The Bon Viveurs spend a lovely afternoon at English Oak Vineyard near Lytchett Matravers. We were welcomed by Sarah and husband Andrew who own the lovely Vineyard.
As we toured the grounds, Sarah explained how she and Andrew’s mid-life crisis led to a change of career. They studied viticulture at Plumpton College in Sussex before purchasing ground in 2007 and planted 23,000 vines ranging from 14 different varieties of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grape roots. After which they had to wait three years for the first harvest and six years before their first wine was available..
Since then, they have gone on to produce awarding wining sparkling wines. At the heart of the vineyard is a 350-year-old oak tree after which the Vineyard is named. Their sparkling wine selection now consists of six different blends all named after different oak trees.
Our tour ended with a wine tasting session – led by Andrew – which enabled us to try all six of their wine varieties.
Thanks to Corinne Board for arranging the session and Sarah and Andrew for their hospitality.
