Celebrating English Wine Week!
Did you know that English Wine Week is just around the corner?
Each year, this week celebrates the unstoppable march forward of English wine with a range of special events – and this year it takes place from 17 – 25 June.
So here’s a round-up of some of the best activities around Hampshire and West Sussex that caught our eye!
FREE wine tasting at the Still & West
On Friday 23 June from 4-6pm, The Still & West pub in Old Portsmouth welcomes the team from award-winning Bolney Wine Estate in West Sussex, for a free wine tasting event.
The Bolney team will be pouring samples of their wine, including their Bubbly Brut, Lychgate Bacchus, Pinot Noir and Bubbly Rose.
Booking is strongly recommended, using the ‘book’ button on the pub’s home page to reserve a table for drinks.
Bolney is also organising a series of special high-end foodie experiences at its own vineyard betweenFriday 23 and Sunday 25 June. Prices start at £55 for an afternoon tea for two, including a full bottle of bubbly. You can take a look here.
Comedy night at Hambledon
Hambledon Vineyard is England’s oldest commercial vineyard – and the good news is it’s just up the road from usnear Waterlooville!
This coming Friday 16 June, Hambledon will host its first ever comedy night, promising ‘acts that have graced the stages of renowned shows such as Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week.’ Tickets are priced at £35 and include a glass of its finest English fizz. Read more and book here.
If comedy’s not your thing, Hambledon also runs regular vineyard tours perfect for a summer’s afternoon visit, and its new restaurant is due to open shortly too.
Win a magnum of Nutbourne Wine
Nutbourne Vineyard in West Sussex is a family-run wineryand a beautiful place to visit in the heart of the countryside.
The vineyard offers tours, picnics and ‘burger and bubbly’ nights throughout the summer. During English Wine Week it will also run a social media competition to win a magnum of its Sussex Reserve 2018.
Follow the vineyard’s Facebook or Instagram channels now so you can look out for the competition details, and the lucky winner will be announced at the end of English Wine Week!
Dinner and music at Quob Park
We’re big fans of Quob Park, which we reckon is Southsea’s closest vineyard – just up the road in Wickham!
Its summer dinner and music evening takes place this comingFriday 16 June, promising an exceptional three course menu and live music. Ticket prices start at £50 for members, and you can learn more here.
Or if you haven’t visited before, how about a low-cost tour of the vineyard and a tasting of its award-winning sparkling wines? Learn how to get the most from your first visit in our recent blog article.
Father’s Day at Tinwood
Tinwood Estate is close to Chichester, on the edge of the South Downs.
If you haven’t yet sorted your Father’s Day present and you’re free on Sunday 18 June, then fear not! How about treating him to a special vineyard tour, tutored sparkling wine tasting and tapas lunch?
There’s a choice of two sessions at 12 and 3pm, and tickets cost £50. Learn more here.
Fizz Fest 2023
Later in the summer, Vineyards of Hampshire hosts Fizz Fest 2023 – bringing together ten of Hampshire’s very best vineyards for a celebration of all things fizzy!
Now in its ninth year, the 2023 event will take place at Hambledon Vineyard on Sunday 23 July, making getting there and back from Southsea a dawdle in an Uber or taxi.
We loved last year’s event and can’t wait to go back again! You’ll be able to try free samples of as many wines as you want, and then relax on hay bales in a lovely countryside setting with live music. You can bring a picnic or purchase food from the stalls onsite.
Best of all, discounted tickets are currently on sale at £25 from Travelzoo so grab them while you can!
