Hunters of Helmsley toasts a Yorkshire tipple for English Wine Week

In celebration of English Wine Week (28th May – 5th June) a local vineyard will be hosting tastings of some of its most popular wines at the Hunters of Helmsley deli.

Ryedale Vineyards is England’s most northerly commercial vineyard, and, since planting the vines a decade ago, has been producing award-winning wine since 2009. The family run business has 10 acres of vineyards based near Westow, North Yorkshire.

The vineyard supplies a variety of Hunters’ top selling white, red, rose and sparkling wines. Two popular summer wines will be available for shoppers to try at the tastings, along with suggested food pairings to sample.

• The Yorkshire Lass wine is an aromatic, off dry white, with peach flavours and a hint of grapefruit. The wine works well with mild flavours, and will be paired with artisan pate.
• Yorkshire Sunset is a silver medal winning dry rose, with soft strawberry flavours and a hint of spice. It’s a good match with salmon and mild cheeses – particularly Yorkshire Blue.

The tastings will take place on Bank Holiday Monday (30th May) from 12 until 3pm at the Hunters of Helmsley deli on Helmsley’s bustling Market Place.

Christine Garnett, who owns the Hunters of Helmsley deli with her husband Chris, said: “There are around 470 vineyards now operating in England, producing over 3.15 million bottles a year, yet people can still be hesitant about buying English wine. We are extremely lucky to have one of the best on our doorstep, and we have been stocking wine from Ryedale Vineyards for four years. English Wine Week seemed like the perfect opportunity to allow people to come and try some of our best sellers – which are perfect for summer – and also how they might pair well with different foods. We’re positive people will be very surprised. As the famous saying goes – life is too short to drink bad wine!”

Stuart Smith, who owns Ryedale Vineyards with his wife Elizabeth, said: “We really enjoy working with Hunters of Helmsley, and love to do a spot of shopping when we’re there! It’s quite an exceptional shop and it’s easy to see why it was awarded the title of Britain’s Best Small Shop last year. Hopefully these tastings will give people an opportunity to try our wines, who might not otherwise have thought to do so. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to the choices you make on the wine aisle, but English wine is something very special. It adds an extra dimension to think you’re drinking something which has been made just a few miles down the road!”

Hunters has been based on Helmsley’s picturesque Market Place for 26 years. Hunters last year received the accolade of being crowned Britain’s Best Small Shop, at an event held at the House of Commons. For more information visit www.huntersofhelmsley.com

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