(written exclusively for the 'cene magazine and published in their May/June 2024 edition)
Nothing beats an early-afternoon picnic on a sunny soon-to-be-summer weekend.
It’s another bank holiday and you are only four weeks away from your all-inclusive holiday in Fuerteventura (bring on the free cocktails!). The only worry you may have is that beach body that you are yet to get started on. Oh well… who can resist the allure of a perfect picnic spread paired with the right wines to complement every bite? Whether you’re lounging in a sun-kissed park or spreading out a blanket on a sandy beach, I’ve handpicked a selection of remarkable wines from award-winning vineyards to add a tasty touch of refreshment to your picnic fare.
Bewl Water Vineyard, East Sussex
Situated in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bewl Water Vineyard is the largest body of freshwater in the South East. The location in itself is the ultimate destination for a family weekend out, offering water sports, cycling, walking and much more. The estate produces small-batch, hand-crafted wines from Bacchus and Pinot Noir grapes, with the former being among the oldest in the UK, having been planted in the 70s! The grapes thrive in the colder climate and clay soils, and the proof of the pudding is in the… drinking. Bewl Water Vineyard’s wines have won multiple WineGB Awards and were included in the top 100 UK wines at the Vineyard & Winery Show 2022.
Why not try their Rosé Pink 2022 Owners’ Reserve from a 1,000-bottle limited edition? It’s a blend of Bacchus and Pinot Noir that boasts aromas of red fruit and a mouthwatering finish – perfect for a cheeky little picnic. It will pair beautifully with a Margherita pizza. The acidity of the tomato sauce will emphasise the fruit flavours in the wine, and the light body of this rosé will match the delicate simplicity of fresh basil and mozzarella. Trust me, you will want to try a pizza from Il Tricolore in Ramsgate – this modest-looking place has a perfect five-star rating on Tripadvisor and is raved about by both the locals and tourists. Sunday picnics don’t get better than a slice of Bellissimo!
Terlingham Vineyard, Kent
Terlingham Vineyard is a family-run estate in the countryside just outside Folkestone, with remarkable views of the English Channel. The owners, Graham and Lorna Wilks, along with their daughters Jackie, Caroline and Ashleigh, moved to the UK from South Africa with little to no experience in winemaking. Doesn’t sound promising, does it? Well, you’re in for a big surprise! In 2011, the family bought Terlingham Vineyard and in just over 10 years have turned the estate into the magical space it is now – a prime destination for its tastings, tours and holiday breaks. The estate has been named in The Times as one of the top UK vineyards to visit and their wines are regular award-winners. Boom!
I’d recommend you try their 2022 Pinot Noir & Rondo, a delicate rosé with aromas of wild strawberry and spices. How delish does this sound?! To elevate your picnic experience, pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich from Queso Hombre - a newly-opened cheese bar in Folkestone that brings a taste of España to Kent… and they do it with a big “Olé!”. Acid and salt are delicious magnets for each other. The acidity in the wine will cleanse the palate and leave you wanting to take a bite of the food, and after taking a bite of the gooey savouriness you’ll want a sip of wine – now, that is my kind of seesaw!
Breaky Bottom, East Sussex
Hidden away in a secluded valley in the South Downs in East Sussex, Breaky Bottom is a long-established estate nurtured with lots of love and passion by Peter Hall, who started the vineyard in 1974. The grapes are planted deep in the valley, which offers protection from coastal winds and creates a perfect microclimate for quality vine-growing. The estate produces only sparkling wine using the traditional method – the process used to produce Champagne. At release, Peter dedicates every wine to the memory of a close friend or relative, which I find impossibly romantic. Their sparkling wines continue to attract critical acclaim and international awards and it seems that every time they enter their wines into WineGB Awards they win gold and silver!
I’d strongly suggest you try their WineGB Awards 2022 silver-medallist – 2017 Seyval Blanc Cuvée Grace Nichols. Made with 100% Seyval Blanc, the wine offers a clean and fresh palate and a tangy finish. Believe it or not, sparkling wine was made for quaffing while scoffing fish and chips, and this one is no different. Head over to Millie’s Beach Bar in Westgate-on-Sea – a family-friendly bar with a great holiday vibe to it – to get yourself a large fried haddock and chips. The lighter flavours of the wine will contrast the richness of the fish and chips, and the high acidity and the bubbles will cleanse your palate and keep the wine refreshing and vibrant even when you eat the fish with a squeeze of lemon.
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