After months of planning our new website is live and we hope our customers will enjoy using it there is lots more information and videos which should help.

Three choirs were proud to be sponsors of a night of comedy at the London palladium in conjunction with Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Charity last night, in aid of 100 hearts. A star studded line up including Greg Davies, Harry Enfield and rob brydon performed in front of HRH the duke of Wessex in aid of cystic fibrosis and heart disease. Three Choirs Classic Cuvee was served at the interval and enjoyed by all.

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We have all heard recent reports of the threat of a global Prosecco shortage caused by a poor harvest in Italy. But what does it mean to us English sparkling wine producers? Well what we hope to see is the gap between the price of English sparkling wine and Prosecco narrowing, persuading more of you try English fizz. Once you have tried English wine we are sure you will understand why it is more expensive.

Global warming means parts of England, that are similar to the Champagne region of France geologically, are now similar in terms of climate too. The South Coast, where our newest vineyard in Hampshire, is located has seen average temperatures climbing since the 1980s to almost a degree higher today, making it an idyllic spot for the temperature-sensitive world of viniculture. Our Gloucestershire vineyard, in the idyllic Cotswolds, provides a unique microclimate for growing a range of perfectly developed grapes, which are then carefully vinted with both scientific dedication to controlled circumstances and a master vintner’s eye to developing the fullest flavour.

Last year England’s wineries, including ourselves saw a bumper harvest. So much so that in Spring this year, and after 2 excellent harvests, we were able to reduce the price of our wine.

According to English Wine Producers, there are now 572 commercial vineyards in the UK producing a record 6.3 million bottles last year – a figure it expects to grow. In May 2015 Waitrose announced that their English wine sales have increased by 177%, and as stockists of Three Choirs Wines that’s a figure we love to hear about. Read more about the rise of English wine – it’s great to see so many of you buying ‘local’.

Our own English Sparkling wine, the Three Choirs Classic Cuvee n/v, is a traditionally-made sparkling wine of an exceptionally high quality. Dry and subtle it is very similar, but at a fraction of the price, to a good Champagne. So what are you waiting for? Switch to English Sparkling wine today.

On May 28th Three Choirs Vineyards were delighted to be one of nine vineyards to take part in a special event showcasing the produce of Bristol’s (and surrounding areas) vineyards. The event was organised by the South West Vineyards Association (SWVA) and it was the first ever Regional Trade Tasting and the first event of its kind outside of London.

100 connoisseurs, experts and industry insiders turned out for the wine tasting which showcased the produce of ourselves, Aldwick Court Farm and Vineyard and Dunleavy from North Somerset, Furleigh Estate from Dorset, Lovells Vineyard from Malvern, Sixteen Ridges from Herefordshire and Oatley Vineyard, Smith & Evans and Wraxall from Somerset.

This was a celebration of English Wine. It’s time for the French vintages and the New World classics to move over, the Brits are coming and we are thrilled to see many of the new breed of English winemakers starting to make their mark.

Over 80 trade representatives signed up to attend the event with many more attending at the last minute through hearing of the event on Twitter. The event was filmed by the Made In Bristol TV Channel and will be screened on June 9. In the evening around 200 members of the public came by to sample the wines with places also available for people interested in local produce and wines to enjoy a seasonal, locally sourced dinner, with local wines chosen to match the food. For more info please read the Bristol Post who reported on the event.

Wine tasting breaks and holidays in the UK have seen incredible growth over the past few years with over a quarter of all vineyards in the UK providing hospitality services. At Three Choirs Vineyard, we developed an environment where our customers can stop by for a bite to eat, tour our 30 Hectares of beautiful vineyards or take a relaxing holiday away from home with our luxurious rooms and lodges.

Wine Tasting Etiquette

Although your holiday is a time to relax, it’s a good idea to keep some considerations in mind for other guests on the tour as well as the vineyard itself. We have included some of our top tips for below:

Do:

• Be courteous and polite. Your tour guide or wine representative will appreciate you more and the tour will be more enjoyable for everyone. If you want to re-taste a specific wine, ask to “re-visit” it rather than “can I have some more”, more often than not it will be received much more effectively resulting in your request being fulfilled.

• Ask plenty of questions! There is no question too big or too small, the servers are often educated greatly in the wines they are serving for taste ad will gladly answer your questions. You never know, there may be others that also want to know the same but are too afraid to ask.

• Try something new! We all know different grapes and different climates make different wines, if you’re fond of a Spanish Rioja, try a English Pinot Noir! Although the taste may be far different to what your used to it could well surprise you.

• Take notes as you progress. At the end of a tasting session it can be hard to recall exactly which wine you preferred so make notes of the name and year of the wines as your progress. This ensures that you purchase the correct bottles at the end of the day.

Don’t:

• Feel like you have to finish the glass of wine. It’s better to leave some behind in your glass, it’s literally growing outside the building your in so leaving some is completely normal.

