After a dreadful week of pouring rain 34 Lee Green WI members and friends set off on another vineyard trip, and we were blessed with glorious sunshine!
This year our destination was to Robertsbridge, just inside East Sussex and close to Bodiam Castle. Oastbrook Estate is in the Rother Valley, which has become a hugely sought after area for English vineyards.
Oastbrook estate is a special place with not only 15 acres of vineyards but oast houses and a small brook. Hence the name.
America and Nick Brewer are not only the owners, but are hands on in the vineyards, the winery, at the cellar door and personally act as tour guides as well, which is becoming rarer these days at many producers and makes a visit to Oastbrook really special.
This is a new venture and lifestyle change for them both having settled at Oastbrook in 2014 and then producing their first vintage in 2018 from their own vineyards. During that time they both studied winemaking at Plumpton college so are well aware of the challenges, skills and demands that they face making wine in England.
America is hugely charismatic, and despite insisting that she is a farmer, is far from the conventional image most people have of farmers! She is enthusiastic and passionate on growing the best grapes sustainably, and with respect to the future of their environment as well as making high quality wine. She is a real tour de force!
Unlike many English producers in SE England they focus more on still wines from classic varieties, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier. They do make two sparkling wines as well, but grapes like Bacchus or Ortega English hybrids are not on their agenda.
Nick delivered a great tasting and presentation in their delightful cellar door room which overlooks the winery and has wonderful views over the vineyards.
I personally loved the Sparkling cuvee 2014 – delicious ripe bruised apple and bready aromas leapt out from the glass. America and Nick are on a mission with Chardonnay trying to convert the ABC wine drinkers (Anything But Chardonnay) to loving their style which is more along the Chablis lines.
The 2023 that we sampled has a touch of spice from the older used barrels that they use, which gives the wine an excellent rounded mouth feel without being oaky. Great apple and pear fruit flavours and long on the finish.
Most surprising was a White Pinot Noir that had notes of acacia and has a rich texture.
Not only do they make wine but over summer months they host people in two different properties, the Hobbit House (Vineyard Hollow) and offer Luxury Glamping! For details see https://oastbrook.com/ and they also run various events including wedding receptions and dinners.
It was a great trip out and many of us went home clinging a number of bottles to raise our glasses to both America and Nick for hosting such a fabulous vineyard experience.
And of course, a huge thank you to Carolyn for organising such a wonderful visit.
“A lovely day!”
“A fabulous day – thank you. We loved it – even the chardonnay!!”
“A super day, lovely wine tasting, pretty countryside, great company and the weather was fabulous. Perfect!”
“What a glorious day out!”