Bubbles sans Squeak in England

Within the last 15 years the UK has burst on the wine scene like a cork from a shaken bottle of fizz! From Hampshire, to Sussex and Kent the world of wine will never be the same. Some of the most revered Champagne houses in France have purchased and developed wineries here mostly dedicated to sparkling wines. Several key factors played into this development. With global warming threatening traditional wine regions the vigneron looked to find a cooler climate and aspect. The famed chalk/clay soils are synonymous with the soils in Champagne and actually form an underwater lake that runs from Kimmeridge to the reaches of Champagne. Not to mention most of the traditional grapes that call Champagne home and make the best sparkling wines in the world thrive here as well. Pinot noir, Chardonnay and others are "living their best vintages" here in the south of England. We'll explore the countryside to decide if the chalk, cool climate, or other contributing factors dominate the wine making or might we discover other clues to the puzzle.

We'll start our trip on Monday afternoon from Gatwick Airport where we'll head to the countryside to visit Nyetimber. For years regarded as one of, if not THE premier producer in the UK. For the next 2 days we’ll traverse the Sussex countryside visiting the likes of Wiston where we’ll enjoy a 3 course meal prepared by proprietor Kirsty Goring. We’ll also visit legendary winery Ridgeview and finish off the time with Bolney. Here we'll enjoy older vintages and wash down oysters from the coast. More to come and of course some of the best pubs in the region! 

Next we’ll voyage east to the powerhouse producers of Kent. We’ll start with everyone’s favorite Balfour's Hush Heath Estate. For many years one of the leading producers in the area and some just love to say the name, "HUSH HEATH"! Our next 3 nights will be spent at the Tickled Trout a 6 room B&B and Pub within walking distance to the pubs, shops and cobblestone roads. We'll enjoy full English breakfast every morning and full pints before bed. The rest of our week will be filled with the greatest wineries in Britain and many would say the world. The who's who list includes Gusbourne where we'll also enjoy lunch in the Nest! We'll head to Chapel Down and enjoy a private tasting and tour followed with lunch in their award winning restaurant The Swan. And of course we'll geek out with some of the smaller spots who are just making their name. Biodynamics at Sedlescombe, Harrow and Hope and hell, who knows maybe even a tractor ride? As always we'll enjoy the best local restaurants, fare and people and of course many surprises along the way.

Single rooms $3700 and double rooms $3300 (all-inclusive other than airfare and free time)