The best place to grow Pinot Noir in England
So the Rother Valley has perfect conditions for ripening our grapes. We are blessed with hot, warm and dry summers and clay soils that retain the heat.
Winemaker Nick Brewer
Winemaker and co-owner of Oastbrook, Nick Brewer, shares how his travels influenced his relationship with wines of the world.
The Five S’s of wine tasting and the importance of each of them
There are five main things that you need to focus on when tasting wine: sight, smell, swirl, sip, and savour.
A new kind of love
How Nick Brewer, winemaker and co-owner of Oastbrook, began his love affair with wine.
What is Avalon
What is Avalon? Avalon was the mythical island to which King Arthur was carried over the water to his final resting place in paradise. It was known as the island of fruit or Avalon. According to Celtic mythology it was where Excalibur, King Arthur’s swaord was forged. Avalon symbolises a paradise of magic, utopia and …
How many wineries in Sussex ?
So how many wineries are there in Sussex? That’s a question we are often asked at Oastbrook as we are on the Kent and Sussex border. Actually there are two Sussexes, East and West. As there were two historical groups the East and West Saxons. There are two still two flags one blue for the …
Pinot Noir Clones
Described by Robinson as a finicky vine, in Champagne it is a key blend component of sparkling wine with light pressing of its just ripe berries, with more 20% more hectares planted than in Burgundy. In England 24.7% of all grapevines are now Pinot Noir . Pinot Noir is especially clonally diverse with 18 clones …
How many wineries in Kent?
So how many wineries are there in the Garden of England? It’s a question we are often asked at Oastbrook as we are on the Kent and Sussex border. Nick initially had split loyalties already as he was brought up in Kent but his heart is now a mile into Sussex. Oastbrook is situated in the …
Oastbrook’s harvest 2020
Oastbrook’s harvest 2020 has been one of the most exciting times of the year here in Bodiam, with lots to look forward to from harvest time… and lots to add to our existing line up Sparkling Rosé 2014, Sparkling Rosé 2015, and Pinot Gris 2018 Oastbrook’s Harvest We’ve completed our Oastbrook harvest, having worked hard …