LOUIS POMMERY ENGLAND PRIVATE LUNCHEON TO CELEBRATE THE HARVEST AT PINGLESTONE ESTATE

Tasting The Award Winning Louis Pommery England Brut 1st English Sparkling Wine from a Champagne House

Louis Pommery

Pinglestone Estate is a 40-hectare site where chalk is the main element, it’s made of 30 hectares of vineyard to date, planted between 2017 and 2019.  Planted in 2017 and 2018 what you will discover here this Vineyard produces internationally renowned grape varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier the same found in Champagne.

 

Whilst these vines have been establishing themselves over the past few years, Vranken-Pommery released its first English sparkling wine of it’s kind. Louis Pommery England has sourced the grapes mainly from Hampshire. The award-winning Louis Pommery England is the first English sparkling wine from a champagne house to date. 

Louis Pommery
A tour of Pinglestone Estate Vineyard with Clément Pierlot, Vranken Pommery’s Cellar Master
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF LOUIS POMMERY
Sparkling Wine made in Hampshire, England. Created with Maison Pommery and Launched in 2018

Clément Pierlot, Vranken Pommery’s Cellar Master has this to say on the decision to plant in Hampshire: 

“We think there is something very special here in Hampshire. The quality of the wines, the quality of the chalk – something that reminds us of Champagne. But there is something very particular in the wines that we can find only here – the acidity and the tension of course very linked to the region”.

Just recently, I spent the day with Louis Pommery England Vranken Team, Clement Pierlot Cellar Master and James Boweman Vineyard Manager for an exclusive tour of the Vineyards at Pingleston Estate in Celebration of their 2021 Harvest on site. The main highlight of my press visit was I really very much enjoyed tasting the Louis Pommery England Brut during the Private Luncheon which was so exceptional that I took some great pictures of the sumptuous cuisine served as we dinned in a 15th Century old barn on the Pingleston Estate.

Louis Pommery

Even more so, the beautiful weather made it feel like I was in Reims even though it was Hampshire just stones throw away on my doorstep. While I was there at the vineyard, I was rather enjoying picking the internationally renowned grape varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Meunier. It was a unique fantastic experience earning my lunch at the Louis Pommery England Harvest and out of all the vineyards I’ve visited, this in fact was my first time picking some grapes for real.

“A Grape Day for the 2021 Harvest at Pinglestone Estate. From the fruit of the vine, this sparkling wine is the result of Pommery’s quest for elegance and freshness”

Louis Pommery
The Private Intimate Harvest Luncheon with Louis Pommery England

Here’s a bit of background into the The Louis Pommery England Sparkling Wine project which started in 2015 as I got a brief introduction from Clement the in house Cellar Manager who discussed that the idea was to create a wine estate so it’s a long term project.

It is known that Pommery spent months and years scouting to find a great place that was ideal vision for the brand we associate with today as Champagne with its longstanding heritage. In 2016 Pommery brought the land here in Hampshire, so it was great pleasure to see it with my own eyes with a view of Its 40 acres up on the hill. They wanted to create very good wines so they purchased grapes in the beginning in 2014, 2015 to start to produce wines from Hampshire as sparkling wine from England.

Louis Pommery

”These aromatic notes follow through and are heightened on the plate, offering a beautiful balance and a rich harmony

Louis Pommery

MADE IN ENGLAND WITH PASSION, TASTE AND ART – THE ART OF SPARKLING
On the nose, you will find aromas of white fruits, mostly pear and then vine peach. A tasting pleasure for your tastebuds. The bubbles and effervescence are expressed wonderfully.

Louis Pommery England – An Art which mixes precision and Tradition

I think there is something very special here in Hampshire the taste of the wine. You may remember Pommery from Champagne, because it’s the same soil with the same finesse in the wine. But I learnt it’s something very particular in the wines that you can find only here as a fruit. I’m referring to the quality of the fruit is very particular, the acidity and the tension is linked to the region. In 1874 the incredible quest began when the very first bottles Brut Nature were resting in the cellars of Domain Pommery. Today, Louis Pommery England is developed according to a completely classic and traditional method based on the internationally renowned grape varieties that are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Meunier.

Award Winning Wines – Make Everything a Celebration!

A few years back Pommery England started to make the sparkling wine in 2015 and step by step so the blend they wanted to do was not easy because for non vintage sparkling wine they had to create a collection wiser wine. So in the beginning you will taste 2017 base. 2016 was the first real blend, but Pommery have managed everything from the wiser wines, the wine making process etc. In 2017, the blend with wiser wines we have 10percent. Year 2016 and 2017 the ways in which Pommery as a Luxury Brand are proud is where they have won gold medals in 2016 and 2017 also so they are very happy with these award winning wines produced.

