With Spring knocking on our doors, bringing in longer days and perhaps even longer nights- the Sussex beauty, Ridgeview Wine Estate, welcomed the fresh air with a beautiful reception at their Rows and Vine Restaurant to showcase a new menu.
Surrounded by a gorgeous view and Chardonnay vineyards that felt like they stretched on for miles, Ridgeview welcomed us with two of their world-class Sparkling wines: the Bloomsbury New Vintage and the Rose Fitzrovia. Both selections, which have been served to presidents and royals alike, elevated the afternoon giving us a glimpse of what Ridgeview is all about. The air was filled with laughter, a little bit of rain and spirited conversation as guests savoured this finest of English sparkling wines. Their new spring menu carefully manoeuvred its way around the reception giving everyone a taste of the new spring dishes.
Rows and Vine Restaurant
Described by Tamara Roberts- CEO of the Ridgeview wine estate as their ‘pandemic baby’, the reception served as the spring opening for Ridgeview’s fairly new restaurant. Opened in the second half of 2022 Tamara described the restaurant as “a unique space that reflected the Ridgeview brand.” The restaurant is located on the visually stunning estate. As soon as we drove in, we were taken aback by how massive the estate truly is. Rows and Vine offers you a view of their impressive Chardonnay vineyards. The restaurant is outdoor providing some fresh air which is great for spring. Décor also includes covered pavilions and heated seats in case you feel a little chilly.
The restaurant will be open all around this year with elegant changes to introduce each new season, menus designed to share and the chance to find a new favourite Ridgeview sparkling wine.
The new menu
The afternoon showcased a taste of their seasonal menu, inspired by the youth of spring. The dishes were light, fun, fresh and locally sourced. We enjoyed some garlic bruschetta, with local Nutbourne tomatoes and basil (with the option to add burrata). The selection also included Sussex style halloumi accompanied with fennel, pak choi and apple, fried red potatoes with wild garlic butter and some fresh oysters with coriander, lime, cucumber and pink peppercorn. The new spring menu boasts ample vegan and vegetarian options including rolled hispi cabbage and mushrooms with carrots.
Dessert lovers were not left behind as Ridgeview offered sweet-toothed guests a chocolate cheesecake with butterscotch sauce, ending things in a rich but delicious note.
Rows and Vine showcased a wonderful array of Ridgeview wines, including some of their signatures like the Fitzrovia Rose or the Cavendish NV which has a rich golden colour with hints of red fruits on the nose. The drinks menu also contained a number of cocktails to salivate over including a Sparkling Paloma made with tequila, lime, grapefruit and Ridgeview’s Bloomsbury NV. All cocktails include the Bloomsbury NV, giving restaurant guests another inventive way to try the signature blend.
Sustainability
The reception also celebrated Ridgeview Wines becoming a certified B-corporation. Ridgeview has dedicated itself to sustainability. With a strict reduce, reuse and recycle policy, Ridgeview Wines take pride in sustainable practices that profit the planet and prioritise minimal impact on its carbon footprint. The Rows and Vines restaurant also only uses locally sourced fresh food; reducing emissions and energy usage, making sure your meal is just that little bit gentler on the environment.
RIDGEFEST!
Ridgeview’s ultimate sell-out festival, RIDGEFEST IS BACK! On Saturday 26th August, a UK Bank Holiday weekend, you’ll have the chance to party amongst the vines and panoramic views of the beautiful Sussex South Downs. Enjoy a day of live music, sumptuous street food and of course, raise a glass of your favourite Ridgeview English sparkling wine.
Is it worth it?
You might be thinking, is it worth the travel? YES! If you’re based in London, visiting, or just looking for something refreshing to do this Spring/Summer, you should be adding a trip to Ridgeview Wines to your to-do list. The restaurant’s view of the vineyards is just breath-taking, and in true Sussex fashion; their hospitality makes you feel right at home.
It’s just an hour away if you’re coming in from London and the restaurant serves some of Ridgeview’s best wines that you can’t get anywhere else. In Tamara Roberts’ words, “You should experience all parts of Ridgeview, immerse yourself and know where your wine is from.”
To discover more, visit ridgeview.co.uk
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All imagery courtesy of Ridgeview Wine Estate / Xavier Buendia.