Next meeting

Following last month’s announcement of our visit to Missing Gate Vineyard in June, there has been a very enthusiastic response, and we only have a couple of spaces left on the list (maximum is 30), and so first come, first served – members have priority, but if anyone else would like to join us, we’re happy to set up a waiting list for latecomers and guests, which would also help if anyone had to cancel at the last minute: as it is an external event, please note that payment is non-refundable unless replacement attendees can be found!

The visit will include a tasting of 4 wines plus a talk about the vineyard from the winemaking team and the chance to see some of the youngest vines in a fabulous setting – Missing Gate is situated in lovely

countryside on Creephedge Lane, East Hanningfield, opposite RHS Hyde Hall. 

Did you know that the Essex Riviera (aka the Crouch Valley) has been tipped to become a future rival to

Champagne and Burgundy? Its microclimate and superb terroir are likely to benefit significantly from

climate change, and Missing Gate is one of the Crouch vineyards tipped for future greatness – and the

wines are pretty good at the moment too!

Missing Gate is exceptionally good value for a vineyard visit, but to keep costs down even more, we are

being allowed to bring our own picnics to the tasting – so chip butties or smoked salmon and cucumber, the choice is yours.

Further details and directions nearer the time, but it would be good if you could think about sharing lifts to get there. We shall need full payment from everyone attending (£20pp) by or at our May meeting on

Wednesday 13 May – see below for details.

Anyone wishing to pay cash or cheque (also by 13 May) for the June meeting should as usual let David

know beforehand, either by email to dandjwickenden@gmail.com or by phoning him on 01245 380074.