As the monsoon downpour continues, the Berrys’ team were invited on a tour of the Jenkyn Place vineyards in Bentley, Hampshire.

“It’s been a challenging growing season,” says Simon Bladon as the Berrys’ team pass round umbrellas and pull on wellington boots.  As we walk around the vineyards the rain eases a little and Simon eagerly tells us that the impressive Grade II listed building on the estate was once the proud home of Harold Sanderson, Chairman of the White Star Line, and is where he received the news of the sinking of the Titanic.

The beautifully kept vineyards were planted as early as 2004, producing the first commercial vintage in 2006 and Rose from 2008. The soil is a greensand over chalky marl on south-facing slopes, and planted to 60% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier.

Quality English Sparkling wine has risen from a poor Champagne cousin to a seriously respected brand admired by merchants, wine critics and – most importantly – consumers. Exclusive events such as the Royal wedding and Olympic Banquet sends out a strong message that England is more than capable of producing world-class wines.

This year, the wettest on record, will indeed prove to be challenging for winemakers and the harvest may be left until as late as early November in the hope that the grapes will continue to ripen.  Some producers have already thrown in the towel. Nyetimber have recently announced that they will abandon this year’s harvest because the quality and volume is just not up to standard.

Back at the beautifully presented country kitchen tasting room, Simon opens the fantastic 2008 Rose and Blanc for us to taste. Both wines have pulled in a crop of awards including a Silver and Bronze at Decanter World Wine Awards, with further plaudits at the International Wine and Spirits Competition and Sommelier Wine Awards.

Along with a number of other splendid wines, Jenkyn Place will be open for tasting at the Bin End Shop’s final Fine Wine Weekend of the year on Saturday 3^rd November.

Leon Reilly, Berrys’ Bin End Shop