Taste top English fizz for free

Those unlucky enough to have missed our tenth-anniversary champagne celebration last week might be interested in a sparkling line-up of England’s best bottles this Thursday at the Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells.

The event brings together top sparkling-wine producers such as Ridgeview, Nyetimber, Chapel Down, Hush Heath, Biddenden, Bolney Estate, Wickham Estate – as well as my erstwhile employer, Gusbourne Estate, who finally have their 2006 sparkling wines on the market. The event takes the form of a casual walkaround tasting, with producers on hand to pour and discuss the wines.

English Wine Day runs between 11 am and 5 pm tomorrow, Thursday 9 Dec, at the Hotel du Vin, Crescent Road, TN1 2LY, and is free of charge. Further details from the hotel itself on 01892 526455.