SANDRIDGE BARTON’S DART VALLEY RESERVE 2021 IS RECOGNISED IN WINE COMPETITION One of the region’s leading vineyards, Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wine, has won a prestigious award for its white wine in a major competition. ‘Dart Valley Reserve 2021’ was voted the region’s ‘Best Dry White Wine’ at the WineGB West Awards. This year’s awards were judged at the winery’s very own new visitor centre and the judges said they were impressed by the winery, which is tucked into rolling hills between Torbay and the River Dart. Winemakers from the famous Sharpham Estate completed their move across the Dart to the new state-of-the-art winery at Sandridge Barton last year and this is the first major award to be won by the team since the 40-year-old Sharpham Wine brand was relocated. “It was a real pleasure to welcome the prestigious team of judges to our new winery and to be able to offer them hospitality at our amazing restaurant which is already earning wonderful plaudits for its food and service,” commented Duncan Schwab, CEO and head winemaker. More than 100 wines were judged on the day - both sparkling and still - and samples from all over the region included white, rosé, red, oaked, and non-oaked and both dry and medium wines. “The team has done fantastically well to gain this accolade,” he added. “The exciting thing for us is that it allows us to invite the wider public to come and sample this wonderful wine at our new home just outside Stoke Gabriel. We are very proud of our new winery and visitor centre, with its fabulous restaurant run by the Circa team. For many of our visitors this year, it has been a culinary treat to see these talented chefs representing the Devon countryside by creating amazing dishes using local ingredients. One example of this is our highly popular Sunday roasts, which feature the delicious South Devon beef raised on the wider Sandridge Barton estate, close to the vineyards.” Panel chair for the WineGB West Awards was West Country-based consultant sommelier Rebecca Mitchell who commented: “Sandridge Barton was a wonderful setting for this year’s competition and the team looked after us. We were treated to delicious, locally sourced food at Circa, their on-site restaurant. I speak on behalf of all the judges in saying how impressed we were by the overall very high standard of wine creativity on display for us to judge.” This year, visitors can expect the launch of the winery’s new ‘Vine to Wine’ tours, which will cover the winemaking process from grape to bottle, as well as new wines to come from this year’s bumper harvest. Bookings for Sandridge Barton’s three self-catering properties are also being taken. The 12-person Sandridge Barton House is perfect for larger groups, the secluded four-person Boathouse is ideal for rural retreats, and the newly-renovated six-person Lower Well Farmhouse is also available. To find out more please visit sandridgebarton.com SOUTH WEST WINE SCHOOL INTRODUCES NEW WSET LEVEL 3 AWARD IN WINES COURSE AT DARTS FARM The region’s leading wine educator, South West Wine School is hosting its first Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 course at Darts Farm. Taking place from 13th March for six days for three consecutive weeks, the course is an internationally recognised qualification suited to wine connoisseurs and those in the drinks and hospitality industries in a supervisory capacity. The course costs £875 and is available to book at www.southwestwineschool.co.uk In addition, the next Level 1 (a one-day course, £210) is on Friday 3rd March 2023 and the next Level 2 (a three-day course on consecutive Fridays, £495) starts on Friday 21st April 2023. The Wine & Spirit Education Trust is the leader in providing globally recognised education and qualifications in wines and spirits for both professionals and enthusiasts. Founded by Jonathan and Hayley Reynolds, South West Wine School provides first-rate wine education across the region. Jonathan Reynolds, the co-founder of South West Wine School, says: ‘Whether you’re in the hospitality trade, are a wine enthusiast or need to increase your wine knowledge to give you more confidence when entertaining clients at work, the WSET courses are absolutely brilliant. Each level greatly expands and enriches your understanding of the subject in a comprehensive and structured way. On the courses, people will learn everything from the key grape varieties, viticultural and vinification practices, the principles of food and wine matching and how to correctly serve and store wine to how to describe wine and its characteristics.” Jonathan continues: “Here at South West Wine School we work with WSET-certified educators to ensure the best possible delivery of courses, giving the highest level of wine education.” The Estuary Room at Darts Farm, where the courses take place, is the perfect place to learn about wine. Many of the wines tasted are available to buy at the extensive on-site wine shop which sells a carefully selected range of wines from around the world, as well as an excellent selection of both wines and spirits produced locally. Commenting on the wine school, George Dart says: “I recently attended the South West Wine School WSET Level 2 course. I have always had a strong interest in wine and the course was first-rate. It opened my eyes to how much there is to discover and learn about this fascinating topic. I would recommend this course to everyone.” WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is a beginner’s introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine. For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a handson introduction to the world of wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately and make food and wine pairings. No prior knowledge is required. WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is the beginner to intermediate qualification exploring wines for those working in the industry - or pure wine and spirit enthusiasts. For those seeking a core understanding of wines, this qualification explores the major grape varieties and important wine regions in which they are grown. You’ll learn about the styles of wines produced from these grapes as well as key classifications and labelling terminology. During the classroom-based Level 3 course you will learn about wines in a thorough and structured manner and acquire in-depth knowledge enabling you to advise about wine selection with authority. For further information about South West Wine School or to book a WSET course visit www.southwestwineschool.co.uk MILLBROOK COTTAGE & ESTATE WIN EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE BADGE The talented team at Millbrook Cottages have won an inaugural Exceptional Service badge, as part of the Feefo Trusted Service Awards and they’re the only business in hospitality to receive this. The award is in recognition of the team’s sustained progress in consistent service performance, customer interaction and engagement over the past year. It shows that they’re delivering time and again for their customers and placing customer service at the heart of what they do. To book a stay, visit www.millbrookestate.co.uk Turn to our intimate wedding feature on page 47 to find out more! 11 LOCAL NEWS
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=