Launch of gin and vodka made from local grapes

A winemaker has made its first venture into the spirits market using grapes from the 2016 harvest.

Chapel Down, which has vineyards in Tenterden, near Blue Bell Hill and in the Weald, has launched a gin and a vodka.

It follows the company’s foray into the beer and cider market in 2011 with its Curious Drinks brand. It is building a brewery in Ashford.

Last year, Chapel Down released a 23-year-old English grape brandy, the first to be made from English grapes, which was hailed by leading spirits writer Johnny Ray as “utterly, completely, overwhelmingly, mouthfillingly delicious”.

Both the Bacchus Gin and Chardonnay Vodka are produced from skins of their grape varieties.

The gin is then infused with juniper, coriander, elderflower, orris, angelica, lavender, orange peel and lemon. It is described as having “aromas of citrus fruits and a herbal finish”.

Josh Donaghay-Spire, head winemaker, said: “We wanted to create the perfect aromatic gin from our distilled Bacchus grapes.

“With delicate aromas of citrus peel, juniper and freshly cut grass it makes the perfect, refreshing English gin and tonic.”

The vodka has delicate citrus and floral aromas leading to a smooth, creamy palate, he said.

Each is packed in a custommade 70ml glass bottle.

The bottom half reflects a cutglass crystal decanter, while the frosted top half symbolises the shape of a wine bottle.

Chapel Down managing director Mark Harvey said: ”We see a significant opportunity ahead in super-premium spirits for Chapel Down.

“We have chosen to develop products with a simplicity of style that we think will cutthrough the competing noise in these high-growth segments.

“Our winemaker has developed products that faithfully reflect the balance and refreshing taste profile of the grape varietals from which they are made.

“These products are then packaged in an elegant custom-made, cut-glass design.

“After two years in development we are now excited to share these new spirits with the growing congregation of Chapel Down fans.” An independent, family-run business in Ashford is celebrating a successful first year.

Run by Gary Turk and his two sons, Lee and Jason, Turk’s Flooring specialises in providing a huge variety of flooring.

The business offers free fitting, measuring and estimates on all their carpets, vinyls and laminate flooring.

Gary Turk said: “We would like to thank our family, friends and customers for their support. Our first year has gone really well, even better than expected.

“We’ve had a lot of people coming to us through recommendations and a lot of returning customers already which is great.”

Turk’s Flooring has its own mobile display to let customers view their wide range of samples, for free, in the comfort of their own home as well as a newly improved showroom in Stafford Close, near Matalan.

The company also moves furniture and offers a disposal service.

To celebrate the success, Turk’s Flooring is running a January sale.

Visit www.turksflooring.com or on 01233 239554.

Chapel Down has entered the spirits market with Chardonnay Vodka and Bacchus Gin