biddies range- Nought Pink Lady ®. Made with English Pink Lady ® apples grown in Kent, this 0.0 % non-alcoholic sparkling Biddies brings all the refined flavour expected from Pink Lady ®, just in time for Dry January.
Working in partnership with Adrian Scripps, Biddenden Vineyards have used the finest fruit to make this new addition. Pink Lady ® are the first apples to blossom and the last to be harvested, making them the perfect choice for the latest Biddies creation.
Every year, Biddenden Vineyards challenges general manager Tom to produce new Biddies for the range. Suggested by customers and followers, the final three creations included Apple and Dark Grape, Apple and Rhubarb, and a 0 % option.
“ The non-alcoholic trend has been growing and although Biddenden is known for its strong Kentish cider, we weren’ t surprised to see a 0 % option suggested,” says thirdgeneration wine and cidermaker, Tom Barnes.“ Flavour is always at the forefront of our Biddies range. Last year’ s challenge winner- Biddies Strawberry Mint- went on to win Best Fruit Cider at the British Cider Championship in May 2025 and we’ re confident this new addition will be similarly received!”.
Tickets for the Summer Celebration on 6 June at The Castle, Westenhanger, are already on sale from winegardenofengland. co. uk. Nine Kent wine producers gather to meet you and share their wines with you, and local food, entertainment and live music are just one train stop from Ashford, making for an easy summer day out! Will you join us?
Cheers!
Jo
JO GINN, BRAND MANAGER WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
jo @ winegardenofengland. com winegardenofengland
90 • www. insidekent. co. uk