English Wine Week has arrived. A proud moment in the wine calendar, Amy McCudden explores two vineyards that are a little closer to the home of Tanners.
It’s English Wine Week. A celebration not only of the wine itself but of the craft, skill and sheer determination of the English producers to showcase the quality found on our green and pleasant land.
English wine is a mosaic of stories, a patchwork quilt of unwavering dedication to the land that has reaped the rewards in critic reviews and scores, as well as wowing wine lovers at home and abroad.
But English wine shouldn’t be lumped together. Each vineyard is different, with its own story to tell and Tanners are proud supporters not only of British vineyards, but local producers too. Whilst we stock some superb English wines, let’s explore those a little closer to Tanners in our home county of Shropshire.
Rowton Vineyards
Twins Mel and Zoe Evans are the delightful duo from Rowton Vineyards. Nestled on the outskirts of Shrewsbury, the home of Tanners historic HQ, Rowton Vineyards has gone from strength to strength. From a multi-generational farming family, Mel and Zoe have combined their love of wine, the land, viticulture and marketing to create a vineyard and brand that highlights the best of Shropshire terroir. And if managing their vineyard isn’t enough work, their herd of Limousin cattle and cosy B& B certainly keep them busy!
With a strong focus and commitment to sustainability, the Evans twins have focused on hybrid varieties that require minimal chemical input and are suitable for the Shropshire weather and climate. So, not only are the varieties something new for you to try, but they’re helping protect the environment too. As a producer listed under WinesGB, who represent, support and lead sustainable growth in the British wine industry, Rowton Vineyard must be commended for their serious approach to sustainability.
If you like juicy, fresh and fruit-filled whites then their Solaris is a must-try. Oh-so refreshing and bursting with citrus notes and tropical fruit, Solaris is the perfect bottle to enjoy with friends and family. It’s also an award-winning wine, but not just by judging panels, it’s top-rated by Tanners customers too:
“A textured palate with a fresh but fruity finish. Delicious and lovely to find such good quality English wine on the doorstep!”
Louise C, Tanners Customer
Hencote
On the doorstep of Tanners we don’t have just one vineyard, but two! Just a few minutes drive out of town you can find Hencote, a modern winery that has history rooted deep in the Shropshire landscape.
Having had strong ties to the land since the early 12th Century, the land was imbued with a new vision in the late 2000s when current owners Andy and Dora Stevens turned their passion for wine into a new project. Since then, Hencote has blossomed into one of the go-to destinations in Shropshire for wine tourism.
English sparkling has certainly taken the world of wine by storm. Looking for top quality without a hefty price tag? Hencote Evolution is the bottle for you. For £16 (or under if you're quick enough to snap up our latest offers) this sparkling breaks down perceived barriers that bubbles should only be enjoyed on special or momentous occasions. Perk up your mid-week meals or celebrate the arrival of the weekend with Hencote Evolution.
With aromas and flavours of orchard fruit, this sparkling is a testament to the magic of Shropshire terroir and the vision the Stevens family have for Hencote.
“This is a cracking wine, they seem to have captured the essence of a hot summers day in a bottle. Extremely good value too.”
H, Tanners Customer
So, if you are celebrating English Wine Week then pick up a bottle from Shropshire, the home of Tanners.
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