Latest news with #DomaineEvremond
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Countryfile star reveals UK's best hidden gems from stunning vineyards that beat France to the pretty secret beaches
He also reveals the best way to spot secret coves on the Antrim coastline BRITISH GEM Countryfile star reveals UK's best hidden gems from stunning vineyards that beat France to the pretty secret beaches Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MATT Baker has unearthed undiscovered gems on his journey around the British Isles. For his new TV series, Matt Baker's British Isles, the Countryfile star finds beautiful beaches on the Northern Irish coastline and reveals he's found tasty sparkling wine at a Champagne-worthy vineyard in Kent. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Matt says he's found sparkling wine to rival French Champagne Credit: More4 6 The Domaine Evremond vineyard produces English wine Credit: More4 On his journey across the UK to see what makes the country tick, Matt heads to the Domaine Evremond vineyard. The Taittinger family, who own the vineyard, have teamed up with one of the world's most prestigious champagne houses to realise a dream of making the first true Anglo-French sparkling wine - and it worked. When Sun Travel asked Matt whether it tasted similar to Champagne he responded: "It's the same. The only reason you can't call it Champagne is because it's not grown in the Champagne region. "It's so good, I'd go as far as saying it was the most beautiful sparkling wine that I've ever tasted. "It has its roots, literally, in Britain, but it's got that taste that is so familiar with high-end sparkling wine, and it's grown right here in Kent." The reason Kent is renowned for its English vineyards is the climate and soil, which are well-suited for growing grapes that produce high-quality wine. Matt explained that Domaine Evremond has all the same qualities as vineyards in the Champagne region The vineyard produces a sparkling wine called Classic Cuvée, which is made in a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes. You can go to the vineyard yourself and book a tasting and follow in Matt's footsteps by taking a tour from just £25. During the four-episode series, Matt heads over to Wales, up to Scotland, but one of his most memorable stops was in Northern Ireland. Countryfile star bags brand new role worlds away from hit BBC farming series 6 The Antrim coastline is best viewed on horseback according to Matt Credit: More4 Matt goes up to Northern Ireland's most northerly tip to meet the McKinley family, where for generations, they've run Sheans Horse Farm. It's based in the hills of North Antrim which has incredible views across the coastline. Matt told us: "Oh my gosh, the Antrim coast is just breathtaking. "The landscape is used for Game of Thrones now, that's filmed over there because the landscape is so jaw-dropping. "We went horse riding across the cliff tops. When you look down, you see all these beautiful little coves that you wouldn't even know were there." He added: "It's such a beautiful way to travel, on horseback, especially if you want to do a bit of nature spotting because all the wildlife comes out to see what's going on." 6 The Antrim coast has some beautiful beaches Credit: Alamy 6 Matt also ventures to Kilkeel Harbour to have fish and chips Credit: More4 Stand-out beaches on the Antrim coast are the sandy shores of Benone Strand and Portrush's East and West Strands. There's also others, like White Park Bay and Ballycastle Beach. Another area of the Northern Irish coastline that Matt explores is Kilkeel Harbour where he met the country's only female harbourmaster - and enjoyed the landscape too. Matt said: "It's a big, beautiful, wonderful, welcoming community, and when I went it was a beautiful day. "We sat there sitting having fish and chips there and just being chatting with the locals - it was great." For anyone wanting to see parts of the British Isles they wouldn't usually get a look at, Matt has everyone covered. He added: "I really love where we live in Britain with the four nations that we've got, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, England. "We visit all of those nations throughout the episodes - we've amalgamated it all into the ultimate celebration of the British Isles." For any British Isles adventurers, here are five islands off the coast of the UK that you can visit without needing your passport. And the British Isle that gets summer weather before the mainland. Watch Matt Baker's British Isles on Tuesdays at 9pm on More4.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Countryfile star reveals UK's best hidden gems from stunning vineyards that beat France to the pretty secret beaches
