Dear SPWC Members
Finally, we have some decent weather to shout about after all the miserable wetness of winter and spring. I hope you’ve all been able to enjoy some of this lovely sunshine we’ve had over the last couple of weeks or so. I hope you have all tried out our fantastic new website for which we owe a massive thank you to Martyn and his team. I think you’ll agree that it looks really good. You can access the website at springparkwinecircle.org
Last Month’s Meeting
We were treated to some excellent wines last month by Matthew Iles of Quercus Wines. As a reminder, Quercus Wines is located on The Green in Westerham and all of the wines that Matthew brought with him last month are on sale there in his shop.
This Month’s Meeting
We have a welcome return from a SPWC favourite in the person of Debbie Peel from Marks and Spencer. Debbie always brings with her a great selection of affordable wines so I am sure we’re going to have another entertaining and interesting evening on Thursday July 11th.
Wine of the Month – Inca Miguel Cava, Spain, 11.5% ABV.
I’m sure Debbie won’t object that we’re featuring a cava from Marks and Spencer as July’s wine of the month. Now that we have some warm weather to enjoy this cava, produced in the traditional method by the Finca Miguel, featuring three different grape varieties (macabeo, xarello and parellada), has a juicy fruitiness with toasty undertones and is full of peppery, lime zest. Slightly drier than most cavas, its sweet and sour balance will be perfect with spicy, even hot pan-Asian cuisine. The Finca Miguel is situated in Cambrils in the province of Tarragona in Catalonia, north-eat Spain. This lovely sparkling wine is available from M and S at just £7 per bottle.
July Wine of the Month – Finca Miguel Cava
Restaurant of The Month – The White Bear, Fickleshole, Fairchildes Rd, Warlingham CR6 9PH
I’m sure many members will be familiar with the White Bear at Fickleshole which seems to change hand with alarming regularity. However, it’s recently re-opened under new ownership having undergone a complete refurbishment which blends modern décor with the traditional, historic pub. There is ample seating inside and also a large patio area at the back of the pub overlooking gardens and countryside. The menu is extensive, featuring traditional pub favourites, burgers and pizzas. Veggies are well catered for – the chestnut and wild mushroom pie caught my eye. There is a separate Sunday menu with roasts prominent. If you’re brave enough, you could try the trio of roasts (sirloin of beef, pork loin and chicken) with all the trimmings including Yorkshire pudding for £26.95. There is also a very good wine list with prices ranging from £25 to £35 per bottle. The only drawback is that there isn’t any public transport to get you there so you would have to find a willing driver. That said, it’s a great venue for a sunny, lunchtime, summer meal.
Lingfield Races
A group of 20 of us made the racing evening at Lingfield on June 1st and braved the cold windy weather. We managed to stay outside for most of the racing, fortified by the odd glass or two of wine before finally succumbing to the cold and moving indoors. I think a few winners were backed which added to the pleasure. Some of us then hung around for the evening’s entertainment featuring some great soul music from Ray Lewis of The Drifters and also from Heatwave. Apparently, some of us can’t remember much of the journey home afterwards.
SPWC Walk
For those of you who are going on the annual walk on Saturday, July 20th - - and we have more than 30 people who have said they intend to come – the plan is to meet at Wetherspoons pub In Camden (The Ice Wharf), adjacent to Regent’s Canal at 1200. Camden Town tube station is a short walk away. It is easily reached from London Bridge direct on the northern line or from Victoria (Victoria line to Warren Street and change onto the northern line). We will be walking alongside the canal to Paddington Lock where we will be having a meal at Zizzi’s Italian restaurant. There will be time to stop en route at The Warwick Castle for refreshments. If you are coming on the walk, could you please email Tracy (tracylrolfe@yahoo.com) and let her know which of the following you intend to undertake: -
Option 1 – Full walk/lunch
Option 2 – Drink/lunch
Garden Party
Tickets for our garden party at Sue and Dennis Gigney’s on Sunday 4th August will be on sale at our meeting next Thursday. Tickets will cost just £7 per person and will include a welcome drink on arrival (Pimms, prosecco or driver’s punch), nibbles and crisps, a green salad, coleslaw and roasted garlic potatoes, a bread board and a selection of ice creams. Those intending to come are reminded that you should bring your own food for cooking on the barbecue as well as drinks and garden chairs. Once again, if anyone is able to assist on the day, for example with the loan of a garden gazebo, please let us know. Any help would be much appreciated.
Did You Know?
The champagne producer, Taittinger, is about to launch its first sparkling wine produced in this country at their vineyard situated at Chilham, near Canterbury in Kent. Taittinger acquired the land in 2015 and converted it from apple orchards to grape production, renaming it Domaine Evremond. It now grows the classic champagne grapes – chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. If you were thinking of splashing out on a bottle of Domaine Evremond when it first hits the markets later this year, it’s likely to set you back around £50 a bottle!
Regards to all,