The summer growing season is now unmistakably here, as we peer between the leaves and shoots reaching up enthusiastically from every vine, looking out for signs of them flowering, and very soon, for smiling Open Day visitors holding a glass…

Hello friends, and welcome once again, we hope that you are very well. We’re here with another diary entry for you on life and times at our Eridge vineyard, so make yourself comfortable, it’s fika time.

The vineyard at this moment is a scene of the beautiful, furious activity of nature, as our vigorous vines race towards flowering. At this stage they’re really starting to unfurl their bright green leaves more and more, ready to catch every ray of sunlight and its glorious, precious energy.

To support all this growth – literally – an important job this week is ‘raising the wires’ of our trellis system, a manual job. Many of you may know this, but as grapes are climbing plants, they require support to assist them in their efficient, productive growth, and divert their focus up, and towards the sunlight, rather than in all directions!

Now we have some more competition news to share… On 1st June we were thrilled to hear the news that Blanc de Noirs 2018 was awarded not just a gold medal, but also the Best Sparkling Wine trophy at thie year’s Independent English Wine Awards.

The IEWA Chair of Judges, Master of Wine Liam Stevenson commented: “Absolutely stunning and perhaps the best fizz from anywhere I have tasted this year. Seamless, with an incredibly integrated acid line that really set it apart.”

We are really delighted, our thanks to all of the judges. Have you tried this very special wine yet?

We know that fine wine and perfect weather and excellent company are a wonderful combination, but only when you add delicious food to this mix that an occasion can be elevated to perfection…

And so have another delicious sparkling wine pairing for you to try. And we think this one is just perfect for right now: Grilled Peaches with Burrata, Honey Vinaigrette, and Pistachios served with grilled crusty bread and our 2019 Rosé – it’s the ultimate Summer appetizer.

Head over to our website to download the recipe. Give it a try and let us know what you think…

And don’t forget that there are soon two perfect opportunities to come and see us here at the vineyard, at our Summer Open Days. Stroll between the vines, soak up the sunshine and enjoy the unique atmosphere of our vineyard, glass of chilled medal winning bubbles in your hand.

There are two dates to choose from, 9th July and 20th August – with two time options each day – 13:00 or 16:00. Sounds good doesn’t it? Head over to Eventbrite for tickets here.

The final of our four 2018 wines to be revelaled, it shows a light golden colour in the glass with fine and delicate long mousse, then aromas of lemon sherbet and smooth soft honey lead into fresh pastry and toasted brioche. And the palate is rounded and soft, with generous and elegant notes of green apple, lemon zest and a touch of baked nuts, with a long and complex finish.