MATT Baker has unearthed undiscovered gems on his journey around the British Isles. For his new TV series, 6 Matt says he's found sparkling wine to rival French Champagne Credit: More4 6 The Domaine Evremond vineyard produces English wine Credit: More4 On his journey across the UK to see what makes the country tick, Matt heads to the Domaine Evremond vineyard. The Taittinger family, who own the vineyard, have teamed up with one of the world's most prestigious champagne houses to realise a dream of making the first true Anglo-French sparkling wine - and it worked. When Sun Travel asked Matt whether it tasted similar to Champagne he responded: "It's the same. The only reason you can't call it Champagne is because it's not grown in the Champagne region. "It's so good, I'd go as far as saying it was the most beautiful sparkling wine that I've ever tasted. Read More on British Isles "It has its roots, literally, in Britain, but it's got that taste that is so familiar with high-end sparkling wine, and it's grown right here in Kent." The reason Kent is renowned for its Matt explained that Domaine Evremond has all the same qualities as vineyards in the The vineyard produces a sparkling wine called Classic Cuvée, which is made in a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes . Most read in Beach holidays You can go to the vineyard yourself and book a tasting and follow in Matt's footsteps by taking a tour from just £25. During the four-episode series, Matt heads over to Wales, up to Scotland, but one of his most memorable stops was in Northern Ireland. Countryfile star bags brand new role worlds away from hit BBC farming series 6 The Antrim coastline is best viewed on horseback according to Matt Credit: More4 Matt goes up to Northern Ireland's most northerly tip to meet the McKinley family, where for generations, they've run Sheans Horse Farm. It's based in the hills of North Antrim which has incredible views across the coastline. Matt told us: "Oh my gosh, the Antrim coast is just breathtaking. "The landscape is used for Game of Thrones now, that's filmed over there because the landscape is so jaw-dropping. "We went horse riding across the cliff tops. When you look down, you see all these beautiful little coves that you wouldn't even know were there." He added: "It's such a beautiful way to travel, on horseback, especially if you want to do a bit of nature spotting because all the wildlife comes out to see what's going on." 6 The Antrim coast has some beautiful beaches Credit: Alamy 6 Matt also ventures to Kilkeel Harbour to have fish and chips Credit: More4 Stand-out beaches on the Antrim coast are the sandy shores of Benone Strand and Portrush's East and West Strands. There's also others, like White Park Bay and Ballycastle Beach . Another area of the Northern Irish coastline that Matt explores is Kilkeel Harbour where he met the country's only female harbourmaster - and enjoyed the landscape too. Matt said: "It's a big, beautiful, wonderful, welcoming community, and when I went it was a beautiful day. "We sat there sitting having fish and chips there and just being chatting with the locals - it was great." For anyone wanting to see parts of the British Isles they wouldn't usually get a look at, Matt has everyone covered. He added: "I really love where we live in Britain with the four nations that we've got, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, England. "We visit all of those nations throughout the episodes - we've amalgamated it all into the ultimate celebration of the British Isles." For any British Isles adventurers, And the Watch Matt Baker's British Isles on Tuesdays at 9pm on More4. 6 Matt Baker's new series celebrates the British Isles Credit: More4
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Countryfile star reveals UK's best hidden gems from stunning vineyards that beat France to the pretty secret beaches
MATT Baker has unearthed undiscovered gems on his journey around the British Isles. For his new TV series, Matt Baker's British Isles, the Countryfile star finds beautiful beaches on the Northern Irish coastline and reveals he's found tasty sparkling wine at a Champagne-worthy vineyard in Kent. 6 6 On his journey across the UK to see what makes the country tick, Matt heads to the Domaine Evremond vineyard. The Taittinger family, who own the vineyard, have teamed up with one of the world's most prestigious champagne houses to realise a dream of making the first true Anglo-French sparkling wine - and it worked. When Sun Travel asked Matt whether it tasted similar to Champagne he responded: "It's the same. The only reason you can't call it Champagne is because it's not grown in the Champagne region. "It's so good, I'd go as far as saying it was the most beautiful sparkling wine that I've ever tasted. "It has its roots, literally, in Britain, but it's got that taste that is so familiar with high-end sparkling wine, and it's grown right here in Kent." The reason Kent is renowned for its English vineyards is the climate and soil, which are well-suited for growing grapes that produce high-quality wine. Matt explained that Domaine Evremond has all the same qualities as vineyards in the Champagne region The vineyard produces a sparkling wine called Classic Cuvée, which is made in a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes. You can go to the vineyard yourself and book a tasting and follow in Matt's footsteps by taking a tour from just £25. During the four-episode series, Matt heads over to Wales, up to Scotland, but one of his most memorable stops was in Northern Ireland. Countryfile star bags brand new role worlds away from hit BBC farming series 6 Matt goes up to Northern Ireland's most northerly tip to meet the McKinley family, where for generations, they've run Sheans Horse Farm. It's based in the hills of North Antrim which has incredible views across the coastline. Matt told us: "Oh my gosh, the Antrim coast is just breathtaking. "The landscape is used for Game of Thrones now, that's filmed over there because the landscape is so jaw-dropping. "We went horse riding across the cliff tops. When you look down, you see all these beautiful little coves that you wouldn't even know were there." He