• Wine taste on an empty stomach, the wines won’t taste as good! You’ll also be effected by the alcohol sooner. Pop into our restaurant and have a hearty meal or carry plain snacks, and be sure to stop for lunch!

• Smoke, other than ruining your palette, the residue smoke can interfere with the other guest senses. You may get some dirty looks from the other guests

• Lather on scented perfume, aftershave, hair shampoo or any other odorous lotion. Similar to smoking, foreign odors can interfere with your own and other guests ability to detect wine’s aroma. Although you won’t get any dirty looks, unless the scent is strong, it’s good etiquette not to do so.

Final note’s

It’s courteous to not volunteer an opinion about a wine until other tasters have had a chance to taste it themselves. Serious tasters like to savour the taste and come to their opinions without influence, direct on indirect, from others.

To Spit, or not to Spit

You’re brought up to know that spitting is rude and for general day to day purposes this may be the case. When wine tasting, it’s perfectly acceptable to do so, as the alcohol in the wine can soften your senses quickly. This means by the fourth or sixth wine your possibly having a great time but you’re no longer able to discern the unique taste and aroma’s of each wine.

It is, of course, up to you which your drink and which your spit, you can always enquire about our rooms and lodges ahead of schedule negating the requirement to drive home at the end of the day.

Wine, Dine, Taste & Sleep, the perfect getaway

For those romantics among us, a vineyard break is a new and unique experience. With everything in one place, you’ll want for nothing in our glass-walled, wooden-framed cabins, tucked away from view in the base of the valley giving you remarkable views overlooking tranquil, willow tree-fringed ponds.

With our spacious and comfortable rooms you’ll find inspiring south facing patio’s glancing down across the vineyard come rain of shine, as well as all the mod conns you’ve come to expect; TV, DVD player, direct dial telephone, hair-dryer, tea and freshly ground coffee making facilities and our own home-made chocolates. Each room has its own south facing patio and views over the vines in the valley below. They are spacious, light, and very comfortable with king size beds or two single beds and seating area.

Depending on the time of year you visit, your vineyard experience can differ. From a winter retreat to a summer basecamp, you’ll always remember the first time you step through the glass doorway into your own home away from home.

Since we took over Wickham vineyard in 2014 English wine has been hitting the headlines for all the right reasons and much of this is happening right here in the rolling green fields of Hampshire. Here we look at the combination of factors that are pathing the way for great Hampshire wine.

1. Location, location, location

Situated just outside the charming village of Wickham and deep within the Hampshire countryside. Our vineyard is perfectly located to enjoy quality produce, beautiful countryside and miles of walks and cycle rides.

Hampshire is also the third most widely-planted county with vines in England and there are plenty of reasons for this; a great climate, good soil and fantastic aspect and altitude. All the criteria needed to produce top-class sparkling and still English wines.

2. A typical English Summer

And finally, we’re not often grateful to a standard English summer but the coolest UK summer since 2012 has had at least one positive outcome and that is we are looking forward to yet another fruitful harvest. We have had a great run of rich flavoured crops for Three Choirs meaning we have been able to reduce the price of our wine. Browse our online shop, or come by for a wine and cheese tasting and try it for yourself.

3. And the rest, as they say, is history

Shortly after the Second World War, two men (Ray Barrington Brock and Edward Hymans) laid the path for the restoration of the English Wine industry. Ray Barrington Brock was a research chemist who undertook the task of discovering which varieties of grape would grow and ripen well in Britain. Edward Hymans was a writer on garden matters, he planted a vineyard and researched for a book on the history of grape-vine cultivation in England.

The work of these two men inspired Major General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones to plant a vineyard at Hambledon, in Hampshire. In 1955 the first English Wine to be made and sold commercially since the First World War went on sale.

Hampshire is home to over 50 vineyards some long-established and some up-and-coming vineyards. Our 18 acre vineyard at Wickham was established over 30 years ago. The many talented, expert winemakers have combined tradition and innovation to notch up an impressive number of international wine awards for Hampshire wines.

Thanks to the following articles

Alistair Gibson: Alistair Gibson drinks to Hampshire’s fine wine

Delphine Strauss: Cool UK summer puts fizz in English wine

Robert J. Tarr: A History of English Wine

With frost on the vines, and winter drawing in, we would like to invite you to relax by a warm log fire and tuck into our Festive menu.

Our Christmas Menu at Newent

2 courses £24.95 | 3 courses £29.95

This offer valid for lunch and dinner from 1st December – 23rd December 2015, however please note that this menu is not available for Sunday lunch.

To book a table call 01531 890223 or request table availability online.

Starter

• Roast parsnip, honeyed apple & vanilla soup
• Hot & sour marinated king prawns, coriander crushed avocado, pickled mango.
• Twice baked Lightwood chaser goats cheese soufflé, garden beetroot relish.
• Pressing of smoked goose, duck & partridge, quince jelly, buttered sourdough toast.
• Cornish smoked Halibut & sea trout gravdlax, sweet potato salad, soft boiled quail’s egg.

