The Southern Quarter’s pick of the best wine-related things to see, do and learn this month
Celebrate Drink Wine Day
As if we need a reason to drink wine but Friday, February 18th is Drink Wine Day, an unofficial, annual holiday celebrated to “reflect on the health benefits of wine.”
Research continues to suggest that wine, in moderation, offers several health benefits thanks to its high levels of anti-oxidants and resveratrol, which can help prevent cellular damage and have anti-inflammatory properties. We don’t need much convincing.
Support the first Sussex Showcase Food Week
Six of Sussex’s best restaurants will be inviting guest chefs to join their kitchens for a series of collaborations to raise funds for Table Talk Foundation at the first ever Sussex Showcase Food Week. Among the talent which will be showcased between February 28 to March 6, are seven Michelin star chefs, two Great British Menu winners and one MasterChef: The Professionals winner.
To kick-start the week Jean Delport, the one-start chef at Leonardslee Garden’s Interlude Restaurant will be joined by Gareth Ward, from Ynyshir in Wales for a special 20-course meal on Monday, and then one-star chefs Adam Byatt and George Blog will join forces for a special lunch at Gravetye Manor on Tuesday.
Other chefs involved include Alex Bond and Matt Gillan, Tom Booton and Steven Edwards. Kim Ratcharoen and Michael Bremner and Daniel Clifford and Greg Clarke
For more information and to book tickets, visit Tabletalk-foundation.com.
Join an exclusive tutored tasting in Kent
For the first time, Gusbourne’s head winemaker, Charlie Holland, will be hosting an exclusive wine tasting and dining experience at The Nest at the Appledore-based vineyard on Friday, February 25th.
During the lunchtime event, Charlie will share a collection of new and exciting limited releases and share the unique stories behind them as part of a holistic tasting experience combined with a four-course tasting menu. Tickets cost £105 and include an aperitif, tasting and four-course-meal.
Listen to an award-nominated wine podcast
The new series of The Southern Quarter’s podcast, The English Wine Diaries, starts this month with guests including America and Nick Brewer from Oastbrook Vineyard in Sussex; Alistair Morrell, co-founder of Cider is Wine; and Duncan Schwab from Sandridge Barton in Devon.
The podcast has just been shortlisted in the Best Food & Drink Podcast category of The Publisher Podcast Awards against the likes of Olive Magazine and The Scotsman’s Scran.
Swot up on your wine knowledge
She’s been voted ‘the world’s most influential wine critic’ and advises Her Majesty The Queen on her own wine cellar.
Journalist, broadcaster and producer Jancis Robinson has been writing about wine for 45 years and now you can learn from the bestselling author thanks to a new BBC Maestro course.
Join Jancis as she guides you through everything from the rich history of winemaking to techniques for choosing and tasting a new wine in 25 comprehensive online lessons for £80.