The idea was to make wines with the same blend, but what will be on the Estate Vineyard is based on the Chardonnay and the planting of Pingleton Estate is a based on Chardonnay its mainly from this. You will be astonished to know Its more than 50 percent of chardonnay in the blend so you will see this in Pingleston Estate. The idea to purchase grapes that are very close from the Estate with the same blend but what Pommery have in the estate. Other grapes found on the Estate apart from Chardonnay are Pinot Noir and Meunier the same as champagne. They also have pinot gris so Pommery’s harvest day falls on 15th October is very special because I actually got to pick these grapes as a guest at the vineyard during my visit. Pomerys Cellar Master Clemont was curious what can produce pinot gris here in Hampshire and its going pretty well so far.

Louis Pommery
James Bowreman Vineyard Manager, Louis Pommery England Pinglestone Vineyard

I had a really pleasant and enjoyable time on a jolly jaunt to the vineyard which is very close to the offices. You will see during the point that I am on a special site because Pommery have chosen it for different reasons due to the altitude of the site is very low for the ripeness, the shelter of the site too. For that reason, its because the idea of the UK have oceanic influence such as strong winds to making this a main priority from beginning to find a very well sheltered site.

When I look beneath my feet I can see the chalk that this vineyard is based on. According to the Vineyard Manager James this has been dug out and put on top, but what you will see across the site is about 20 to 30 cm of top soil. Straight into New Haven and Seaford Chalk which is about 80 million years old the chalk seam that runs through Hampshire and this gives the land superb draining for the soil. In this case, its so typical what we always experience in England which is the rain we can find that this site dries extraordinary quickly. So within 24 hours, maybe 48 hours I can work back onto the site and so there is no moisture retained in the soil which is good news for the vines being a Mediterranean kind of plant which really wants a dry soil and dry roots with lots of sunshine.

I discovered across the site during my visit to the vineyard you start on the west facing side and to the east. What we have is a hill with the wood on top and around the wood there is a 360 degree aspect for vineyards, so there are vines planted on a south west side, vines planted south facing, and vines planted east facing. James, mentioned in the UK over the last 15 years sometimes the east facing slopes tend to do better, sometimes the west is really dependant on the climate and as you know its really changeable in the UK. One of the biggest challenges Pommery faces is rising into the changes of the climate, so they are very pleased in some years the western side will produce riper fruit in a different expression. Although in other years will see the same result on the eastern side.

This will be the first Pingleston Estate grown wine. Its really interesting actually, I’ve learnt a lot about wine in terms of the soil and the environment to help it grow so you get a decent wine produced at the end of it. From what I’ve gathered from my visit to the Pingleston Estate Vineyard is the importance that you don’t get any splash while harvesting the wine and secondly the issue concerning the bacteria, moisture control of the environment and met with some really interesting people today to give me a better insights of the wine producing business.

Louis Pommery

Having spent the day with Pommery England I’m so keen to want improve my knowledge about wine so it’s good to know there is something like this on my doorstep within easy reach of the home counties and London. I had the most fabulous Harvest Lunch on the Pinglestone Estate post grape picking and vineyard tour courtesy of Clement, James and the Pommery Vranken team and a chance to try the delicious Louis Pommery England Brut of course. I felt the wine also really complimented the cuisine served which was a sumptuous Autumnal Salad as Starter, followed by the Main Slow cooked pork cheek with apricots, pine nuts and bean puree to the most divine desert ever a Burnt Basque cheesecake which was so delightful to taste for my first time. Enjoy Louis Pommery England with Cheese, Grilled Meats or Vegetarian Dishes when paired together would also be great to host a dinner party, so sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of Louis Pommery England. Always something to Celebrate, expect nonetheless from this very forthright and bold wine that is traditionally perfect and the most delightful crowd pleaser with England’s finest sparkling wine. If you are interested and would like to find out more about Louis Pommery or it’s Stockist please visit Ocado and the Brands Homepage

Louis Pommery

Louis Pommery

Louis Pommery

Editorial Disclaimer: PR INVITE. This Press Trip is a Gifted Experience kindly organised by the Brand Rep’s Press Office and I am under no obligation to post about a brand whether or not I choose to do so. How I choose to work with brands on any collaboration whatsoever is always down to personal choice and preference if I feel it’s a good fit for my content and audience so I can always give my honest feedback.