Main Course

• Individual roast Madgett’s farm turkey, brazil nut & sage stuffing, pancetta & chestnut creamed sprouts & traditional trimmings.
• Slow cooked daube of Herefordshire beef, wild mushroom macaroni cheese, barbequed honey onions.
• Fillet of cod, sea urchin butter, crushed artichokes, lobster vinaigrette.
• Poached salmon steak, wilted watercress & rocket salad, truffle hollandaise.
• Honey roast root vegetable & pearl barley ‘paella’ saffron, smoked paprika oil.

Desserts

• ‘Plum Duff’ with Three choirs brandy butter, Rum custard & Christmas pudding ice cream.
• Stem ginger panna cotta, chestnut chip cookie, coconut sorbet.
  Passion fruit, pineapple & almond milk cheesecake.
• Valhrona chocolate delice, tangerine ice cream, clementine jelly.
• Local & British cheese selection, heritage carrot chutney, walnuts.
• Cafetiere Coffee & Mince Pie

Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles. This year sparkling wine is predicted to remain a smash hit. Recent years have shown UK consumers switching from still to sparkling wines with recorded increased sales of prosecco and champagne. Sparkling wine is no longer reserved for special occasions but has become a staple for evenings in with friends and a great accompaniment to food. This year, predictions suggest that the coming 12 months are all about the English sparkling wine scene.

We might be biased, but we think that English sparkling wines could outclass French champagne within two years. Having had good seasons in the UK for several years, the quality of wine produced has come on leaps and bounds with domestic labels, grown on our own soil, winning a range of accolades and awards.

The English cuvee is found to be as flavoursome as champagne but at a fraction of the price. With dry and subtle flavours, similar to those of a good champagne, our own English sparkling wine, the Three Choirs Classic Cuvee, is a traditionally-made sparkling wine of the highest quality. Forget the champagne for 2016, our sights are set on English fizz!

It’s not just the bubbles that are looking attractive in English wines. English rosé appears to be ploughing ahead as a natural choice for a summer wine. Chilled and aromatic with summer fruits and citrus twists, the versatility of rosé makes it a delightful go-to summer drink which we’re sure to enjoy on warmer evenings this year.

2016 for white wines suggests consumers are looking to be more adventurous. A culture of taste-testing is emerging in the white wine scene which involves stepping out of the ordinary and into the unknown. It is expected that a high percentage of younger white wine drinkers are likely to purchase more unfamiliar brands from less traditional wine regions. With this taste-testing culture emerging, it is predicted that restaurants may see an increase in the number of wines being bought by the glass rather than the bottle, allowing the consumer to experiment with new flavours.

The fall of traditionals, such as chardonnay and pinot grigio, will help to put English whites back on the wine list.The increase in average UK temperatures has meant that much of the South of the UK is well suited for the temperature-sensitive world of viniculture leading to recent bumper harvests of fine white grapes which are full of interesting flavours. In search of something new, interesting, tasty and good value, UK consumers are more likely to shop ‘local’ in 2016. With a high focus on ‘clean eating’, 2016 will see a high demand for fresh and natural tasting wines such as our Three Choirs Coldridge Hill, which is distinctively English hedgerow.

Red wine this year is expected to see a shift from full, ripe and high alcohol content reds to fresher, light to medium bodied fruity reds. We also expect to see an increase in the purchase of natural wines. Wines which have less additives and less alcohol are expected to hit the shelves hard this year, being lighter in body, more vibrant and more approachable for the first-time red wine drinker.

We have teamed up with Herefordshire drinks producer British Cassis to create a gift set enabling you to make the perfect Kir Royale just in time for Valentine’s day. The set includes a bottle of British Cassis’ award-winning Cassis and a bottle of our very own English sparkling wine. The two combine to make a delicious British twist on the classic Kir Royale cocktail.

Tour, Tasting & 3 Course Dinner

Available Bank Holiday Monday at Three Choirs Gloucestershire
3 courses for £24.95 | 3 courses with tour & tasting £29.95

Starters

• Asparagus and pea soup, chive cream.
• Crispy Simon Weaver organic brie, pear and saffron chutney.
• Free range chicken liver pate, British cassis Cumberland jelly.
• Smoked Cornish mackerel, spring onion and English wasabi crème fraiche.

Main Courses

• Slow roasted local lamb, garden mint jelly, Ravens hill and rosemary jus.
• Springfield farm chicken supreme, Suffolk chorizo and butterbean ragu.
• Grilled Cornish fish, watercress and rocket salad, Netherend farm nut butter hollandaise.
• Spring vegetable puff pastry galette, parsley, ewes cheese and hazelnut pesto.

Desserts

• Valhrona chocolate and Turkish delight truffle.
• Cotswold honey panna cotta, caramelised bananas.
• Iced coconut parfait, mango sorbet, exotic fruit salad.
• British cheese, chutney, grapes, biscuits.

To book a table call 01531 890223