By
Niamh Walsh
on
15th September 2022
With breathtaking scenery, sprawling views of the South Downs and sparkling wines galore, Niamh Walsh discusses the beautiful Exton Park; home to 60 acres of lush vineyards that are carefully grown, nurtured and harvested to produce something rather extraordinary… exquisite English wine.
Described as "Hampshire in a bottle," Exton Park Vineyard stands as a paragon of locally-sourced excellence, curating impeccable English sparkling wines. As an exclusive vineyard producer, their commitment to sustainable viniculture and the creation of a natural ecosystem lends them a rarefied distinction. The pivotal reverence for the distinctive chalky soil that underpins each of the nine plots finds meticulous care under the guidance of Vineyard Director Fred Langdale and his team. Employing the most natural methods, they tend to their 120,000 vines, hand-picking the ripest grapes for swift conveyance to the bespoke winery atop the vineyard. The grapes are then pressed plot by plot, capturing the nuances of flavors, and the resultant fresh juice undergoes the inaugural fermentation, contributing to Exton Park's prestigious reserve library.
Exton Park's ethos encompasses a harmonious communion with the surrounding environment, advocating biodiversity and bolstering the local ecosystem—a testament to their unwavering commitment to sustainability. As a founding member of WineGB's 'Sustainable Wines of Great Britain' accreditation, the estate's devotion to reducing its carbon footprint permeates both the vineyard and the winery.
The Enchanting Wine Director, Corinne Seely
Radiating an unmistakably French charm, Corinne Seely, the resplendent and impassioned Wine Director, takes centre stage in the symphony of Exton Park's wine production. Drawing on her experience cultivated in Bordeaux, where she embarked upon her journey as a winemaker at the esteemed grand cru classé Domaine de Chevalier, Seely is a purveyor of consistently exceptional, innovative wines. Her zeal for this pursuit stems from her fervent desire to create a distinctive English sparkling wine style, one that resonates with the captivating terroir, particularly the unique context of Exton Park.
Accompanied by meticulously curated hor d'oeuvres by Treehouse@51, Seely unraveled the delicate art of food and wine pairings during the launch of Exton Park's Pinot Meunier Rosé Plot 4. The synergy of wine and food, yielding a heightened gastronomic experience, stood at the heart of her discourse. Seely's culinary roots run deep, a testament to her French upbringing, where a profound love for cooking, dining, and imbibing thrived. Thus, it's hardly a surprise that Exton Park has collaborated with the three-time Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, offering The Simon Rogan Dining Experience at Exton Hall.
In the splendid embrace of Exton Hall, Simon Rogan's celebrated farm-to-table philosophy converges harmoniously with Exton Park's illustrious wines. A meticulously designed four-course menu by Executive Chef Oli Marlow, showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from Rogan's sustainable 'Our Farm' in the Cartmel Valley, takes center stage. Paired alongside Exton Park's exceptional sparkling wines, curated by Corinne Seely herself, the evening promises to be an indelible experience.
Speaking about her love of cooking, Seely spoke about her upbringing, "I’m French so I grew up in a family who likes to cook, to eat and to drink". So, it is therefore no surprise that Exton Park partnered with (3 time) Michelin star chef Simon Rogan to create The Simon Rogan Dining Experience at Exton Hall.
Simon Rogan’s highly acclaimed farm-to-table ethos will be coming together with Exton Park’s distinguished wines to create an extraordinary evening on Friday 30th September, set against the elegant backdrop of the magnificent Exton Hall. Oli Marlow (Executive Chef of Roganic & Aulis Hong Kong and Aulis London) has designed a meticulous four-course menu, showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients and quality produce from Rogan’s sustainable ‘Our Farm’ in the Cartmel Valley. Paired alongside Exton Park’s exceptional sparkling wines and some hand-selected still wines chosen by Corinne, it will be a guaranteed night to remember. The evening will also be an exclusive opportunity to experience two of Britain’s finest artisans come together for a truly unique food and wine experience.
The Vault
Exton Park recently unveiled The Vault, an exclusive members-only wine club that promises a true taste of luxury and a plethora of curated benefits. Highlights include a yearly allocation of 12 bottles of their signature Reserve Blend wines, priority access to acquire Limited Release wines prior to their public debut, and invitations to exclusive Vault member previews, tastings, and events hosted at Exton Hall, including the highly anticipated Simon Rogan Dining Experience.
