WOOHOO. What a privilege it was yesterday to be invited by my old friends to be one of the first to plant a vine at their new vineyard in Alfriston called Rathfinny Estate which I’ve written about before here. Also, if you want more details there is a large article all about it in the Sunday Telegraph which tells you lots of interesting facts and figures. They also haven’t decided on a name yet – “Sussex” still seems to be the most popular choice, but perhaps I should ask them if I can run a competition to think of the best name. Mine would be “SUXESS” – a good mixture on “success” and “Sussex” don’t you think?
Just a lovely gathering of friends and family all invited to get involved and be part of something pretty momentous in English sparkling wine. So exciting. There is much to do – it’s a monster project. We each planted one chardonnay grape vine, covered in wax to keep the rabbits away and fused on to a different root tip (sorry, my level of understanding stops there).
Here is everyone planting their vines and talking to the expert:-
This is what they all look like:-
and of course I had to get a photo of me planting my vine:-
Then we all gathered in their existing buildings to admire the view and look at the plans:-
They served some very delicious English wine called Bacchus Reserve from a vineyard called Chapel Down in Kent which I thought tasted quite like some of the New Zealand Malborough Sauvignon Blanc’s I love so much:-
It’s a dusty business. Not sure I’m cut out for this country living farm life:-
Crystal Jigsaw
April 2, 2012I don’t drink but I think it’s so rewarding to plant trees of any kind. And your boots are positively clean compared to my sheep-smeared ones!!
CJ x
Family Affairs
April 2, 2012Yes, they probably are!! No animals apart from dogs to get messy with! Lx
Multilayermummy
April 4, 2012You lucky thing, am well envious (refuse to say jel!) I read about this in the newspaper and its not far from where I live, am looking forward to visiting and of course sampling their wares eventually!
Family Affairs
April 4, 2012Great – keep in touch and I’ll let you know when they are next doing an event! Lx