The Southern Quarter’s pick of the top 5 wine-related things to see and do this month
Sample Phil’s wines
Who knew former cricketer Phil Tufnell was so passionate about wine? But he’s just launched a range with Virgin Wines, which includes an English Bacchus made at New Hall Vineyard, in Chelmsford. The range of six wines, which is available exclusively at Virgin Wines as a case or individually, also includes a Tempranillo from Spain, a French duo of a Sauvignon Blanc and GSM and a super-premium Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc from the esteemed Margaret River region of Australia.
Get patriotic
Watching the Olympics and cheering on England has been a massive boost (and welcome distraction) from everyday life. Why not raise a toast to our fantastic athletes with Hattingley Valley’s fitting English sparkling wine from Hattingley Valley –an official licensee of Team GB? Only available direct from the Hampshire-based winery, the limited-edition bottle of Hattingley’s Classic Reserve sports a beautiful dark blue and gold logo and £2.50 from each bottle (RRP £30) will go to Team GB to fund training for future medallists.
Have a quintessential afternoon tea
August 9th to 15th is National Afternoon Tea week and we all know cucumber sandwiches, scones and cake go down even better with a glass of something sparkling. Champagne has traditionally been the fizz of choice to accompany afternoon teas served at luxury venues across the country but more and more are switching to English, such as The Langham, which serves tea with a glass of Gusbourne From Kent; Simon Rogan’s Henrock which serves tea with Exton Park from Hampshire (pictured top); and The Dilly, which serves Kent’s Chapel Down with its Peter Rabbit-themed tea (pictured above).
Party at Busi Jacobson
On August 18th Busi Jacobsohn, in Eridge, East Sussex, will be hosting its first afternoon vineyard party with delicious English sparkling wines, music from Jennifer Masliin and pre-war classic cars. So pack yourself a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of English fizz, countryside views among the vines, live jazz and a few selfies on the bodywork of a vintage Rolls Royce.
Keep note
We’re loving this cross-grain leather cellar book from luxury English stationery experts, Smythson. Whether you’re keeping an inventory of your at-home cellar or want to keep track of your passion for wine, this hardbound, hard-wearing book has room to record your favourite bottles, as well as price, region and vintage.
£52, Smythson.com
