Cornwall Life – October 2019

(^62) Š
where vineyards have been part
of the landscape for hundreds –
sometimes thousands – of years,
these characteristics are already
firmly defined, although their
nuances may be disputed by more
radical producers. However, in
a relatively new wine-making
region like Cornwall (Polmassick
Vineyard at St Ewe is said to be
the oldest, planted in 1978) the
concept of what defines a Cornish
wine is still up for grabs.
Following a day travelling in
Kate’s luxurious tour bus, guests
of Cornish Wine Tours will have
formed their own impressions.
After Camel Valley and Knightor,
the next stop on the vine trail
is Trevibban Mill Vineyard.
Enjoying idyllic surroundings on
the Issey Brook near Padstow,
vine-covered slopes and
gardens surround a stylish and
contemporary tasting room and
winery bar. Owners Liz and
Engin planted their vines on slate
soils, which imbue the wines of
Trevibban Mill with a distinctive
purity and attractive mineral
notes.
Trevibban Mill is also home to
Appleton’s Bar & Restaurant run
by Andy and his partner Lyndsey,
the venue for a gourmet three-
course lunch which is included
with a full-day tour. “The cellar
door tasting experience helps
you become familiar with the
different styles, but really wine
is best enjoyed alongside food,”
says Kate. “Our fabulous lunches
at Appleton’s are an opportunity
for guests to enjoy a glass or two
paired with Cornwall’s delicious
seasonal bounty; that’s when
the wines really come into their
own.”
So, after a day of touring and
tasting, what is the general
verdict on Cornwall’s wines?
“People are always impressed
with the quality of all the wines
they try, but also the diversity
of styles,” says Kate. “The words
people use the most to describe
Cornish wines are ‘fresh’, ‘vibrant’
and ‘aromatic’, and everyone
always says how delicious
they are with Cornish seafood
and things like samphire and
asparagus. I guess that proves the
rule that what grows together,
goes together!”
Kate’s tours are a unique
opportunity to immerse yourself in
Cornwall’s increasingly confident
and varied wine-making culture,
gaining an insight into what makes
wines from this part of the world
so special. 
Tours start at £75 for a half day
tour. A full-day tour including
lunch at Appleton’s is £125. Kate
also runs special events and
brewery and distillery tours –
visit the website for details. Gift
vouchers are also available.
cornishwinetours.com
KATE’S
MUST-TRY
CORNISH
WINES
Camel Valley White
Pinot Noir £32.95:A
fab ‘Blanc de Noir’ – very
attractive on the eye, a
beautiful colour with a hint
of pink. Complex, bready,
yeasty aromas, yet still
displaying fresh berries
on the nose. Great for a
special occasion, such as
the weekend!
Polgoon Sauvignon
Blanc £15.95: A unique
single estate, single variety
Sauvignon Blanc made in
Cornwall. Green apples,
and hints of tropical fruit
makes this a perfect
garden aperitif. Super
refreshing and moreish!
Trevibban Mill
Constantine £21.95:
A dry white wine which
is delicately oaked. The
blend of Chardonnay,
Seyval Blanc and
Reichensteiner gives
complexity and a full body

• unusual in this part of
  the world and makes this
  a food-friendly choice. A
  slight smokiness on the
  nose and lingering notes
  of honey to finish.

Knightor 9112 £25.00:

A blend of the 2009,

2011, and 2012 vintage

using Chardonnay,

Reichensteiner, Pinot

Noir, Huxulrebe and Pinot

Meunier. For me this is a

very drinkable sparkling

wine; dry, with a subtle

nuttiness and a lemon

citrus note which keeps it

fresh and inviting.

Bosue Quality Sparkling

Wine £24.95: A blend

of lesser known grape

varieties Johanniter

and Orion made in the

traditional method from

this beautiful boutique

vineyard in St Ewe.

Elderflower on the nose,

followed by green apple

and lime on the palette.

Makes me think of

summer!

FOOD & DRINK

Kate McBurnie launched the award-winning Cornish Wine Tours in 2018

TOP: The Cornish Wine Tour

includes a three-course lunch

to soak up all that wine

MIDDLE: The tour includes

Kate as the designated driver

BOTTOM: Kate supplemented

her knowledge of wines from

overseas with internships at

local vineyards

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