#EnglishWineMovement

There’s no better time to raise a glass to the flourishing #EnglishWineMovement than English Wine Week. Wine pro Susy Atkins reveals some fine ways to experience a taste of the terroir

Alfresco wine and cheese tasting at Sharpham’s new cafe

Sharpham Estate near Totnes is the place to go for daytime dining from now until the autumn. Its cafe reopened in early April with a new chef, Dan Teage, at the helm and new name, The Cellar Door Alfresco Kitchen. Sip the delightful Sharpham still and sparkling wines as you slice your way through a plate of the Estate’s delicious homemade cheeses.

Open 10am–5pm all week for coffee, cake and lunch

Discover emerging talent

Emerging Vines is the new project launched by three young, knowledgeable members of the English wine trade (they’ve all cut their teeth working at wineries in the South West).

Dedicated to spreading the word about English and Welsh wine, Tommy Grimshaw, Josh Beamish and Tom Wedgery are providing lively wine tastings, corporate events and a wine club that sends subscribers three or six bottles of hand selected English wines each month, plus producer profiles and wine specs.

Celebrate 30 years of Camel Valley

Camel Valley’s spacious sun terrace, overlooking a particularly beautiful vineyard, is one of the best places in the country to sample English wine. The Bodmin winery is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and recently its fine bubbly was used to launch the new Royal Navy ship HMS Tamar. Two excellent reasons to raise a glass.

Toast a new award winner

Langham Wine Estate near Dorchester has just picked up a prestigious gold medal in the third Independent English Wine Awards for its Langham Sparkling Rosé NV.

The IEWA takes place each year in Bristol and golds are highly coveted. This wine is delicate and well balanced with creamy strawberry and cranberry notes, finishing fresh and dry.

Ultimate Wine Tour

Polgoon Vineyard in Penzance is introducing Ultimate Wine Tours – full days spent at the winery, touring the vines and learning about viticulture, followed by advice on wine tasting techniques and food matching.

Hosts are Polgoon owner John Coulson and wine merchant Nigel Ede. A tour costs £115 per person, including tasting and lunch.

May 25 and June 22
Booking essential

Learn painting in a vineyard

Furleigh Estate – producer of premium sparklers – will be visited by world-acclaimed artist Robert Innes this month. He’ll teach painting en plein air at the lovely vineyard near Bridport in Dorset. The full day session costs £80 and includes paint and paper, coffee, lunch with wine, and afternoon tea.

May 16
Booking essential