Welsh Grower’s Tour of Kent and Sussex Vineyards

Cost: Free

Farming Connect Horticulture have arranged this opportunity for Welsh Growers to visit established Vineyards in the home counties of South West England, through Plumpton College.

This two-day tour will comprise of:

Monday 10^th June - Kent

Morning visit (leaving Plumpton College at 08:30)

Gusbourne with Jon Pollard (Chief Vineyard Manager and COO) - Founding members of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain

Producers of premium sparkling and still wines with vineyards in Kent and West Sussex.

Learning Objectives:

·         Growing Pinot noir, Pinot meunier and Chardonnay with different pruning methods and canopy management systems.

·         Use of compost.

·         Reduction in pesticides and herbicides

·         Commitment to regenerating soils.

Lunch and tasting at Gusbourne

Afternoon visit

Oxney Organic Estate with Kristin Syltevik (owner)

Producers of premium organic sparkling and still wines with 35 acres certified organic as part of wider farm estate (livestock and arable).

Learning Objectives:

·         Growing Pinot noir, Pinot meunier and Chardonnay using cover crops.

·         Natural sprays

·         Diligent canopy management

·         Manual & mechanical weed control.

Vineyard tour followed by tasting.

Evening

An evening meal will be held at The Hickstead Hotel, and there will be an opportunity to network and try one another's wine.

Tuesday 11^th June – Sussex

Morning visit

Ridgeview Estate with Matt Strugnell (Ridgeview Head of Viticulture and Chair of WineGB Viticulture Working Group)

Producing world-class sparkling wine since 1995. Ridgeview have their home estate and buy in grapes, with Matt managing grower contracts and relationships across the south-east. Ridgeview are leading partners with Simonit & Sirch, with a focus on winter- and summer-pruning for vine health and longevity.

Learning Objectives:

·         Contract growing

·         Winter- and summer-pruning for vine health and longevity.

Lunch and tour of Plumpton Wine Division

Afternoon visit

Everflyht with Luke Spalding (Vineyard Manager and General Manager)

Established with Pinot noir, Pinot meunier and Chardonnay, there are new plantings of Pinot Gris and Gamay. Everflyht are pioneering in regenerative viticulture, focusing on soil management, planting extensive cover crops, managing set aside land for biodiversity.

Learning Objectives:

·         Regenerative Viticulture

·         Soil Management

·         Extensive cover crops

·         Managing set aside land for biodiversity

Finish at 16:00

Accommodation is not included and must be booked separately.

If you wish to stay at the Hickstead Hotel (where the evening meal will be held on Monday 10^th June), their rates are as follows:

Based on single occupancy:

-            £100.00 Room Only per night

-            £110.00 Bed and Breakfast per night 

Based on double Occupancy:

-         £110.00 Room Only per night

-         £120.00 Bed and Breakfast per night

Quote the code BK103235 to get these prices!

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