Well, they are on the doorstep and we have tried quite a few now - it would be rude not to! Last year my sister and I visited and at The English Wine Company on a rare day trip out from White Lodge B&B. We were introduced to a very exciting map - The Vineyard Map of England & Wales. On closer inspection it appears that we are very well served locally in East Sussex with quality local sparkling wine or as we like to call it champagne! They are many local vineyards and we made it our mission to explore them or at least taste and enjoy the local produce! We were not disappointed and now we have guests relishing the same challenge they are amazed at what is on White Lodge's doorstep!
Last weekend our guests enjoyed an afternoon at Court Garden at nearby Ditching a lovely birthday gift. Court Garden was established in 2005 and enjoys a lovely south-facing slope with the South Downs as a perfect backdrop. The week before New Zealand guests were seen enjoying some such refreshment on our spacious first roof sun terrace!
I myself have enjoyed a great afternoon out at Ridgeview also local this year. It is a family company dedicated to the production of the highest quality sparkling wine using traditional sparkling grape varieties and methods. Devotion to the vineyards and winemaking has resulted in Ridgeview being the proud winners of numerous international sparkling wine trophies. Well deserved and now served at No.10 Downing Street!
Tonight it's my early birthday celebrations so we will be treating ourselves to some local Nyetimber before dining out at the local Blacksmith Arms, Offham. Nyetimber was a delightfull discovery this summer and has become a firm favourite in our humble opinion rivalling our old favourite Verve Clicquot. We love supporting local companies and this is a real winner all round. I can't wait to 7pm to crack open a bottle with friends!
The experts agree "Revealing what is ‘Behind the Label’ in the 100% Chardonnay vintage, Matthew Jukes describes the Blanc de Blancs 2009 as “world class in every way" - ‘Behind the Label’ – 2009 Nyetimber, Blanc de Blancs, England. Blanc de Blancs simply means ‘white wine from white grapes’ and in the case of this epic sparkler and most Champagnes that bear this expression they mean it is 100% Chardonnay! I have had to bite my tongue for nearly a year, waiting for the release of this wine, because I was given rare access to a sneak preview way back in 2015. Finally, it hits the shelves and it is the second truly great wine to emerge from the new era of Nyetimber – world class in every way!
So why not come and join us at White Lodge B&B Lewes this autumn and enjoy a local vineyard tour. Local delicious sparking wine and locally sourced produce for breakfast as well as homemade breads and cakes. If you fancy a short stay at White Lodge bed and breakfast Lewes this autumn call Ann on +44 1273 400151 or email us stay@whitelodge.gb.com.