Wildwood Vineyard Blanc de Noirs

Wildwood Vineyard was founded and is owned by three families – Paul and Andrea Olding, Paul’s Mum, Enid Olding and Andrea’s parents, Carol and Vic Greenway. Paul took up the job of vineyard manager and was trained at Plumpton Wine Division, but that’s not all he does. Paul is also a TV writer/director during the…

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Carr Taylor Demi-Sec

David and Linda Carr Taylor planted their vineyard in 1971 on 21 acres of land that David had purchased in 1969, which surrounded his family home in the East Sussex countryside. They planted varieties such as reichensteiner, gutenborner, muller thurgau, dornfelder, and the classic Champagne varieties, such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. During…

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Carr Taylor Brut

David and Linda Carr Taylor planted their vineyard in 1971, on 21 acres of land that David had purchased in 1969, which surrounded his family home in the East Sussex countryside. They planted varieties such as Reichensteiner, Gutenborner, Muller Thurgau, Dornfelder and the classic Champagne varieties, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. During the generous…

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Beyond Champagne: The Rise of English Sparkling Wine

For decades, if you wanted serious bubbles, you reached for Champagne. No questions asked. But times have changed, and so has our taste for fizz. England’s sparkling wine scene is booming, and not just in a “this’ll do” kind of way. With chalky soils that rival Champagne’s, a cool climate that locks in all that…

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Crouch Ridge Estate – Blanc de Blancs 2021

Sea Breeze Trophy Winner Ross and Samantha’s love of wine and the beautiful Crouch Valley Region inspired them in 2010 to plant Crouch Ridge Vineyard overlooking the River Crouch in the scenic village of Althorne, near Chelmsford in Essex. They have 15 acres planted with 3 classic cool climate grape varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and…

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Silverhand Estate Silver Reign Rosé

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Kent countryside, Silverhand Estate is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich heritage. It is defining the new rules of English sparkling wine, having established the largest single organic vineyard in the UK, covering an area of more than 800 acres. Winner…

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Breaky Bottom – Peter’s Note October 2024

October is usually the month of harvest, the culmination of a year’s work in the vineyard. 2024 has been hit with indifferent weather which triggered severe attacks of downy mildew in the UK and on the European continent. I have insufficient quality fruit to justify picking and below is the email I sent to the…

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Blackbook Winery – Interview With Sergio Verrillo

There is no denying that English Sparkling Wine is on the rise, becoming an undeniable contender to Traditional Method Sparkling Wines around the world. To the English, it’s becoming a fan favourite and a go-to Glass of Bubbly, its quality is improving year on year and thanks to innovators and those willing to follow their…

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