🍾 A Celebration of English Wine

We began, as all good evenings should, with a glass of something special. Camel Valley’s Special Reserve 2016 set the tone beautifully. Founded in 1989 by former RAF pilot Bob Lindo and his wife Annie, Camel Valley is one of England’s true pioneers. This award-winning sparkling wine, aged for five years on its lees, showed real elegance — think brioche, baked apple and citrus, with a fine, celebratory mousse.

The starter introduced Court Garden’s Ditchling White 2025, a vibrant blend from a small Sussex producer established in 1987. Fresh, aromatic and full of energy, it showcased just how exciting English still wines have become, with notes of elderflower, citrus and green apple.

For the main course, Nutbourne’s Pinot Noir 2022 demonstrated the growing confidence of English reds. Produced by the Gladwin family in West Sussex, this elegant wine — from a warmer vintage — offered soft red berry fruit, gentle spice and a beautifully balanced structure.

Dessert was paired with Charles Palmer Demi-Sec, a slightly sweeter sparkling wine from a boutique Sussex estate near Winchelsea. With its honeyed fruit and refreshing acidity, it was the perfect way to end the evening.

Over the past two decades, the English wine industry has transformed dramatically. With over 1,000 vineyards across the UK and Sussex and Kent leading the way, English wines are now gaining global recognition. Our cool climate allows for slow ripening, creating wines with precision and elegance — particularly in sparkling styles, which are now challenging Champagne on the world stage.

But as the evening showed, it’s not just about fizz. From crisp whites to expressive reds and versatile sparkling styles, English wine continues to evolve and impress.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined — whether celebrating, learning or simply enjoying the wines. Evenings like this are exactly why we do what we do.

Finally not forgetting our raffle with our charity partner St. Wilfrids – we managed to add another £200 to the fundraising which is truly spectacular! Thank you everyone for your support for this amazing charity!