Nestled in the heart of Berkshire, All Angels vineyard marked a significant milestone with the release of its 10th Anniversary Classic Cuvée. The picturesque setting of Church Farm, with its south-facing slopes and verdant meadows, provided the perfect backdrop for a day of celebration. As one of the fortunate attendees at this exclusive event, I was able to experience firsthand the culmination of a decade’s worth of passion, precision, and patience – all poured into this exceptional English sparkling wine.
The day began with a guided tour of the vineyard, led by All Angels’ founder, Mark Darley. The history of the land and the evolution of the winery unfolded with each step, from the first vine planted in 2011 to the flourishing estate it is today. What was once a simple countryside retreat for the Darley family is now a celebrated producer of fine English sparkling wine, with a commitment to sustainability and quality at its heart. Mark’s deep connection to the land was palpable as he spoke of nurturing the vines and the responsibility of leaving the land better than it was found.
The vineyard tour was followed by an exquisite five-course lunch prepared by local culinary talent, Henry Kermer-Ireson, chef and owner of Damson restaurant. Each dish was carefully paired with a selection of All Angels’ sparkling wines, showcasing the harmonious relationship between locally sourced cuisine and fine wine.
The menu was a celebration in itself. The standout pairings included the All Angels Classic Cuvée 2014, a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Gris that had spent nine years aging on lees, paired with a decadent Brioche French Toast and Mushroom Tartlet. The delicate scallop dish, accompanied by a rich crab sauce, was brought to life by the 2017 Classic Cuvée, a wine with remarkable depth and character. And who could forget the honey and cobnut mousse, the perfect partner to the crisp and refreshing Sparkling Rosé 2018.
Throughout the meal, conversations flowed as freely as the wine, and it was clear that All Angels is as much about community as it is about craftsmanship. Mark Darley, along with Emma Rice, celebrated English winemaker who created the 10th Anniversary Classic Cuvée, shared stories of the winery’s evolution. Their dedication to quality was evident in every glass. Mark summed it up perfectly: “Quality before volume, patience before sales.”
What sets All Angels apart, beyond their exceptional wine, is their unwavering commitment to sustainability. It was heartening to hear about their efforts to transform Holtwood into a wildflower meadow and the ongoing work to support diverse birdlife, wild bees, and other local fauna.
If you haven’t yet experienced an All Angels wine, I highly recommend exploring their collection. Each vintage tells its own story, shaped by the terroir and the careful hands that craft it. For me, this event was a reminder that the best things in life – like a fine cuvée – are worth the wait.
