The vibrant South West Wine School's 'First of the Summer Wine' event at the Deer Park Country House near Honiton on Thursday 13th June was a resounding success.  Over 100 guests came and tasted more than forty wines in the beautiful surroundings of the walled garden and the Orangery. 

The evening gave guests the chance to taste wines from Lebanon, the Napa Valley in California, Alsace, South Africa and the South West of England as well as a selection of pudding wines including Once Upon a Tree's 'The Wonder' Pear Ice Wine.  These were served alongside a smorgasbord of delicious food created by the chefs at this stunning country house. 

Devon-based Sunday Telegraph wine writer and Saturday Kitchen drinks presenter Susy Atkins headed up a team of wine experts including the brilliant Stephen Barrett, Rebecca Mitchell DipWSET and co-founders of the wine school Jonathan and Hayley Reynolds DipWSET.  

Guests were treated to exquisite canapés produced using freshly picked ingredients from the Deer Park Country House's walled garden and served with a selection of English wines as they wandered around the greenhouses and incredible array of fruit and vegetables growing, which is overseen by head gardener Oliver Forster.  They also had the opportunity to be the first to taste the new Deer Park Country House Cider. 

The international wine tasting, which took place in the Orangery, was accompanied by the tastiest of dishes including Porchetta and legs of lamb cooked on the braai oven followed by a fabulous selection of desserts.  This unforgettable food offering was prepared by the expert hands of chef Richard Still and his team. 

Co-founder of South West Wine School, Jonathan Reynolds, says: “There aren't many occasions where you can taste such an exciting array of wines from all over the world.  With the stunning setting and the live jazz, provided by the outstanding Tim Herniman and fellow musicians, it really was a highly memorable evening.” Jonathan continues: “We'd like to thank all the producers and wine experts involved who helped make it a stand out evening in the South West.”

Over recent years the estate at the Deer Park Country House has been painstakingly restored to its former magnificence and now predominantly hosts house parties, weddings and corporate events.  One of the major trends of 2019 is garden weddings and this wonderful venue has to be top of any garden wedding list. 

For further information on forthcoming events, as well as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses hosted by the South West Wine School, visit www.southwestwineschool.co.uk. 

SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WINES THAT WERE SHOWN:

Furleigh Estate

Bacchus Fumé 2018
West Dorset Chardonnay 2017
Classic Cuvée 2014
From the Oenothèque 10

Sharpham

Sparkling Pink

Sparkling Reserve

Pinot Noir

Pinor Gris

Brickhouse Vineyard

Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Pinot Noir Rosé 2016 and 2017

Dalwood Vineyard

Brut 2018

Still 2016

Once Upon A Tree

'The Wonder' Pear Ice Wine

Alsace

Charles Sparr Riesling (Riquewihr) 2015

Leon Beyer Pinot Gris (Eguisheim) 2016

Paul Planck Gewurztraminer (Kientzheim) 2017

Napa Valley

Jamieson Ranch Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Miner Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Rombauer Vineyards - Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Château Ksara - Lebanon

Merwah 2018

Blanc de l'Observatoire 2018

Blanc de Blancs 2018

Gris de Gris 2018

Le Prieuré 2016

Reserve du Couvent 2017

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

• South West Wine School has been co-founded by Jonathan and Hayley Reynolds.  Hayley holds a WSET Diploma (DipWSET) and Jonathan is WSET Level 3 qualified.  The couple have spent the last 20 years associated with the food and drink industries, and the wine industry in particular.

• South West Wine School is currently holding Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses at Wakeham Farm near Kingsbridge and across the South West.  For further information visit www.southwestwineschool.co.uk. 

• Sponsors of the South West Wine School include Salcombe Gin, Eversfield Organic,  Enotria & Coe, Vineyard Productions, The Eco Laundry, Kingston Estate and Deer Park Country House. 

• South West Wine School is a member of Food Drink Devon and Taste of the West. 

For further information or photography please contact: 

Hayley Reynolds, RAW Food and Drink PR, hayley@rawfoodanddrinkpr.co.uk

Mobile: 07887 474 104