Jo
FOOD + DRINK
On The Grapevine
It’ s harvest time in Kent. We started early this year due to the hot weather ripening the fruit earlier than any previous years. As you may have seen in the news, Kent has gained where European vineyards have sadly lost. The drought on the continent has devastated crops, but here, we were able to benefit from it- at least in the vineyards. Where most gardens were struggling this summer, the vineyards were thriving. Vines are at their best when they are actively searching for water and nutrients in the soil. Their roots dig deep and when water is less abundant, the energy goes into producing good quality fruit, rather than vigorous foliage. It’ s a great time to go and see the vineyards, soak up the harvest atmosphere and witness a standout vintage.
30 vineyards in Kent have been working together to create awareness of our wonderful wine region. We’ ve called it the Kentish Wine Way and it focuses on the journey through ancient landscapes, relishing a slower pace. You may have seen it on socials. The government is backing us because they see how important the wine industry is to economic growth in Kent. It’ s exciting to be part of such an extensive collaboration that could ultimately benefit everybody in terms of availability of jobs and inward investment. All 30 vineyards are posting the same message about the Kentish Wine Way. If it pops up on your feed, make sure to engage with it to help us reach more people!
Three very different vineyard experiences to choose from this month are Balfour, Domaine Evremond and Simpsons. Balfour Winery( balfourwinery. com) is a free shuttle away from Marden station, making it easy for people to come down from London. It’ s a sleek operation with excellent food served all day and miles of vineyards to wander through. It’ s getting pretty well known for the parties they throw quite regularly, especially during the warmer months. Keep an eye on their website for the next event- it’ ll be worth your while.
For a relaxed luxurious afternoon, choose Domaine Evremond( domaineevremond. com), a pleasant walk through the fields from Chilham station. The winery is set into the chalk hillside, overlooking the stunning landscape that could be mistaken for Burgundy. Try their new English sparkling wine made from their estate-grown grapes by their partners, Champagne Taittinger. It’ s an exciting Anglo-French alliance, demonstrating what’ s possible when the French combine their expertise with our climate and soil.
NEW KENT SPARKLING WINE LAUNCHED IN MEMORY OF CHRIS‘ FIGGY’ FIGGIS
Figgy’ s Fizz, a premium, single-estate, single-vineyard sparkling white wine from the newly established Figgis Family Vineyard at Mount Ephraim Estate, has been created by Sean and Steph Figgis and their son Alistair in memory of their son and brother, Chris, affectionately known as‘ Figgy’, who sadly took his own life in October 2022.
The family have transformed their grief into something positive, creating a wine that celebrates life, community and connection while encouraging more open conversations around mental health and suicide.
In support of The Listening Place, 50 pence from every bottle sold will be dontated to the charity which provides free face-to-face support for people struggling with suicidal feelings.
Made exclusively from chardonnay and pinot noir grapes grown in Figgy’ s Field, the sparkling white wine is produced using the Charmat method and has an ABV of 12.5 %.
“ Figgy’ s Fizz is far more than a sparkling wine to us,” said Sean Figgis.“ It’ s a way for us to remember Chris- he loved farming and being outside- and to create something positive from an incredibly difficult time. We want people to enjoy the wine and share it with friends and family. If it helps even one person feel able to speak up or seek support, then we’ ve achieved something truly worthwhile.”
A visit to Simpsons( simpsonswine. com) in the Elham Valley near Canterbury will be one to remember. Their tour takes you through the impossibly pretty village of Barham and into their sweeping vineyard with a viewing platform. Then it’ s back to the hotel chic tasting room overlooking the state of the art winery, with an unforgettable exit via the‘ Fruit Shute’ helter skelter! You need to book in advance for this and you won’ t regret it.
It’ s an exciting time for Kent vineyards and we want you to share in it. Visit your local vineyard to see for yourself and raise a glass to this amazing county of ours!
Cheers!
Jo
JO GINN, BRAND MANAGER WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
jo @ winegardenofengland. com winegardenofengland
138 • www. insidekent. co. uk