HOW TO WEAR YOUR WIMBLEDON WHITES FOR TENNIS SEASON 2021

Attending Match Days & Centre Court Style – Men's Dress Codes for Wimbledon Tennis Fortnight

Wimbledon Tennis 2021Yes, Wimbledon Tennis Season back again for 2021 and I hope you’re all as excited as I am and anticipating to enjoy the glorious summer weather as we did once before. At least we can expect so once things return to normal as more covid-19 restrictions ease out of lockdown 21st June. I’m so delighted Wimbledon is back this year as last season was cancelled due to the pandemic and looking forward to more British Summer Sporting Events resuming again and great feeling of being outdoors appeals to many.

London can be quite an exciting time for major sporting events with Wimbledon being no exception it’s not just about sport it’s all about style too. Although it’s not my first season at Wimbledon so I was curious as to what to wear on and off center court. One rule that applies for sure no shorts aloud on center court unless it’s tailored so I’ve heard that includes no ripped jeans or scruffy trainers. I’m afraid certain dress codes apply at the tennis so we’ll just go with it shall we.

Wimbledon Tennis 2021

I never thought Wimbledon whites as the perfect ensemble could work but you can try and experiment with a few options to ensure your style statement does not go un-noticed.

Alternatively, here are My Favourite Editor’s picks as I know you will love them as much as I do. So I better leave you to it and choose from the key pieces below I especially curated for the site. I’m always looking for your feedback so please feel free to comment below guys and any questions you may have regarding my personal style tips.

HOW TO ATTEND THE WIMBLEDON TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2021

The next upcoming Tennis Championships dates are 28th June to 11th July 2021

If it’s your first time at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships for those of you wondering how to attend the matches and the process involved of obtaining tickets, here’s what you need to know!

Firstly, there’s the public ticket ballot which is open to anyone where you can register to enter the ballot a bit like the lottery. You will need to create a MyWimbledon Account to complete the registration on the official Wimbledon Tennis website and takes just a few seconds to sign up. There is no charge to enter the ballot but if you are contacted you will need to pay in full immediately in order to reserve your tickets. But remember entering the ballot means planning a year ahead in advance to make sure you don’t miss out.

Alternatively, if you miss your chance with luck of the draw from the public ballot the other option would be to get there early and que on the day to purchase re-sale or returned tickets to the Box Office. Bear in mind this means you could be waiting in line for a good few hours depending on the crowds. Most importantly, the price of tickets can vary depending on the period from the start of the tennis season, semi finals and finals week which can increase in price due to high demand.

WHERE TO WATCH ALL THE TENNIS ACTION APART FROM CENTRE COURT

So apart from watching all the action unfold Centre Court on match days for those lucky spectators don’t despair as you may also obtain a Grounds Tickets to get into Wimbledon which are standing only which means you don’t get a seat or shelter from the weather rain or shine. The only place you may sit down are designated grassed Areas known as Murray Mound or Henman Hill where live tennis is streamed outside to the audience on large TV screens around the grounds. Not able to get into the Tennis during match days another option is watch it live on the big screen outside the local Morrison’s Supermarket in Wimbledon town centre and enjoy while relaxing on the deck chairs to catch up on all the latest is lovely on sunnier afternoons.

THINGS TO DO AT WIMBLEDON – Excursions and Tours

Looking to make the most of your day upon visiting at Wimbledon Tennis Championships perhaps explore the AELTC tennis museum and gain insight into the history of Wimbledon with a tour of the facility to round things off for the day.

THE WEATHER FORECAST AT WIMBLEDON AND WHAT TO TAKE ON MATCH DAYS

Weather at Wimbledon can at times be abysmal but don’t let that spoil your day out and just remember to bring an Umbrella just in case it rains – expect typical British Weather. For Sun Protection an SPF 30+ sunscreen is handy should temperatures soar to humid conditions and a sun hat is also good to keep you cool in the shade. So, once you’re all settled in on Match days for me it would not be the same without Pimm’s accompanied by strawberries and cream.

Get ready for Wimbledon 2021, put a date in the diary and check out the Official Wimbledon website here for more information on Match Days shortly.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed here are my own from personal experience of my day out at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships as helpful tips and information on attending match days and what to expect during the Tennis fortnight. This post contains affiliate links and does not cost you a thing when making a purchase on things I recommend, but I may make a small commission from the sale of goods and services.

