Raise a glass to England at its intoxicating best
DRINK in the delights of England! When it comes to alcoholic beverages, few countries have such a rich heritage – and that heritage is just waiting to be explored, whether you embark on a vineyard tour, try a spot of gin tasting or wander an adventure ale trail through a national park. Here are some events and ideas worth raising a glass to:
English wine week
THIS event takes place from now until June 1, so why not mark it with a glass or two of English sparkling wine? Nyetimber in Sussex produces some of the finest, rivalling the very best sparkling wines in the world, including those of a certain country across the Channel.
They don’t give tours yet, but there are plenty of other English wine producers who offer behind-thescenes experiences, including the Chapel Down winery deep in the Kent countryside. Book a guided tour and wander through sun-kissed vineyards while swotting up on Vin Anglais before sampling fine wines.
Elsewhere, admire rows of grapevines adorning rolling hills on a relaxed tour of Camel Valley in Cornwall. If you’d rather skip the tour and just pop open a bottle, there’s a terrace where you can take in the panoramic views over a glass of award-winning white Pinot Noir Brut.
Taste Churchill’s tipple
ENJOY the authentic English gin experience by taking a 40-minute tour of the Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth, the oldest working gin distillery in the country. You’ll be guided around what has been the working home of Plymouth Gin since 1793. Find out about the history of the distillery, which used to be a monastery, and get an introduction to how Plymouth Gin is made. If you’re as much of a fan as Churchill, who adored Plymouth Gin martinis, opt for the Master Distiller’s Private Tour, where you’ll create and distil your very own gin recipe. And if that still hasn’t quenched your thirst for the crisp juniper-berry-infused beverage, there are plenty of gin cocktails to choose from at the Refectory Bar.
Go on an adventure ale trail
STRIKING scenery, local food, real ale and cosy accommodation are all on the menu with Jennings adventure ale trails in the Lake District.
Head out and explore England’s biggest national park on a brand new series of trails through some of the country’s most dramatic valleys.
The walking routes combine all of the best things about the Lakes, whether you want to strap on your hiking boots and cover lots of ground or just potter around hidden corners.
Whichever trail you choose, you’re sure to enjoy both lovely scenery and a great selection of locally-brewed ales.
A taste of the Lakes…
THE Lakes Distillery, Cumbria’s first whisky distillery, will open later this year. Housed in a Victorian former farm in the Lake District, it will make the most of Cumbria’s perfect conditions to distil both malt whisky and gin.
Gin fans will also love the new Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire, also set to open later this year. Bombay Sapphire has worked closely with famous designers to create a glasshouse that will house Bombay Sapphire’s ten botanical ingredients, along with a bar and a school.