Squerryes hosts its October Oyster Festival this Saturday (October 14) and is also offering wine lovers the opportunity to participate in a harvest tour. Eileen Leahy finds out more about these special events…
Squerryes Vineyard will be throwing open its doors to visitors this coming Saturday (October 14), between 12pm and 5pm to enjoy a relaxing gourmet afternoon on its glorious terrace.
It’s the first time the successful winery, which is based near Westerham has joined forces with Oyster Buoys, a Whitstable-based seafood specialist, to serve up a Saturday afternoon feast with a difference.
This new event is a partnership between Squerryes and Westerham Brewery, which is located on the same site as the vineyard, and sees Oyster Buoys welcomed to provide wonderful fresh oysters, which can be paired with chilled Squerryes Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine or Westerham Brewery’s dark beers.
“Oysters and drinks can be pre-ordered to collect from the terrace of The Winery Restaurant at Squerryes before you take a seat overlooking the Rosé vineyard or outside Westerham Brewery to relax and enjoy the afternoon,” explains a Squerryes spokesperson.
“Additional food and drink options will be available from Westerham Brewery, including buttermilk fried chicken and loaded hotdogs from the mobile kitchen of Meat the Chef. Seating will be available outside the brewery on a first come first served basis.”
They add that visitors can also watch the Rugby World Cup on the big screen later in the afternoon if they so wish.
“Booking a table is advised and a bar will be available on the terrace to purchase additional drinks or extra oysters.”
On the menu you will find a number of dining options. They start with six oysters priced at £14 and move on to offers such as three oysters and a glass of Squerryes Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine for £17.50 per person. Or you could enjoy a dozen oysters and a bottle of Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine for £76. If you fancy something just a little different then how about three oysters and a stout-tasting flight for just £14 per person?
This weekend is also the final chance to enjoy one of the Harvest Tours at Squerryes.
“This is the best time to come and see the vines,” continues the winery’s spokesperson. The harvest tours, which last approximately 90 minutes, have been running on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays all this month so if you want to experience one then now’s your chance!
You start with a guided tour of the vineyard and will learn about the 300-year-old Squerryes estate, the fascinating history of the spirit of the house, and the story of how a disagreement with a French Champagne house led to the Warde family planting vines on the North Downs at the ‘Gateway to the Garden of England’.
Having learnt about the spirit of the famous ‘terroir’, you’ll then discover more about what makes Squerryes so well-placed to make exceptional, award-winning sparkling wine in a tutored tasting of three of their vintage sparkling wines.
Your tasting will include a signature vintage Brut release, a vintage Blanc de Blancs and the latest vintage rosé.
Tickets cost £32pp and pre-booking is essential. To find out more, visit: squerryes.co.uk/vineyards-tour-and-tasting
