A landmark tasting at Spencer House.
Spencer House in London provided the setting for a landmark moment in English wine. The inaugural Wines of East Anglia Trade Tasting, organised by Palate Comms, brought together 15 vineyards from across four counties in a focused and ambitious showcase of the region’s potential.
The event, hosted by Palate Comms founder Ashley Saunders, marked the consultancy’s first major tasting. Saunders, a wine communicator and global marketing professional with over 18 years’ experience, launched Palate Comms with the vision of connecting wine brands with consumers through engaging storytelling and data-led strategy. This tasting was designed to shine a spotlight on East Anglia’s fast-developing wine scene and introduce key industry figures to a region that is fast gaining recognition for quality and diversity.
Fifteen vineyards presented their wines, offering a cross-section of styles that reflect both the innovation and tradition shaping East Anglian winemaking today. Among the producers were Burn Valley, Burnt House, Chet Vineyard, Hawkers Hill, Higham Flint, Giffords Hall, Missing Gate, Newhall, Saffron Grange, Thorrington Mill, Toppesfield, Tuffon Hall, Walsingham Estate and Winbirri. The breadth of varieties and expressions was impressive—aromatic whites such as Bacchus, Solaris, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc were joined by structured reds made from Rondo, Regent and Dornfelder. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, key players in both still and sparkling wines, were also well represented, showing elegance and finesse across the board.
Mathew Abbey, Head Winemaker at Burn Valley and co-organiser of the event, reflected on the day’s success: “Spencer House was a fantastic venue to showcase the vineyards of East Anglia to the industry. I feel immensely proud to have 15 vineyards from the region come together in an amazing location to promote the region and the range of wine and varieties we can produce.” He highlighted the importance of seeing lesser-known red varieties alongside the more widely recognised sparkling styles, reinforcing the region’s versatility.
Romané Basset, co-founding trustee of the Gérard Basset Foundation and co-organiser, echoed the sentiment: “It was a true joy to see fifteen wineries from across four counties in East Anglia presenting their wines at Spencer House. The tasting provided a wonderful opportunity for attendees to see the wide and varied range of wines being made throughout the region and clearly demonstrated the high quality of East Anglian winemaking and the bright future which it has ahead.”
Throughout the afternoon, trade professionals, buyers, journalists and sommeliers moved between rooms, engaging directly with winemakers and discovering wines that were fresh, precise and full of character. The historic venue, once home to the Spencer family, provided a stately contrast to the youthful energy and contemporary ambition of the wines being poured.
With more events planned and the support of communications specialists like Palate Comms, East Anglia is well positioned to take its place among the country’s leading wine-producing areas. For now, it was a pleasure to witness the region stepping confidently into the spotlight – and to raise a glass to what lies ahead.
For more information about the Wines of East Anglia Trade Tasting or Palate Comms, contact: www.palatecomms.co.uk