added: "It's such a beautiful way to travel, on horseback, especially if you want to do a bit of nature spotting because all the wildlife comes out to see what's going on." 6 6 Stand-out beaches on the Antrim coast are the sandy shores of Benone Strand and Portrush's East and West Strands. There's also others, like White Park Bay and Ballycastle Beach. Another area of the Northern Irish coastline that Matt explores is Kilkeel Harbour where he met the country's only female harbourmaster - and enjoyed the landscape too. Matt said: "It's a big, beautiful, wonderful, welcoming community, and when I went it was a beautiful day. "We sat there sitting having fish and chips there and just being chatting with the locals - it was great." For anyone wanting to see parts of the British Isles they wouldn't usually get a look at, Matt has everyone covered. Wales, Northern Ireland, England. "We visit all of those nations throughout the episodes - we've amalgamated it all into the ultimate celebration of the British Isles." And the British Isle that gets summer weather before the mainland. Watch Matt Baker's British Isles on Tuesdays at 9pm on More4. 6
Telegraph
28-03-2025
- Telegraph
The weird experiences taking over English vineyards, from ice baths to a hobbit house
When it comes to a mini-break from the general gloom and doom of the news, many of us are turning to the booming UK vineyard scene for some much-needed fun and fizz. According to the first wine tourism report from the industry association Wines of Great Britain, 1.5 million people visited UK vineyards in 2023, a 55 per cent increase from 2022. Vineyards represent a bright spark of economic news, with over 1030 vineyards listed in 2023, a rise of 9.2 per cent in a year. Climate change is shifting the wine axis – the south of England now has a similar climate and terroir to Champagne, and is attracting investors from more established regions grappling with heat and drought. This year the first English sparkling wine from major French house Taittinger, Domaine Evremond, will go on sale, and one of Portugal's top wine producers has teamed up with Britain's oldest fine wine merchant Berry Bros to buy Hambledon vineyard in Hampshire. Meanwhile, UK-produced wines received their highest medal count yet at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards. With their bucolic countryside setting, fine food and wine and boutique operations grounded in the local community, UK vineyards are the perfect day out or weekend away. The result is they're increasingly competing to attract visitors, and boost revenue, by differentiating themselves from each other with unique and unusual experiences. From wine barrel saunas to ice baths, wine slides, yoga in the vines, steam train wine trips, nature trails, sundowner safaris, treehouses and e-bike tours, there's something for everyone who wants to experience a little more than a traditional tour and wine tasting. Here's our choice of the best. Experience a breathwork and ice bath retreat Tillingham Wines, East Sussex If you're going to plunge yourself into an ice bath, it helps to do it in a picturesque location like Tillingham Wines, whose vines and farmland occupy 70 acres of lovely High Weald East Sussex countryside. Just 15 minutes from the bustling Cinque Port town of Rye, the winery attracts a cool set of switched-on locals and trendy 'down from Londoners' who come for the green Michelin-starred sustainable restaurant, Upstairs, and to stay in the chic bedrooms designed by local art and interiors firm, McCully and Crane. Wine is produced organically and biodynamically. In the summer a converted barn offers pizza and live music, and new for this year is a Creative Art & Wellbeing Program, with a series of events including the Wim Hof breathwork and ice-bath retreat, led by Belinda Raphael. Belinda was personally trained by 'the iceman' Wim Hof himself, famous for his extreme adventures and heavy breathing protocols to withstand the cold. Arriving the day before the workshop, I enjoyed a tasty dinner at 'Upstairs' sampling locally sourced food and Tillingham wines (the Pet Nat PN 23 was my favourite), then spent a pleasant night in one of the bedrooms, waking up to a gentle bleat from the lambs in the next-door field. Feeling sufficiently bolstered by food and wine, I was ready for the retreat, which consisted of lots of science about why we should all be embracing the cold, and a session experiencing 'breathwork' – a way of deep continuous breathing which left me feeling like I was floating on the ceiling. After a healthy lunch (with homemade kimchi made on-site), and a bit more breathing, it was time for the ice bath plunge. With Belinda Raphael's encouragement, it felt surprisingly manageable and uplifting. I even embraced Wim Hof's silly horse stance moves to warm up. I left Tillingham on a high, resolved to return for more wine and well-being. The Wim Hof day retreat costs £95, including lunch. Book via Tillingham Wines. Sign up for a sundowner safari tour Wiston Vineyard, West Sussex Set in the South Downs National Park just above Worthing, the ancient Wiston Estate has been owned by the Goring family since 1743. As well as an award-winning sparkling wine served by British Airways in club class, the estate owners have dreamed up a popular twist on the traditional vineyard tour. Between May and September, guests can sign up for the 'Sundowner Safari and Dinner'. Arriving at 5pm on a Friday, the tour starts with a visit to