Join Leander Wine Club on tour! On Thursday 25th April, we are organising a tasting at the stunning Hundred Hills winery in Stonor, followed by a two-course lunch back here in the Balcony Room. Minibus transportation will be provided to and from the club to the winery. All Members are welcome. Only 20 spaces available.

Date: Thursday 25th April 2024

Schedule: Assemble at 10am sharp at Leander Club. Minibus to Hundred Hills. Visit vineyard (uphill walk, bring wellies if wet) with an explanation of the beautiful terroir. Visit spotless winery and tasting room with explanation of winemaking processes. Tasting of their sparkling wines, which are increasingly highly regarded. 12.30pm board bus to return to club for lunch at 1pm.

Lunch: Set menu (choices below. must be made a time of booking) with club wines at an additional charge, supplemented 3-4 bottles of interesting aged bottles from David Banford 

Tickets: £85 per head, email bookings@leander.co.uk with your menu choices (below) to secure your place asap.

David Banford, LWC founding member writes:

Hundred Hills Winery in Stonor is arguably the most exciting vineyard in England with a dedicated winery. And only a hop skip and jump from our club. Why wait to visit?

A site with huge promise, and every detail has been meticulously thought through with an eye to the future. Most English sparkling wines, and God knows there are plenty, plant a cross section of Champagne permitted varietals, using Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay with the intention to expand vineyard output, once the first few vintages are in bottle.

Not so Hundred Hills. Only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have been planted.

Importantly, the vines come from Burgundian clones, adding a distinct depth of character seldom seen in England. Each clone is vinified by parcel in separate cuvees, and used to separate particular styles dependent on the vintage characteristics. Notice on the back label a diagram which shows which parcels and clones have gone into the specific cuvee.

No wine made by Hundred Hills undergoes malolactic fermentation, allowing the fullest expression and quality of the fruit to come to the fore – and retaining the vigour and tension of the wine to be retained.

Rupert Crick, Director of Hospitality has kindly agreed to be our host and guide for a not-to-be-missed trip around some of the Hundred Hills to see the vineyards in situ, followed by a chance to see how sparkling wine is made and then taste some of their favourite cuvees in their gorgeous tasting room alongside some classic French champagnes. Then there is a chance to buy some HH at special Leander Wine Club prices.

Then back to the club for a special two-course lunch overlooking the river accompanied by some specially donated wines from David Banford.

2001 Torbreck The Steading -‘The heart and soul of Torbreck, Australia’

2009 Ch.Gazin, Pomerol     

2007 Ch. Climens, Sauternes – no need for pud with this ‘slice of heaven in a glass!’

I hope you will be able to make this event which is limited to the first 20. Departure in minivan at 10am sharp. 

No better way to hopefully celebrate the arrival of spring….

In vino veritas.

David

MENU CHOICES – these must be made at the time of booking. Please let us know if you have dietary requirements.

Starters

Tempura vegetables with sesame and sweet chilli (vg)

Smoked duck salad with toasted walnuts and blood orange dressing

Seabass ceviche on melba toast with coriander cress

Mains

Mushroom Wellington with carrot and sage puree (vg)

Pan-fried cod supreme with spinach and butterbean broth

Lamb rump, roasted crushed potatoes and mint salsa verde

Email bookings@leander.co.uk to secure your place.