Yesterday I visited @charlespalmervineyards near Rye on the south coast of England. I look windswept because I had just walked five hours to get there along the 1066 country trail. Trust me when I say it was worth it!

Can you imagine that picture perfect postcard version of England, where there are rolling hills, cute villages with ancient churches, castles dotted about the landscape, and the ever present sound of seagulls in the air reminding you that the beach is near. 
Yep, that's what this is. But of course, add to that the fact there is also wine! Is this heaven?

The winery itself is set in some of the most beautiful countryside I've seen in a long time, located next to a storybook farm manor and a valley full of grape vines. 

The soil here is a mixture of chalk, kimmeridge clay, and sandy loam ensuring pretty good drainage against the English rain. The wines are mature, complex and very delicious, with really noticeable character across different vintages. The Pinot noir and Chardonnay were fantas…