English Wine Week - Why Bothy?

Vineyards and wineries from all over the United Kingdom are throwing open their doors from tomorrow until the 1st June as part of the English Wine Week, the national campaign designed to raise awareness and give access to all things English Wine.  There's something happenning for everyone and full details can be found on the English Wine Producers' website.

Near us Bothy Vineyard, Oxfordshire’s oldest winery and vineyard, will be pulling its weight by reinventing it ever-popular open days on 30 May, 31 May and 1 June.  Just a stone’s throw from Oxford, Bothy is celebrating with local art photographer, Mark Alger.  Mark’s photos of vineyard life will be on display in the winery, together with images of Abingdon, the Thames and the Vale of the White Horse. There will also be some large and enigmatic, hardwood sculptures from Africa amongst the vines for sale in aid of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.  Visitors can walk through the vines, see the winery, enjoy a tutored wine tasting with nibbles and even picnic in the grounds.  Sian Liwicki of Bothy Vineyard says, “We love showing new visitors around – they are often amazed at how we run everything on site, in a completely sustainable way."   

Julia Trustram Eve, marketing director of English Wine Producers, agrees. “There is a real buzz around English wine at the moment.  Last week the industry announced a record-breaking 2013 harvest and an impressive trophy and medal haul at the International Wine Challenge, so English wine really is riding high. We want to share this enthusiasm and above all highlight just how available English wine is and encourage as many people as possible to go to an event in their region and try some English wine. We’re confident they won’t be disappointed!”

Well you heard the lady, what are you waiting for?