SPIRIT OF THE WINEMAKER

You’ll already know Chapel Down, England’s largest wine producer, for its still and sparkling wines — but you might be less aware that it has moved into spirits, adding a Bacchus gin and Chardonnay vodka, both also produced at its base in Kent. Chapel Down’s Townhouse masterclass focused on how the brand decided to try spirits, plotting the points, tastes and similarities that run through its entire range. Given the gin uses distilled Bacchus grapes, producing a highly aromatic flavour, and the vodka is made from distilled grape skins — from fruit left over after winemaking — it’s not surprising there’s a family resemblance. This year’s harvest has also been the best in the history of the UK wine industry. The brand is planning a bar, restaurant and gin distillery in King’s Cross, as well as a new operation in Kent for its Curious Brewery beer and cider.