By Janice Curtis
FOR their June meeting, several Bulphan WI members, along with six of the Brentwood Belle’s WI took a trip out to New Hall Vineyards in Purleigh, which has been producing wine since 1969 and is the largest in East Anglia (second largest in England).
On our arrival we were greeted by the fab Daryl Kemp who was our guide for the evening.
We watched an award winning DVD by Colchester Film Makers, showing a year in the life of the vineyard and giving a brief history from the current owner Piers Greenwood.
Daryl then took us on a tour around the processing areas where depending on yield they can produce up to 100,000 bottles per year. He was a font of knowledge and answered all the questions the ladies fired at him fully, with demonstrations where possible. He explained they grow 14 varieties of grapes which are blended into several wines many of which have won awards from the East Anglian Wine Growers Association & nationally.
We were then treated to a selection of four wines which we had to judge and score for colour, bouquet, taste and appeal. Thankfully we were allowed to drink them after the assessment! A lovely ploughman’s supper was provided and many of us took the opportunity to purchase their favourite from the wines, there were also local chutneys, jams and pickles available.
Some of our members were so impressed they are going to take up the chance of leasing a row of vines.
All in all an excellent evening thoroughly enjoyed by all.
