The Vineyard at Stockcross
To mark the recent arrival of the 30,000th bottle in its new high-capacity wine vault, five-star hotel The Vineyard at Stockcross (www.the-vineyard.co.uk) celebrated by unveiling a series of new wine initiatives and concept menu.
The Vineyard will also be unveiling its newly refurbished public spaces as it enters into a new wine-centric era, including a voyeuristic glass wine vault and striking painting of the iconic wine-tasting event of 1976, ‘The Judgement of Paris’.
Inspired by the sun-soaked vineyards of California, The Vineyard – located in the heart of rural Berkshire – is a true haven for food and wine lovers. Often referred to as a ‘restaurant with rooms’, the stunning premises feature a top class menu led by Daniel Galmiche (previously of Le Gavroche), an award-winning wine list developed by Yohann Jousselin, UK Sommelier of the Year 2011, wine events programme, as well as 49 boutique hotel rooms and spa.
From the moment of arrival, guests are welcomed by a new design by Serena Richards Interiors, with the reception, bar and casual dining transformed into a wine lover’s heaven. On stepping into the hall of this converted nineteenth century hunting lodge, it will not take long to understand how The Vineyard acquired its name.
The new special features include a dazzling wine vault made of crystal-clear Diamond Clear glass encased into the walls, which displays a magnificent selection of over a thousand fine wines lit up by strobes of LED lighting. On looking down through the glass floor, guests are also treated to a view of The Vineyard’s extensive wine cellar, which reveals row upon row of vintage delights; the new capacity reaching 30,000 throughout the hotel.
To celebrate and share The Vineyard’s love of food and wine to anyone who wants to know, the restaurant has introduced a new approach of refined simplicity and convenience. 100 wines by the glass will be available so that visitors and guests can always benefit from the luxury of choice – whether they wish to enjoy a single glass or share a bottle between family and friends. Wines can be matched to each meal by the glass, at prices comprising £7, £12 or £18 (125ml).
Daniel Galmiche has launched a new, simplified tasting menu including dishes such as Diver caught Cornish scallops, asparagus, Parmesan; Confit of duck foie gras, poached peach, red chilli; Fillet of sea-bass baked in sea salt, seaweed, fennel; Roasted Cornish marsh lamb rump, confit shoulder, aubergine; Strawberry clafoutis, lime and strawberry straciatella cone and Seasonal farmhouse cheese platter, quince, fig cake, fennel bread.
Yohann Jousselin MS, Sommelier at The Vineyard at Stockcross, says: “The Vineyard is truly a haven for wine lovers and is a fantastic place to come and sample world-class wines from our ample cellar and new vault. However, we also aim to create an open and relaxed atmosphere where people who are interested can come and learn about wines and expand their knowledge. We’re delighted to introduce our new wine initiatives and an exciting new look which we feel reinforces our deeply ingrained wine heritage here at The Vineyard. ”
Another new arrival is a striking painting located in pride of place in the Wine Library, just visible from the main entrance. The 8x16ft art piece, named the ‘Judgement of Paris’ after a famous blind tasting event arranged by English connoisseur Steven Spurrier, has been painted by London based artist Gary Myatt, whose projects have been commissioned for hotels, residences and malls across the UK, Europe and Middle East.
The painting showcases the moment when a group of experts, mostly French, gathered at the event and were horrified to discover that Californian wines had been ranked higher than French – a great moment for Californian wine that marked a significant change of perception since.
The concept of The Vineyard is a monument to the personal passions of Sir Peter, representing his zest for fine food and wine, combined with his desire to promote the role of music and the arts. Sir Peter founded Classic FM in 1992, and his formula of classical music combined with relaxed presentation – ultimately making ‘elitist’ passions and pursuits accessible to everyone – is reflected in his distinctly relaxed approach to The Vineyard.
Sir Peter Michael, CBE says, “There is no doubt that The Vineyard reflects my personal zest for wine, food and art; things that I have always been keen to share with anyone who wants to know. These new initiatives will really open up wine in particular and I look forward to welcoming guests – both old and new – to join us at the hotel and enjoy the changes that we have made.”
Whether it is the award-winning sommelier or even the chambermaids, all staff at The Vineyard have been given full training in wine tasting and are there to welcome all guests – from wine buffs to budding beginners – to ensure that they make the most of the unparalleled experience on offer.
Furthermore, on Sunday 11th August at 7.30pm, The Vineyard will be hosting a ‘Burgundy Wine Dinner’, which features the formidable wine duo Yohann Jousselin MS, Head Sommelier at The Vineyard/UK Sommelier of the Year 2011 and Gearoid Devaney MS and UK Sommelier of the Year 2008.
For one night only, the pair will offer a taste tour of Burgundy, from North to South with wines from prestigious areas including Meursault and Nuits St Georges. Guests to arrive at 7.30pm for mouth-watering canapés before enjoying a delicious four course dinner at 8pm prepared by Executive Chef, Daniel Galmiche, and matching wines carefully selected by our Head Sommelier, Yohann Jousselin MS.
Rates at The Vineyard at Stockcross are available from £199 per room per night on a B&B basis. To book, call 01635 528770 or visit www.the-vineyard.co.uk
