WINE AND DINE Nestled in the High Weald AONB on the edge of Ashdown Forest, you’ll find Downsview Vineyard. Whether you’re looking for an intimate, blank canvas venue or some very fine local wine to toast your nuptials, we highly recommend checking it out. Our editor Kelly paid a visit at the end of the summer, attending one of the Vineyard’s Sunday tasting lunches. Read on as she tells us more... Seated across from the vines where I could soak up the last of the summer sun and take in the panoramic views of the South Downs, I met charming owner and passionate winemaker Toby who was to take us through his wonderful wines paired with an incredible five-course tasting menu catered by Fitzgerald Catering (https:// fitzgeraldcatering.co.uk). Having taken over the business five years ago with his wife, Toby makes no fewer than 10 varieties of wine. Established a decade ago, the vines now cover two acres, where the six grape varieties flourishing here allow Toby to create a stunning range of white, red, rose and sparkling. Initially producing 2,500 bottles a year, the vines now yield a whopping 13,000 bottles. Having enjoyed an aperitif of recently bottled, aromatic Bacchus with elderflower notes, England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc, lunch began with The Gardener’s plate. A riot of colour in front of me, this starter packed a fresh punch with zingy flavours of pickled vegetables. As with the entire meal, it really gave the feel of dining on freshly foraged ingredients or produce direct from the farm. This was paired with Downsview’s Old Vine White 2022. Toby is on a mission to save vines of more than 35 years old, which are quite rare in this country with only around 100 acres surviving. These old Germanic varieties, these were mostly planted back in the 80s. The winemaker’s vision is to become the custodian of the majority of the country’s old vines, firmly believing they contain wine magic. The product is reminiscent of wines produced in the Italian Alps – a pure, light, very moreish white. The delicious Quackettes (duck croquettes) were served on a fruity fig jam and paired with the Pantiles Pink NV. With strawberry and cherry notes, this lovely light sparkling rose was designed to drink in your pyjamas Toby says! Created during the pandemic from pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes using Champagne methods, it boasts a delightful soft texture. Unbelievably fruity, pairing well with the fig jam, this too is scarily moreish! I can certainly see it making a welcome appearance during a summer postceremony drinks reception. A foodie highlight for me was the miso tuna tartare, paired with the Anderida 2018. As it needs to be aged for a minimum of six years, this was about ready to drink. Adopting a local Anglo-Saxon name, this wine for me gave smoky notes of gunpowder. The luxurious main course was venison served with a plum and cobnut salad, which was a real treat alongside a glass of Pinot Noir. Unlike most red wines, this is actually at its best when served chilled on a hot day being so light bodied. Admittedly not being the greatest red wine fan, this made it the perfect option for me. I was sad to reach the last course, wishing these breathtaking combinations would go on forever! Served in a super-cute little plant pot, topped with edible soil, the pear and blackberry dessert was as refreshingly light as the rest of the meal with just the right amount of sweetness to close things out. It was time for another glass of bubbly, this time the Heron’s Ghyll NV. A fruity sparkling wine, it was a dream pairing with the pear and blackberry. Toby describes it as an English prosecco with Champagne bubbles, which sounds accurate to me! On site, there’s also an English vermouth maker, In The Loop (www. intheloopdrinks.co.uk) and indeed, it would be remiss not to avail ourselves of her produce too! So, we finished with a delicious orange Negroni – what a treat. All in all this was an absolutely wonderful experience, that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. With such incredible wine produced on your doorstep it would be a shame not to celebrate your home county as you celebrate your love, as long as your venue permits. Especially since Downsview Vineyard offers bulk purchases for blank canvas venues. Sample the stunning wines and food for yourselves at one of the Pizza Nights, every Friday 6pm-9pm. On Saturdays, the Vineyard is open from 2pm-9pm serving wine and food from 2pm-8pm offering drinks, pizza, and platters of local meats and cheese. Wine is also available to purchase and take away. Keep your eyes on the website for details of 2025’s super clubs. You can even host your reception at the Vineyard and Toby and his team welcomed their first wedding in 2024. The winery offers an intimate space upstairs in the speakeasy bar or downstairs able to accommodate 50 loved ones. What’s more, there’s glamping available on site in the shape of four bell tents, with plenty of other accommodation options nearby. Find out more at www.downsviewvineyard.co.uk Scan to view video www.ashleighbrittenmedia.com www.ashleighbrittenmedia.com www.ashleighbrittenmedia.com Review 10
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