Dear SPWC Members
August was a really busy month for the club, starting with our visit to Lingfield races on the 2nd which fortunately provided us with a decent sunny day, unlike last year. A few of us made a couple of quid and the Abba tribute band after the racing finished was really good. Then we had our summer BBQ at the Warren on the 17th – more really good weather. Thanks especially go to Ian for sorting out our “pitch” for the afternoon and for the cooking. And finally, a dozen intrepid souls enjoyed a lovely afternoon out at the Hop Festival in Faversham on the 31st. Our thanks go to everyone who supported these events. You’ll be pleased to know September is going to be a bit quieter!
Last Month’s Meeting
I think we had a record August turn out for last month’s presentation. I counted 48 members and guests present and how lovely it was to see Meg and Ian among the guests for the evening. Our presenter, Eleanor Cogill, a first-time visitor to SPWC, spoke with eloquence and passion about some of her favourite wines from Italy and a most enjoyable time was had by all who attended. I’m sure we will be inviting Eleanor back again. I believe we also took a record amount on the raffle for the evening so thanks for your support and well done to those who walked away with a prize bottle!
This Month’s Meeting
Next Thursday, September 11th, we will be experiencing an evening with a difference. Our guest speaker will be Andrew Thompson who will be telling us about his life as a cartographer which includes the 20 years he spent working with renowned wine expert, Oz Clarke. Andrew will be ably supported by our own Richard Tew who will be presenting wines for the evening connected to the regions covered by Andrew’s maps. It promises to be another great evening.
Wine of the Month – 2024 Maison du Vin, Côtes de Gascogne, France
This crisp white comes from Gascony in France which is home to many sparky whites and this is a fine example. Cotes de Gascogne is a designation used for vin de pays produced in the Armagnac region of south west France. Made largely from the Colombard grape, this wine has zingy citrus peel flavours with a hint of green apple. It’s unoaked so provides a fresh finish. At 11.5% ABV, it’s currently on offer at the Co-Op for £7.30 although you’ve got to be quick because the price rises to £9.15 tomorrow!
Wine of the Month – 2024 Maison du Vin, Côtes de Gascogne, France
Pub of the Month – The George and Dragon, 26 High Street, Downe
Situated in the heart of Downe village, The George and Dragon is a traditional, English country pub. It’s an ideal location to sit and have a drink after a country walk, especially in the winter when you can warm yourself beside one of the pub’s three brick-built fireplaces. The pub’s kitchen, currently open from Wednesday to Sunday, has a fine reputation for its selection of home-made pies. The pub has five regular ales including Harvey’s Sussex bitter and an excellent range of different wines from across the world. The good news is that Downe is easily reachable by bus. The 146 runs hourly seven days a week from Bromley to Downe via Hayes and Keston.
Did you Know?
Ever fancied turning your knowledge of wine into some kind of qualification? The Wine and Spirit Education Trust offers four different levels of awards in wine starting from a one day course (level one) and extending to a Level 4 Diploma covering various different aspects of wine production. The basic level 1 provides seven hours tuition with eight wines to try and concludes with a 30 multiple choice question exam. The bad news is that the course will set you back £195! That could buy you a whole lot of wine instead!
Christmas 2025
After our busy August, we have nothing in the calendar until our Christmas meal which will take place on Monday December 8th at The Agra Indian restaurant in Eden Park. We’ll have the entire place to ourselves for the evening and there will be entertainment provided too – all for a bargain price of £25 per head.
Very best wishes,
Goff
1st September 2025