Vineyard visit

This is to be the first of two educational events that the branch is holding this year. This is in line with the dictates of the Society which require us to learn as well as enjoy ourselves! Today you will discover just how much money is now being invested in the English wine trade. Simon Robinson, who is a partner in a City law firm, had his interest fuelled by watching attempts to create an English "bubbly" industry. After a few years of watching its progress he just had to give it a go and Hattingley is the result. The vineyard, between Medstead and Wield, was planted in the spring of 2008 by specialist planter Ernst Weis from Germany using the very latest laser-guided planting technology and this September they are celebrating the launch of their inaugural cuveé.

You will be taken on a tour of the vineyard, after which, "you will be taken up to the Winery where guests will be shown the inner workings of our state of the art wine making facilities. From grape to bottle, you will leave with a truly fascinating insight into the entire process involved in making English wine." Following the tour we will taste the 2010 cuvee and also a small selection of English versus French wines for you to have fun recognising.

We will then adjourn to The Good Food Guide’s Regional Restaurant of the Year for the South East, which is co-owned by Andres & Marie Louise Alemany. Andres, who is Spanish, is a very talented chef whose dishes show off the great flavours of his homeland. His English wife Marie Lou, started out with Oddbins, the wine merchants, in London then moved on to hone her skills managing pubs for Mitchells & Butler. The couple took over The Purefoy Arms over four years ago and have built up a very loyal following. Andres is putting together an interesting menu for us. There will be a choice on all three courses, a glass of Prosecco to start and coffee and petit fours. I should mention that Grandfather is a chocolatier with 50 years experience, who has come out of retirement to produce the puds and chocolates - need I say more!

We have two prices for this event as we felt some (well one anyway!) would not wish to indulge in exercise in the vineyard!

Nearest Station Basingstoke which is 11 miles from Hattingley.