Our pick of the best wine-related things to see, do, try and book this month
Book this: Wine Garden of England Summer Festival
The Wine Garden of England will host its summer festival on May 29 and early bird tickets are available until the end of March.
Plan a day strolling around the historic gardens of Squerryes Court in Westerham and sample 14 of the finest still and sparkling wines from some of Kent’s top wineries including Biddenden Vineyards, Balfour Winery, Chapel Down, Gusbourne Estate, Simpsons Wine Estate, Squerryes Winery (pictured top) and Westwell Wine Estate.
Listen to chilled out live music, brush up on your local wine knowledge by booking in to one of the workshops and enjoy delicious food from local producers.
Early bird tickets cost £20 and are available here until March 31.
Watch this: The Three Drinkers In Ireland
Wine writers and broadcasters Aidy Smith and Helena Nicklin head to Ireland for this feel good contemporary travel series with a drinks twist.
The Three Drinkers in Ireland showcases the beauty of Irish gastro-tourism in all its glory as Aidy and Helena are joined by a diverse revolving roster of ‘third drinker’ guests on the ultimate journey through the unique and diverse landscapes of the Emerald Isle.
Along the way, they’ll scope out famous local landmarks and characterful locals before heading off to key stops on their tour of distilleries, orchards, country pubs, unmissable scenery and showcasing some traditional activities such as bog snorkelling, cheesemaking, eel fishing and Irish dancing! Packed full of personality and flavour this is Ireland for a new, global audience.
Watch on Amazon Prime from March 17.
Pre-order this: The English Vine No1 paper bottle
Last year The English Vine launched the UK’s first paper bottle for English wine.
Made by sustainable packaging firm Frugalpac, the frugal bottle is five times lighter than a glass bottle and has an 84% lower carbon footprint. However, it was so popular that it sold old within weeks.
The Essex-based company is therefore launching a second, much larger run of its 2021 vintage, priced at £18.99 per bottle, so get yourself in the queue for pre-order now!
Head here: 1930 Bar pop-up at The Churchill Bar & Terrace
For one night only, London’s The Churchill Bar & Terrace will be hosting an exclusive bartending event with Milan’s elusive 1930 Bar – currently ranked Number 20 in The World’s 50 Best Bars.
One of the most mysterious speakeasies in Milan, 1930 Bar is famously challenging to locate but London guests will be able to sample a taste of highly-acclaimed Bar Manager, Benjamin Cavagna’s ingenious handcrafted cocktails without having to play detective.
Creations available on the night will include the Copacabana, a tropical long drink representing the journey to Brazil made with a hint of bitter, cachaca, gin, mango and tonic water; and the ‘Ndujoni, made with Bitter Fusetti, dry vermouth, crispy pepper, sun dried tomatoes and homemade distilled nduja.
The evening will start at 6pm and can be booked HERE.
Travel on this: The Wealden Pullman Woodchurch Vineyard experience
There’s nothing quite like slowing down the pace and taking a trip back in time on a steam train. This spring, The Wealden Pullman has joined forces with the award-winning Woodchurch Vineyard for a sparkling afternoon tea experience on Saturday April 2.
During the journey you will have the opportunity to meet and chat to the owner of Woodchurch Vineyard to learn more about the wine you are drinking and gain insights into the English wine-making process.
You will be served afternoon tea at your seats by liveried Pullman stewards accompanied by a glass of each of the Woodchurch English Sparkling Wines; Classic Brut, Rosé Brut and Chardonnay Brut. You will also receive an exclusive engraved Wealden Pullman flute to take home as a memento.
Tickets cost £139 for two. To book visit kesr.org.uk
