Breaky Bottom – Peter’s Note – November 2024

This month we’re launching Breaky Bottom’s special Kir Royale, and celebrating my receiving an exceptional award, ‘Diplome d’Honneur’ through the Wine Guild of the UK.

50th Anniversary Kir Royale

In 1999 I decided to dedicate a small area of my vineyard to grow blackcurrants for producing a Crème de Cassis which I used as a dosage to craft a Kir Royale. I believe it was the only rosé wine of its kind in England and proved to be widely appreciated.

To mark Breaky Bottom’s 50th anniversary I have revived this cuvée, by disgorging just 1,000 bottles of my 2019 Seyval Blanc with cassis made from our own blackcurrants.

The wine has a light pink colour with a crisp citrus and green apple bite, and subtle berry flavours. The blackcurrant undertones make this an enjoyable and delightfully playful wine.

This Kir Royale is now available to purchase on the website as single bottles, half-cases, and full cases.

The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom to honour Peter Hall of Breaky Bottom Vineyard with the Prestigious F.I.C.B Diploma of Honour

London, 7th November – The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom is delighted to announce that Peter Hall, the visionary founder of Breaky Bottom Vineyard in Sussex Downs, will be awarded the esteemed F.I.C.B. Diploma of Honour at the upcoming Winter Banquet. The award, presented by Alan Bryden, President of the International Federation of Wine Brotherhoods (F.I.C.B.), celebrates Peter’s remarkable commitment to the wine industry over the last fifty years and his pioneering contributions to English wine.

The Guild’s annual Winter Banquet, held this year at Innholders’ Hall, is an evening steeped in tradition and elegance. This year, the Guild is especially proud to recognise Peter’s legacy. Since establishing Breaky Bottom in the Sussex Downs in 1974, Peter Hall has been instrumental in proving the potential of English wines on the global stage. His vineyard, based near Lewes in the South Downs has flourished thanks to his early insights into cool-climate winemaking and dedication to quality—a vision that has contributed to England’s growing reputation as a wine-producing region.

“The F.I.C.B. Diploma of Honour is awarded to those who have made exceptional contributions to the world of wine, and we are thrilled to see Peter receive this well-deserved recognition,” says Tal Sunderland-Cohen, Chairman of the Wine Guild. “Peter’s work has exemplified the dedication, artistry, and innovation that lie at the heart of English wine.”

Alan Bryden, President of the F.I.C.B commented: “On behalf of the F.I.C.B I am delighted to award our Diploma of Honour to Peter Hall. This is the first time we’ve awarded this Honour to a producer from England, and it reflects not only the considerable contribution Peter has made over the last five decades but the global reputation that the UK now enjoys as a wine producing region.”

Peter Hall commented: “It really is a tremendous privilege to be awarded the Diploma of Honour from F.I.C.B. Given the history and tradition of the wine brotherhoods worldwide, and the reputation of previous recipients. Since childhood I was brought up to be modest with any achievements, but today I gratefully accept and feel hugely honoured to be recognised in this way. It serves also to recognise the wine industry in Britain within the wider wine world.”

The Winter Banquet is not only a celebration of fine wine and food but also a time to welcome new members, honour long standing ones, and celebrate those who have greatly contributed to the Guild’s mission. This year’s distinguished Guest of Honour, Mr. Alan Bryden, will present the F.I.C.B. Diploma of Honour to Peter as part of an unforgettable evening celebrating tradition, community, and the shared passion for wine. Peter will be welcomed as a new member and all will be toasted, very aptly, with Breaky Bottom’s 2016 Cuvée Sir Andrew Davis.

With all best wishes from the Breaky Bottom Team, Peter & Christina