Jo
FOOD + DRINK
On The Grapevine
The vineyards of Kent are starting to wake up. For many dark months we’ ve been hurrying into the cellar door to have a glass of local fizz in the comfort and warmth of the vineyard tasting room, paying very little attention to the sleeping vines that look cold and dead. Winter is a crucial time for the vines because they need cool temperatures to build up their carb stores to have enough energy for the growing season. At last, the growing season is nearly here, as the temperatures start to rise again.
If you get up close to a vine this month you’ ll see some furry buds beginning to form. If they come out too early, they are in danger of sharp spring frosts that can kill them and ultimately affect the year’ s harvest. So, now is a rather nail-biting time for vineyard managers as they anticipate the new year’ s growth, hoping for mild temperatures as we welcome spring. There are ways to mitigate the damage caused by frost, however. Surprisingly, the traditional practice of lighting agricultural candles in vineyards to warm the air is still the preferred method for many estates.
This month, many of the vineyards that closed their tours over winter are starting to open again. Yotes Court( yotescourt. co. uk) near Tonbridge offers tours and tastings overlooking their spectacular vineyard, which is considered by viticultural experts to be the best site for growing grapes in Britain. The still wines produced here are characteristically ripe and complex, and the branding on the bottles- and throughout the tasting room- is a nod to the impressive horse racing background of the owner.
If you’ re a theatregoer, you may have enjoyed a visit to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. If you’ ve been recently, you may have discovered the new wines available at the bar, produced by Simpsons. Based a few miles from the theatre in the beautiful village of Barham, Simpsons produce award-winning sparkling and still wines that rival Champagne and Burgundy. Taste for yourself at the Marlowe, or for an unforgettable experience, book a visit to the Simpsons’ Wine Estate( simpsonswine. com) and walk through the village to their vineyard, culminating in a taste through all their wines in their hotel-chic tasting room overlooking their state-ofthe-art winery. You can even exit the tasting room via their helter skelter!
SIMPSONS’ WINE ESTATE OFFICIAL PARTNER FOR THE MARLOWE THEATRE
Simpsons’ Wine Estate has become the official wine partner of the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury- the start of an exciting local partnership, with seven miles between the wines thriving on the estate and the wines being poured at the theatre.
Simpsons’ Wine Estate was established in 2012 by Ruth and Charles Simspson in Barham, just 10 minutes south of Canterbury city centre. The estate has a growing reputation for being one of the most highly-respected English wine producers in the UK and are renowned for their luxury wines and sustainable commitments.
“ We’ re thrilled to welcome Simpsons’ Wine Estate as our official wine partner,” said Kate Mullan, director of operations at the Marlowe Theatre.“ With 99 % of our stockists and suppliers drawn from the local area, working with businesses that share our commitment to place, sustainability and community is incredibly important to us. Simpsons’ wines are produced just a few miles from our stage and their dedication to quality and environmental responsibility makes this a natural and exciting partnership.”
The Marlowe Theatre has listed three of the Simpsons’ still wines and one sparkling across its bars and Green Room restaurant: Gravel Castle Chardonnay, Railway Hill Rosé, Rabbit Hole Pinot Noir and Chalklands Classic Cuvée NV.
Wine Garden of England is a group of nine Kent vineyards that work together to promote the county. You can find out more about all our vineyards at winegardenofengland. co. uk and book tickets to our spectacular Summer Celebration in June.
Make this your year for visiting vineyards near you.
Cheers!
Jo
JO GINN, BRAND MANAGER WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
jo @ winegardenofengland. com winegardenofengland
98 • www. insidekent. co. uk