After a busy summer season of tours, tastings, and launching its Winemaker’s Edition, Bolney Wine Estate, the Sussex based family-run vineyard producing award-winning still and sparkling wines is now gearing up for the most important part of the winemaking calendar: harvest.
Thanks to the fantastic work from the team, the vines are thriving, and the grapes are growing, and the Estate is hoping for a warm and sunny September to give the grapes a final push. Last month, members of staff from all departments pitched in to help with vine tucking, which enables the sun to focus all its energy onto the grapes. This encourages upward growth and maximises light and fresh air. The small leaves were also trimmed and stripped in the fruiting zone which allows air to flow around the fruit, and releases humidity. Harvest truly is a team effort!
This time of year also brings other natural delights to the fore, and whilst well known for its grapes, other ingredients such as blackberries, elderberries, sloes, and nettles grow in abundance across the Estate too. Guided by Nature is the philosophy that drives the winemaking at Bolney, but the same principle applies when it comes to creating new menus for the Eighteen Acre Café, with its stunning views overlooking the vines.
The chef team has created an exciting new menu for autumn, which is available now, and includes a selection of small and large plates, sharing boards, and of course paired wine flights. Guests can choose from dishes such as:
Honey roast figs & Parma ham with radicchio, chestnuts, Bolney red wine and balsamic reduction. Wine match Lychgate Red
Mussel & salt baked celeriac risotto, parsley gel, breadcrumbed mussels, and pea shoots. Wine match Estate Pinot Gris
Smoked mackerel paté with compressed pear, pickled beetroot, fresh horseradish, and crackers. Wine match Blanc de Blancs
Sussex cheese & charcuterie board. Wine match – a wine flight of Lychgate Red, Lychgate Rosé and Lychgate Bacchus
Apple & blackberry crumble, oat and buckwheat crumble and Crème Anglaise. Wine match Eighteen Acre Rosé
Sam Linter, MD and head winemaker at Bolney Wine Estate, commented: “Although nerve-wracking, harvest is one of the most exciting times of the year for the Estate. This year’s weather has been quite challenging so far, but September’s weather has been encouraging. The team is continually monitoring any changes so that we can react quickly & adjust our picking plan accordingly.”
To see the progress of the Bolney harvest, follow the Estate on Instagram @bolneyestate and to try the new autumn menu at the Eighteen Acre Café, book online here. The café is open from Monday – Sunday, with the new menu available for lunch from Wednesday – Sunday.
For more details about visiting Bolney Wine Estate visit https://bolneywineestate.com