BEARING FRUIT Ashford-based winery Gusbourne is delighted to announce the debut of its first sweet wine, Chardonnay RS180. Chief winemaker Charlie Holland has long had sights on creating a dessert wine for Gusbourne’s portfolio, and using 2022 vintage’s beautifully ripe Chardonnay 809 fruit, he worked with the team and achieved it. The result is this lush, sweet wine – golden-hued with sumptuously ripe flavours of stone fruit and a delicate marmalade character. It’s beautifully flexible, working with pastry and sweet custard desserts, perhaps even wedding cake, as well as fulfilling the role of a Sauternes with rich pâté or cheese. This newbie has been introduced alongside Gusbourne’s existing Chardonnay Guinevere, which we love. It has a pale golden colour with a nose brimming with honeyed citrus, orchard fruits and toasted nuts. On the palate its silky texture is bursting with flavours of lemon zest, green apple and pineapple, and pairs perfectly with fish, seafood, light meats and cheese. Gusbourne also makes a wonderful range of sparkling English wines perfect for toasting your nuptials. To find out more head over to www.gusbourne.com WINNERS ANNOUNCED Celebrating their 10th year, the Muddy Stilettos Awards have been announced for 2023. Designed to support and promote local businesses and high streets, they’re prized for recognising those with originality, creativity and quality. This year, 77,000 were nominated and an astonishing 800,000 votes were received. On hearing of the announcement, we here at Your Kent Wedding eagerly scanned the list of Kentish winners to see if any of our local wedding industry pals were fortunate enough to take home a gong and we’re pleased to report there was a whole host! First up, massive congrats go out the team at Vicki’s Bridal Boutique in Tenterden (www.vickisbride.co.uk) who deservedly collected the award for Best Bridal Boutique. Owners Hannah and Megan say, “We’re so excited an honoured to have been awarded The Best Bridal Shop in Kent. We pride ourselves on making sure every bride-to-be who walks through our doors feels just as at home in our happy place as we do.” In the Best Jeweller category there was plenty of reason to celebrate as two long-time Your Kent Wedding contributors were recognised. The lovely Natalie from Navette Jewellery Studio (https://navettejewellery.co.uk) in Ashford was delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist, while Fitzgerald Jewellers (www.fitzgeraldjewellers.co.uk) in Canterbury ultimately took home the prize. Olivia Fitzgerald from Fitzgerald Jewellers told us, “We genuinely can’t believe we’ve won Best Jeweller in Kent with Muddy Kent for a second year in a row. It’s such an incredible honour to be recognised by our loyal customers for the service we deliver. We’re blown away by the messages, emails and even phone calls of people calling to congratulate us. It feels like such a prestigious award simply because it’s voted for by the general public. If we could say anything about it, it would be, ‘thank you.’ We couldn’t be more proud.” Some of Kent’s finest wedding venues were also recognised across several categories. Hever Castle (www.hevercastle.co.uk) was awarded Best Family Attraction, while Cave Hotel (www.cavehotels. com) in Boughton went away with Best Hotel/Inn. We caught up with Kayleigh Wild, group sales and marketing direct at Cave Hotel & Golf Resort, who said, “We’re absolutely thrilled and grateful to be named the winner of this category. This prestigious award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team who continuously strive to provide our guests with an exceptional stay, exceeding their expectations at every turn.” Finally, The Orangery in Maidstone (www.theorangerymaidstone.com) was heralded as the Best Wedding Venue in Kent. Congratulations one and all! TIME TO EXPLORE Bromley Court is steeped in history and allows guests to enjoy the warm atmosphere of a wonderful and intimate country house. Years of hospitality experience have gone into fine-tuning its rooms and events spaces, while the glorious gardens are full of both beauty and heritage. The Hotel can host ceremonies and receptions across several charming rooms and suites, from the intimate Leona’s Room for 20 nearest and dearest, to the grandest Garden Suite with space for up to 250 guests. If this sounds like your dream venue, head down to its next Wedding Showcase Event on Sunday 6th August, 2023, from 12pm to 3pm. Nibble on tasty canapés, while sipping a glass of bubbly as you explore the Hotel, and chat to the team. You’ll also be able to enjoy performances from a live singer, as well as a drink tasting in the Garden Bar. Tickets are £2, which will be donated to Chartwell Cancer Children’s Trust, and are bookable via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ wedding-showcase-event-tickets-519096821567. Find out more at https://bromleycourthotel.co.uk/weddings Fitzgerald Jewellers Cave Hotel & Golf Resort Navette Jewellery Studio © www.nnastiaphotography.com Hever Castle 10
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