THE GRAPEVINE MAY 2026
Dear SPWC Members
It really feels as if spring has sprung and, at last, we are enjoying dome decent sunshine. The bluebells in the woods near us have been fantastic this year as has the blossom on the cherry trees. We all need something to lift the spirits with all that is going on in the world at the moment so it’s amazing what a difference a little sun can make.
Last Month’s Meeting
Those of you who were unable to make last month’s presentation missed a real treat. Preet Sahota, from Edgmond wines, travelled to us all the way from Shropshire for the evening, having contacted us through our website. Preet gave a very informative and interesting talk about South African wines, all of which were delightful and kept us interested and amused throughout a very entertaining evening. I think he did pretty well on sales too. The good news is that Preet wants to make a return visit so “hopefully” we will be welcoming him back in the New Year.
This Month’s Meeting
May 14th marks a quick return to SPWC for Theresa Seamer who was with us as recently as November last year. Unfortunately, the Maid of Kent in Tonbridge, which Theresa co-ran, has had to close but Theresa has a wealth of experience in the wine industry so I’m sure she will bring some excellent wines with her for us to sample.
Wine of the month – 2 Banks Winery Assyrtiko & Malagouzia, Greece, 11.5% ABV
In 2021, three friends in Greece united to create a winery with the purpose of bringing small wine growers into the global wine market. With the oenological contribution of the renowned oenologist Vassiliki Akriotou, they created 2 Banks Winery. Rooted in friendship and a love for experimentation, the project focuses on creating wine blends that reflect their unique vision and Greek terroir. The result is a refreshing dry white wine, made from two grapes you’ve probably not heard of before, assyrtiko and malagouzia, and emanating from the Peloponnese region of Greece. The two grapes complement each other perfectly resulting in a wine that has delicate aromas of wildflowers and lemon zest which are evident on the nose. The palate is bursting with zesty citrus fruit and mouthwatering minerality. This wine is a perfect accompaniment to seafood and summer salads. Available from Tesco for £9.
Coming Up
Our first outing of the year takes place on Saturday May 30th and will be a trip to Lingfield Races for their Summer Sounds event – an evening of racing followed by soul and Motown music. Admission to the event is £26 per person on the day but, if we can get a minimum of 10 people, we can avail ourselves of Lingfield’s special offer for groups which would reduce the admission price to £20 per head and that includes a free drink. We will be collecting names of those intending to come at May’s meeting.
In addition, we are also hoping to organise a trip to Meopham Winery in Kent, probably on a Sunday in July. The visit will consist of a guided tour through the vineyards followed by tastings which will involve trying eight different wines produced on the site. Meopham is easily reachable by train from Bromley South. Please keep an eye on the website for further details.
Did You Know?
Last month’s speaker came to us all the way from Edgmond in Shropshire, a place that has recently been in the news for a different connection to wine. Harper Adams University, whose campus is in Edgmond, is a university which specialises in tackling the future development of food production and land management. Established as far back as 1901, it obtained university status in 2012. The University planted 5 acres of vines three years ago and is about to launch its first wine, Buttery Hill Rose, named after the land where the vines are planted. The ultimate goal of the university, the first in the Uk to produce its own wine, is to fine-tune a whole series of courses relating to growing grapes and making wine. Quelle coïncidence, as they say in France.
That’s all for now, folks.
Very best wishes,
Goff