Devon Wine Week 2009

After a very successful Devon Wine Week last year, there will be even more to enjoy during the week this year, including new vineyards to visit.

Over the week, there will be something taking place every single day, at the vineyards and participating outlets. A host of different activitites, both informative and entertaining, are being laid on for your enjoyment, giving a wide range of opportunities to get to know these many award-winning wines better, and really see just how versatile and delicious they are.

Vineyards taking part in this year's Wine Week include:
Yearlstone
Pebblebed
Manstree
Sharpham
Old Walls
Willhayne
Highcroft
Summermoor
Ashwell
Kenton

Devon's Sparkling Wines vs Champagne:
Following the 2007 Challenge where Devon wines took on the best from New Zealand, the main event of this year's Devon Wine Week will be "Devon's Sparkling Wines vs Champagne" on Wednesday 28th May hosted by Master of Wine Alastair Peecles at the Devon Wine School in Cheriton Fitzpaine, judged to professional standards by some of the top names in the profession.

BACKGROUND: The explosion of planting in Devon which began in 2000 has now reached a total of 24 vineyards - up from 6 in the late 1990's. It's estimated Devon wines have already captured 1% of the wine market in their home region. Yearlstone Vineyard near Bickleigh has just been named Fastest Improving Vineyard in England in the presitigious Wine Report 2008. Sharpham Vineyard near Totnes is now selling in excess of 100,000 bottles a year. Pebblebed Vineyard near Topsham won a Gold Medal with its first rose at the English & Welsh Wine of the Year competition. Old Walls, Manstree and others are also making waves in the English wine world.

Venue

Sharpham Vineyard and Cheese Dairy, Totnes

Manstree Vineyard, South Devon

Old Walls Vineyard, Teignmouth and Shaldon

Kenton Vineyard, Dawlish and Dawlish Warren

Dates

Devon Wine Week 2009 23 May 2009 - 30 May 2009