Wines of GB trade tasting takes place

The annual trade tasting organised by trade body Wines of Great Britain took place on Thursday at a new venue, the RHS Lindley Hall in London. The event showcased English and Welsh wines from around 46 producers with 85 sparkling wines and 44 still wines to taste from a central tasting table and producers presenting additional wines at their stands.

Highlights from our visit were the fizzes from Gusbourne, Coates & Seely and still an old favourite of ours, Ridgeview with their non vintage Bloomsbury. Chapel Down, with their Union Red 2016, had by far the best red and Biddenden were showing a very light Pinot Noir 2016, which was delicious served chilled.

Meanwhile it was announced this week that seven Kentish wineries are joining forces to promote their wines under a partnership they are calling The Wine Garden of England. The wineries are Biddenden Vineyards, Chapel Down, Domaine Evremond, Gusbourne, Hush Heath Estate, Simpsons Wine Estate and Squerryes.

They aim to champion and develop the county’s wine tourism offering,
by using their combined strength to build and create a world-class wine trail and visitor experience in Kent.