Dear SPWC Members
I believe we’ve mentioned it before but December will mark the Golden Jubilee of Spring Park Wine Circle. Amazingly it’s 50 years since we were established and, naturally, we will use our December meeting not only as a fundraiser for our chosen charity but also to mark our 50th birthday in a suitable manner. The committee already have some ideas as to what form the celebrations are likely to take but if you have any suggestions of your own, please feel free to share them with the committee.
Last Month’s Meeting
The more observant amongst will have noticed that it wasn’t Bob Shambler speaking to us about English wines last month – Bob will be presenting in October – but Heather and Barbara who gave us “Summer Uncorked” with some excellent and very reasonably priced wines that are perfect for a summer’s day. Thanks to them both for stepping in at short notice and also to Julie and Steve who looked after the cellar for Kevin.
This Month’s Meeting
On Thursday, August 14th at 8 pm we welcome a new speaker to Spring Park Wine Circle. Eleanor Cogill has a daytime job as a university lecturer but she also has a passion for wine and she will be talking to us about wines from Italy. I think we’re in for a real treat.
Wine of the Month – Dāo Encruzado, Portugal 2024, 12.5% ABV
Punching well above its weight, the Dāo region of Portugal’s encruzado grape makes a welcome new addition to summer swigging. Made from 30-year-old vines grown on granite soil, this fuller-bodied, unoaked, barbecue-loving white delivers a blast of steely citrus zest. It’s rare to find an encruzado on our supermarket shelves. Hailing from Portugal’s Dāo region, the variety has traditionally been a bedrock of blends, however it is so much more than a support act, with the best examples sometimes compared to white Burgundy. It has an enticing, faintly nutty nose, citrus freshness, and a textural levity and sophistication that belies its sub-£10 price point, so it comes highly recommended. A versatile wine, it’s a perfect match for a pear, blue cheese and toasted hazelnut salad. This wine forms part of the M and S “Found” range and is priced at £8.50 per bottle.
Wine of the Month – Dāo Encruzado
Did You Know?
French wine is in a crisis that wine growers consider to be “the most serious in their history”. Winemakers face a potentially catastrophic economic situation with the saturation of consumer markets and rising costs amid repeated climactic hazards and international trade issues. Wine growers are calling on the French government to adopt more urgent measures to save their industry. As a start, the government has already offered to compensate growers to rip out vines to reduce supply. Set against this, global wine consumption in 2024 fell to its lowest level since 1961. Good job we in SPWC are doing our bit to keep levels up!
Pub of the Month – The Ivy House, High Street Tonbridge
If ever you’re in Tonbridge and looking for somewhere to eat and drink then give the Ivy House a try. They have a “luxurious and extensive” drinks list including their Ivy House Garden Cocktail and a wide range of Hendricks gin flavours. The Ivy House has plenty of space both indoors and outside and patrons are always made to feel welcome. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, there is an excellent food menu which includes various “theme” nights, such as burgers on a Monday and steaks on Wednesday. It’s also open daily for breakfast when, if you’re feeling thirsty, you can add a mimosa or a bellini to your full English or eggs royale.
Other Events 2025
Thanks to everyone who attended our summer walk in Tonbridge back on July 9th. The group enjoyed a lovely walk through Haysden Country Park and adjourned to the Maid of Kent wine bar just as the heavens opened. A very convivial meal followed at The Ivy House (see above) and the rain subsided just in time for the return journey. Thanks particularly to Paul for organising a great day. Our next away day is at Lingfield races this Saturday (August 2nd) and we’ll be hoping for some warmer weather than we had last time we went to Lingfield.
Very best wishes,
Goff
1st August 2025