At Water Lane, we are lucky to have many neighbouring vineyards and pioneering
producers of English wine on our doorstep. Situated in the High Weald, an area encompassing Kent, the garden of England, and Sussex with its strong similarities in soil and climate to the Champagne region in France, we are surrounded by some of the best expressions of English wine. It is only a natural extension of our interest in this burgeoning new industry of wines, and the bottles we have on our restaurant list, to announce our first ever Wine Fair at Water Lane.
Curated in collaboration with wine writer and communicator, Abbie Moulton, author of New British Wine (Hoxton Mini Press) the Wine Fair is on Saturday 15th June (12pm-6pm) at the start of English Wine Week. In keeping with Water Lane’s ethos, our winemakers have been handpicked to reflect the same values: highlighting family-run and independent wineries, and those committed to organic and sustainable winemaking. Throughout the day we’ll offer a programme of events - learn to taste like a pro at an expert-led tutorial, find out about the future of English wine at our panel talk or listen to award-winning sommelier Honey Spencer talk about her new book Natural Wine, No Drama (Pavilion Books).
In the evening, an early summer supper of sharing plate style dishes will be served, cooked by Head Chef Jed Wrobel and his team; each course will be paired with an English wine by award-winning sommelier, Aleesha Hansel.
Tickets start at £7.50 for entrance only. There are also £25 tickets available which include four tasting samples and admittance to the panel discussion and interview event. Tickets to the Wine Fair and Supper (from 6.30pm) are separate and are £100 per person, and includes four tasting glasses from the wine market and a four-course sharing supper with each paired with our chosen wines.
Wine makers and producers confirmed include:
Oxney Organic Estate – Artelium Wine Estate – Wiston Estate - Roebuck Estates - Tillingham Winery – Kinsbrook Vinyard – Ham Street Wines – Walgate Wines – Mountfield Vinery - Oast Wood - Heartenoak - Uncharted Wines
The Water Lane Kitchen will be offering an informal menu through lunch and the afternoon.
Timetable for the day (all timings approximate and subject to change)
12 noon Doors open
12.30pm - 1.30pm - 2.30pm Tutored Tastings
2pm - 2.45pm In conversation with award winning sommelier Honey Spencer talking about her new book Natural Wine, No Drama with Q&A to follow
3.30pm - 4.30pm Find out about the future of English wine at our panel talk "New Wave Winemaking in England, from grape growing and winemaking, to selling and pouring" with Ham Street Wines, Walgate Wine & Co and Artelium
6.30pm Supper Club
The Wine Fair will be a fantastic way to taste and explore new wines in our region; we hope you will join us. Cheers!
Nick and Ian