ABINGDON WINE ESTATE

BEST FOR A Midlands gourmet escape with a warm welcome and excellent food and wine. FOOD This boutique wine estate is owned and run by Ian and Jane Smorthwaite, with their daughter Laurie. Ian and Laurie are the winemakers, and Jane the competent chef. The menu offers hearty meals, cooked with love and care. Everything from the Midland’s harvest board to chargrilled fillet steak is designed for sharing. Add-ons include crispy pork belly, rich melt-in-the-mouth oxtail and heavenly fresh trout wrapped in phyllo pastry. For dessert, choose between the Abingdon mess or dark chocolate fudge cake with coffee ice cream and salted-caramel sauce. DRINKS You can pair your meal with Abingdon wine, although guest estates feature too. Come early for a personalised wine tasting. SERVICE Welcoming local hospitality; attentive yet discreet. AMBIENCE On a glorious Midlands day, enjoy the country atmosphere alongside the vineyards. When winter’s chill sets in, expect roaring log fires inside. (JCM)