Chiltern Valley Vineyard and Winery

Matt — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:00:00 +0000

David Ealand is this months Food Hero. These days David would be called a “green-shifter” for quitting London and a legal career to live on an old pig farm near Henley on Thames. But “pioneer” might be a better description. That is because he made the move back in 1981, since then he has been at the centre of a movement transferring humdrum pastures into rich fruit-bearing fields, giving new life to a rural tradition of winemaking.

Annual production at David’s Chiltern Valley Vineyard and Winery increased to over 120,000 bottles. David Ealand uses the very latest wine making techniques and winery equipment to combine a respect for tradition with minimum interference with the natural processes. The old myth that the climate, grapes or even the wine making skills in this country prevented English Wines competing against the best from around the world was well and truly smashed after Chiltern Valley achieved over seventy trophies, awards and commendations in both national and international competitions securing an enviable reputation both here and abroad.

Luxter’s Sparkling Wine is outstanding. Traditionally produced, undergoing secondary fermentation in the bottle. A fine local exemplar of our English heritage. A herbaceous, crisp, dry fizz, elegant, sophisticated. Its golden bubbles gently rising in their myriads in the glass drowning all your sorrows. Try it for yourself; the Luxter’s Cellar Shop is open everyday 10 am – 4 pm www.chilternvalley.co.uk

Doves Farm Foods

Matt — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Doves Farm Foods was established in 1978 in Hungerford, Berks. Founders Michael & Clare Marriage were so concerned about food quality, sustainability and the environment that they were compelled to research, grow and market wholesome organic flour. While converting the Hungerford family farm to organic production, Michael & Clare began to link with other farmers who also wanted to keep their organic produce special. Doves Farm Foods was formed to grind organic grain into strong flour for breads, self raising flour for cakes, plain flour for biscuits, pastry and sauces as well as a wide range of speciality flours including rye, buckwheat and spelt.

Like organic growers and manufacturers, Doves Farm is inspected annually by the Soil Association, to check that the land, food processing and records comply with organic standards.

Michael also produces a range of special dietary flours, breakfast cereals, biscuits and snack bars. More blurb from www.Dovesfarm.co.uk. Doves farm flour is widely available, Tesco and many health food shops.

london street brasserie » meet the suppliers

Chiltern Valley Vineyard and Winery

Doves Farm Foods