RELAX WITH The Hop Shop at Castle Farm
On Castle Farm, we always enjoy welcoming people to The Hop Shop and
sharing the views of our water meadows and lavender fields. That is why it feels
so strange to have the farm gates closed for an extended period of time. But part
of our difficult decision to close, was because we knew how important it would
be to concentrate all our resources full time on maintaining food production.
We are busy with arable field work, the Castle Farm beef herd and looking after
our lavender fields, hop gardens and apple orchard.
However, many people have been telling us how important our farm-grown
lavender oils have become at such a stressful time - bringing relief from anxiety
and promoting harmony within the home. In response, we decided to launch
#stayhome Care Packs… perfect little collections for self-care, or to send to a
friend in isolation. For every care pack purchased, we donate a bottle of
lavender oil to our local NHS heroes, offering escapism and relaxation after a
hard-working shift.
Buying local has never been more important and it has been invaluable to
have the support of Produced in Kent, and the #HelpKentBuyLocal initiative.
We are looking forward to the summer and even though we don't know how
the Covid-19 situation will play out, we know that the lavender will bloom, the
valley will turn purple and in July the scent of a million purple flowers will fill
the air. In the meantime we wish all our customers good health and look forward
to welcoming you back soon… for now, please head to hopshop.co.uk for a
Castle Farm fix!
Simpson’s Wine Estate
KEEPS THE GLASS HALF FULL
H
At Simpsons’ Wine Estate, based in Barham near
Canterbury, the vineyards are enjoying the sunshine
and continue to require care and cultivation as the
vines begin to rouse from their wintry slumber.
The Simpsons’ exquisite English still and sparkling
wines are also progressing through the winemaking
cycle: the 2019 still wines are on the cusp of being
released, with the first of this vintage - The Gravel
Castle Chardonnay - already garnering attention
from the media and wine-lovers alike. The team has
also been working in shifts to undertake the
tremendous task of bottling 120,000 bottles of
sparkling wine, to ensure that there will be sufficient
tank-space for the 2020 Harvest, which is set to be
a veritable bounty if this glorious sunshine continues.
Despite the difficulties faced by the business as pubs,
bars and restaurants have temporarily closed, the
large online retail accounts have increased their
demand for Simpsons’ wines, including Waitrose,
Majestic Wine and Naked Wines.
Simpsons’ Wine Estate is also proud to be supporting
fellow Kent-based suppliers and producers at this
difficult time, together with the Produced in Kent -
#HelpKentBuyLocal initiative to encourage people
to buy and enjoy locally produced wines. The Estate
is offering free delivery on all online orders and has
been working to supply Macknade Fine Foods, The
Goods Shed and Gibsons Farm Shop.
With everyone seeking out a little luxury at home
or searching for a new wine to try at #LocktailHour,
Simpsons’ Wine Estate has seen an increase in
demand. The team is now looking towards
celebrating English Wine Week (20th – 28th June
2020), alongside the launch of the next vintage of
exceptional English wines. Follow their social media
channels for more thirst-quenching content and visit
www.simpsonswine.com to place your order.
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