Cotes du Newent? I’ll drink to that
Summer is here at last – and what better way to enjoy it than to hop across the water for a spot of wine-tasting, while soaking up the sights of England’s stunning southwest.
Newent – 11km from Gloucester on the edge of the Forest of Dean – is home to Three Choirs, one of England’s largest vineyards, spread over 75 acres. Having produced its first vintage in 1976 it is also one of the country’s oldest wine producers. The vineyard’s name comes from the location – roughly equidistant between Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester, all venues for annual music festivals.
A major bonus is you can also stay at Three Choirs. There is accommodation in 11 rooms in a block and in three lodges among the vines. You can book a variety of packages that include a tour, tasting, dinner or all three. Among non-resident options, there’s an hour-long winery tour and wine tasting, at €14 per person.
The estate has a natural trail where you might spot rabbits, buzzards, woodpeckers and squirrels, and there’s a shop where you can buy whites, reds, rosés and the vineyard’s fizz. Its Classic Cuvee Non Vintage Brut is delicious.
You can also book just for a lunch or dinner. The restaurant has a good reputation, with a menu that includes delicious Herefordshire 28-day aged fillet steak with duckfat chips (€31). Alternatively, there’s local wild boar burger or succulent Herefordshire lamb. For dessert, how about treacle tart with May Hill rhubarb ripple ice cream – named after a local beauty spot?
Once you’ve drunk in all the vineyard has to offer, there are many other sightseeing opportunities. The International Bird of Prey Centre is just outside Newent. Time your visit to coincide with flying displays or book a half- or full-day falconry experience. Gloucester has a splendid cathedral – and was the backdrop for scenes in the Harry Potter films and Doctor Who, while Trioscape Garden Centre at Highleadon has a great restaurant with homemade treats and lots of treasures for the green-fingered.
Newent itself is a charming market town and home to some unusual festivals. One of them is the Joe Meek Celebration, which takes place in October. The songwriter and producer, best known for the hit single Telstar, lived in the town, and there’s even a plaque to commemorate him. Another event is the annual Onion Fayre, which has prizes for eating raw onions the fastest.
If only there was an award for Herefordshire beef washed down with a Three Choirs red.
GETTING THERE Rooms at Three Choirs Vineyards with B&B and winetasting from €165. Visit threechoirs.com
Ryanair flies Dublin to Bristol from €34 return, with train and bus links from the airport to Gloucester.