My lovely colleagues,
sent me on my way into retirement with the gift of a vineyard tour for two.

 

The whirlwind of the first few months after retirement, meant that the grapes had been harvested before we could squeeze the visit in last season.

However the glorious summer we have had this year has given us the opportunity to finally enjoy the gift. So just over a year after leaving the world of work we checked into Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard.

We were given an information sheet and the afternoon started with a self guided tour of several large fields, filled with rows and rows of different varieties of vines. The grapes were in abundance but still a couple of months away from harvesting. The information sheet and boards dotted around the vineyard telling how the wine was made using biodynamic methods.

In the corner of the first field we came across so called “Dragons Teeth”, huge concrete blocks. Relics from WW2 they were installed to hinder the progression of tanks. Despite having lived on the coast for most of my life, I had never heard of them. Fortunately the Germans were defeated before hitting our shores and they were never tested. However many of the 18,000 around the UK are still in situ as a permanent reminder of those scary times.

Who would have thought that a vineyard tour, could turn into a history lesson.

After a warm walk under the blazing sun, through three vine filled fields and a small woodland, we headed back to the tea rooms in a converted barn, to enjoy an afternoon tea for two. A small selection of sandwiches, little tasters of cakes and a scone each with the obligatory jam and cream. All washed down with a huge pot of delicious tea.

Tummies full, we were invited up to the bar to sample some of the wines produced on site. Our server was knowledgeable and made several suggestions for us to try. It was a good job we’d had the cream tea beforehand, as it helped to absorb the gorgeous wines. 🥂

Several tasters later we were heading back to the car with a couple of purchased bottles in hand.

Another new experience and another lovely retirement gift.

……………..🥂The wonderful journey continues 🥂.………….