the barrel hall and the traditional Coquard press – a massive medieval-looking structure from the Champagne region, one of the few in England. Then after a quick tasting of non-vintage wines, guests climb aboard the vineyard trailer and bump along the chalk road over the scenic South Downs and through Wiston Estate, to the original vineyard, where they can taste the vintage wines al fresco. If the British weather plays ball, guests climb back on the trailer to enjoy the sunset over the hills and partake in a five-course set dinner al fresco (or indoors) at the Michelin-listed Chalk restaurant, which our Telegraph critic gave five stars last year. The sundowner safari costs £125, book via Wiston Estate. Live like a hobbit at Vineyard Hollow Oastbrook Vineyard, East Sussex If you're a Lord of the Rings fan, and you want to immerse yourself in nature with a home that looks like it's come straight out of the Shire, then check into Vineyard Hollow, a retreat fit for Frodo carved by local craftsmen out of a bank at Oastbrook Vineyard. Vineyard Hollow has an earth-covered grass roof, round wood windows and a large round oak front door. Inside the cosy hobbit feel continues with wood beams, curved doorways and a vaulted ceiling decorated with stars. Fortunately, there are mod cons too, with two ensuite bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a hot tub outside, where you can enjoy a sip of the Oastbrook wine and a view of the vines. The vineyard is owned and run by America and Nick Brewer. America hails from Brazil and every summer she hosts a Brazilian-style summer party with a live Samba show, barbecue and music. Unlike many UK vineyards, the sheltered microclimate of the local Rother Valley, near Bodium Castle, lends itself to making still wines as well as sparkling. Vineyard Hollow costs from £300/night, full details are on the Oastbrook website and bookings here. Slide down a 'Fruit Chute' Simpson's Winery, Kent Just outside Canterbury, Simpson's Wine Estate was founded in 2012 by Ruth and Charles Simpson, who honed their craft during a decade making rosé at their Domaine in the South of France. Since then they've built a strong reputation and received several awards with their Blanc de Noirs 2018 winning 'Best English Sparkling Wine' at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships 2022, and their Railway Hill Rosé winning a gold medal at the WineGB 2024 Awards. They also claim to be the only winery in the world to offer a helter-skelter slide installed in the new 'Glass House' tasting room. Anyone joining one of the tasting experiences can add to their tipsiness by finishing with a flourish and exiting down this 'Fruit Chute' which leads from the tasting room to the winery below. Several experiences are available, with tickets for the summer sunset sessions launching this week. Prices from £25, bookings at Simpson's Winery. Hop on an e-bike tour White Heron Estate, Herefordshire The White Heron Estate is found in an emerging wine region, the scenic rolling hills of Herefordshire near the Welsh border, where a warming climate is now allowing for wine cultivation. The estate already has a long history of drink production, as the home of British Cassis, the liquor made from blackcurrants grown on the farm for 140 years. The vineyard was planted during the pandemic and the second sparkling wine harvest was just last year. New this year, the E-bike guided tours are a great way to experience the countryside and far-reaching views of the Brecon Beacons. Groups of up to 16 are taken through the vines, blackcurrant fields, cider apple orchards and woodland. Bikers stop several times en route to hear about the history of the 4 th generation family farm, as well as to sample the end-produce of the fruits grown on the estate including White Heron Estate Sparkling Wine, British Cassis and Ribena. The tour finishes with an optional al fresco barbecue or local lunch around an oak table overlooking the vines. The estate is also introducing three-day e-biking holidays and you can stay on the estate if you're travelling from further afield. E-bike tours start from £50 per person and can be booked at White Heron Estate. Mix it up with jazz and fizz Hambledon Vineyard, Hampshire Hambledon Vineyard in the Hampshire South Downs National Park has the distinction of being the UK's oldest commercial vineyard. Started by Francophile Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones in 1952, the wines were served aboard the QE2 and exported around the world. A change of ownership led to the vineyard falling into disrepair in the 1990s, but since the 2000s its fortunes have turned around, and in a vote of confidence the vineyard was bought in 2023 in a joint deal between wine merchants Berry Bros. & Rudd and Port aficionados Symington Family. In February a high-end new restaurant helmed by chef Nick Edgar, formerly of Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons, was opened in a specially designed converted barn with high ceilings, exposed oak beams, and windows with views of the vines. In the summer, Hambledon Wine Estate will also open its doors for 'Jazz and Fizz' – a civilised afternoon of music, food and sparkling wine. The event will kick off with the Brazz Breakout Jazz Orchestra, and feature singer Amy Baker. There will also be a selection of food stalls to pair with your Hambledon sparkling wine. Tickets cost £37.50 and include a glass of sparkling and a deckchair. Book at Hambledon Vineyard.
