England : West Sussex Vineyard Ride & Tastings

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After last year's inaugural happy Vineyard Ride, a longer ride is proposed this year.

Date: saturday 20 september
Start Location: Horsham Station
Start Time: 09:30

Plan: part 1 - ride 30 km to first winery, tasting 3 sparkling wines hosted by owner or winemaker
part 2 - ride 40 km to second winery, tasting a selection of sparkling wines hosted by owner

Pace will be gentle, conversational pace. (Average required speed is 21km/hr).
Refreshments may be purchased in a village approx. 6 km after first tasting.

Finish Time: 16:00

Total distance= 75 km (approx, including ride back to Pulborough station).

Cost: £45 (to cover tasting fees)

From Pulborough, trains go to London twice an hour, at 24 and 54 minutes past each hour.

Please send PM for expressions of interest.

 

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Somewhat delayed with this report.

We set off right on time on a cool morning, happily with no rain and only a small chance forecast later in the afternoon. All of us wore a jacket or warmers of some description as we rode briefly through the houses to the aptly named and delightful Hammerpond Road to lead us onto the quiet country lanes.
Through the lovely hamlet of Slaugham, where the grave of Nelson’s youngest sister may be found, we heard the amusing story of one of Tim’s scouts who has a depth of knowledge of Nelson many historians lack.

Avoiding the centre of Haywards Heath and the busy A272 that runs east/west through sussex and hampshire, taking an almost requisite off-road section along a bridleway through a woody nature reserve, well-populated by dog walkers and joggers. Through a small housing estate and nearly downhill all the way to our first stop in Ditchling. We were treated to 3 vintage sparkling wines, no non-vintage here!, all of excellent quality. And as a bonus, we had a tiny taste of a relative newcomer to the english wine scene, a dry rosé vermouth, all the botanicals coming from around the vineyard. Delicious!

Back on the road, we rode through the village centre, full of old half-timbered buildings, past the house where Eric Gill lived and headed west towards Hurstpierpoint. A quick stop for food on the village green, now bathed in sunlight. Rolling our way along more country lanes, two red kites were spotted after earlier sightings of two buzzards, we slowed up the climb to the deconsecrated church of Warminghurst with its rare pews and other items of historical interest.

After a quick visit, drizzle had started and we quickly donned rain jackets. Passing a few vineyards, we made our way to our second vineyard stop. But first the short, sharp climb had to be tackled, leaving us breathless at the top for those that pedalled!. Rain had not materialised, so at the entrance we gazed over the neat rows of grape laden vines towards Chanctonbury Ring atop the distant South Downs. The tasting was led by a co-founder and head blender, tasting four very different wines. All very english, very delicious! As we departed, a nasty heavy shower started and we dashed down the single track lane and took refuge in the old-fashioned pub for a pint of local ale.

All in all, a good day out.