Fizzology - September 2024
- lucy8388
- Sep 4, 2024
- 3 min read
September is a special time at vineyards. With outdoor events continuing, some exciting new activities and harvest on the way, there are plenty of reasons to plan a vineyard visit. It's all in this latest edition of Fizzology.
Fizz Favourites
Here's some of the interesting events happening in vineyards across the country that have caught my eye this month:
Tinwood Estate, Sussex - 19 September
If you like wine and chocolate this sounds too good to be true. A taste of three different chocolate flavours, each individually paired with Blanc de Blancs, Brut, and Rose.
Kingscote Estate, Sussex
'As many glasses of bubbles as your heart desires and a view to die for' - I can't think of a better reason to do Sunday Brunch. Available to book on selected Sundays until the end of November.
Saffron Grange, Essex - 20th & 21st September
Film, fun and fizz with showings of Romeo & Juliet and Moulin Rouge
Amber Valley Vineyard, Derbyshire
There's still a chance to enjoy the beautiful orchard market on Saturday 21st September 10-4 and a twilight market on Saturday 12th October 3-6pm.
Woodchester Valley Vineyard, Gloucestershire
On Wednesday evenings throughout September you can enjoy a stroll through the vines with a glass of fizz, then taste three award-winning wines all served with a selection of local cheese & charcuterie.
Carlton Towers, Yorkshire - Sunday 29th September
A rare chance to tour the walled vineyard at the magnificent Carlton Towers stately home and taste a glass of their fabulous sparkling wine.
Sandridge Barton, South Devon - 27th September - 13th October
As part of the 'England's Seafood Feast' celebration you can visit Sandridge Barton's onsite restaurant, Circa, where they will showcase different boat-day catches or visit the tasting bar where they will be serving a seafood small-plate on the bar menu with a wine flight.
Harvest on the horizon
As we head into September thoughts are turning to harvest. Some vineyards are reporting that the wet weather this year has meant grapes are about two weeks behind where they might have been. Depending on grape variety and location, harvesting will start towards the end of September and you may be able to get involved. A lot of vineyards rely on volunteers to help with harvest and often repay you for your time in wine! Read about my experience last year.
Our vineyard finder will help you identify opportunities, or if you live near a vineyard why not get in touch and see if they are looking for helpers. There's something very rewarding about picking grapes then tasting what has been produced with previous years' yields.
Some vineyards are organising paid-for harvest experiences and special tasting events.
Here's a few that have caught my eye:
Enjoy yoga in the vines
There's something very special about practising yoga outside surrounded by vines. You can find out how I enjoyed sunset yoga at Astley vineyard.
Yoga in the vines is becoming more popular and sessions sell out fast. Balfour in Kent has a session running this Sunday 8th September.