STYLING THE SEERSUCKER CLASSIC SPORT BLAZER | A DAY OUT AT THE VARSITY POLO MATCH

WHAT TO WEAR TO A POLO MATCH THIS SUMMER - INSPIRATION FOR STYLING THE CLASSIC SEERSUCKER BLAZER

Imagine a Summer of Sartorial Style and being pitch side on the lawn enjoying a pitcher of Pimms with friends – a British Summer Sporting Event wouldn’t be the same without experiencing the thrill of a live Polo Match to say the least. I reminisce about one of my favourite days out to watch a game at Guards Polo Club in Windsor for the Ivy League Jack Wills Varsity Polo Tournaments to see Oxford vs Cambridge……

One of my favourite summer outfits featuring the Classic Seersucker Sport Coat. Summer is the ideal season for watching the polo and the feeling of being outdoors pre- Covid 19 times. This Blazer is one of my favourite summer staples to relax in, great for a day out to watch the polo or club house party. Since my past experience as a polo goal judge, back in my college days, I’ve become quite fascinated with learning the rules of the game where Pimms, Picnics on the lawn and Argentine style BBQ are enjoyed by spectators in a relaxed setting, the divot stomping in between polo chukka’s and immerse yourself in the spirit of polo.

With Pastels associated as a summer classic colour palette, the seersucker blazer or two piece is trending this summer sporting season, so let’s make the most of this summer trend with temperatures set to soar, the classic seersucker let’s you keep cool in a breathable fabric made for summerWhat to wear to the polo matchWhat to wear to the polo match

What to wear to the polo match

What to wear to the polo match

What to wear to the polo match

Any thoughts on your favourite Sporting Season Attire and what to wear to which events this Summer – drop a comment below!

Photography Jenny Pickets

Best Regards,

J xo

INSIDE BROCKET HALL A QUINTESSENTIALLY ENGLISH STATELY HOME – DAY TRIP TO P1 SUPERCAR CLUB SHOW

THE FIRST AND LEADING SUPERCAR CLUB IN THE WORLD

A while ago now I took a Day Trip to Hertfordshire outside of London to Welwyn Garden City to visit Country Estate Brocket Hall to see the P1 International Supper Car Club for their luxury Car Show. One weekend me and friend decided to head out of London and explore the home counties as well as look at some of the cool sports cars on show at the event we attended.

One Saturday morning we got the train from Kings Cross to Hertfordhire which was about a 40 minute journey to the event and we managed to arrive just before lunch time and make the day of it exploring the scenic views within the Brocket Hall Estate during the car show.

So, here’s a bit about the car show – P1 International is The Worlds First and Leading Supercar Club founded in 2001 by founder and CEO Michael Breen, P1 pioneered the concept of a private members club offering share access to a fleet of supercars  defining the luxury car rental market. P1 have seventeen years experience in refining the concept as well as continuing to offer it’s discerning members an unrivalled experience with access to a stable of the finest and fatest supercars from Ferrari to Maserati and more.

 

Sitting inside a Ferrari Sports Car

Maserati Car at the P1 Super Car Club Show at Brocket Hall

P1 International is The Worlds First and Leading Supercar Club.

So, here’s what you get. In return for annual membership the club takes care of the cost of depreciation, insurance, servicing and maintenance, leaving the members free to enjoy the cars and the club without the inconvenience and cost of ownership.

Just being here at Brocket Hall in the presence of the magnificent super sports cars reminded me of watching TopGear on television but in reality I got to actually sit inside my dream bucket list of sports car and admire their interiors but at the same time appreciate fine craftsmanship of their engines and aesthetics for real.


We enjoyed a lovely Champagne reception and canapés in the most elegant surroundings of a beautiful Country Estate


Upon arrival to Brocket Hall we enjoyed a lovely Champagne reception and canapés in the most elegant surroundings of beautiful country estate that’s named after the Brocket Family through many generations. So just thought I’d mention a bit of history about the building’s lavish Estate and Acres of land which host a golf course driving range too if you love spot of golf just like me.

 

The best part of it was driving around the grounds in a golf cart so we could admire the scenery surrounding the estate which was a lot of fun in the sunshine late afternoon before making our way back to London.

Visit England’s Finest Golf, Dining & Residential Country Estate.

It was such a thrill  to find out more about the luxury super car rental market and even more so explore the range of Super Cars from Vintage Classics to Modern and Contemporary motor cars and see how the other half live. A day out like this to experience real luxury at it’s finest had to be the highlight of my visit upon visiting Brocket Hall Country Estate.

To find out more about P1 International Super Car Club and Brocket Hall you can visit their website and social media handles below

 

P1 International Super Club

https://p1international.com/

 

Brocket Hall

https://brocket-hall.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/brockethall/

 

Disclaimer: My Day Trip to Brocket Hall to attend the P1 Super Car Club was gifted to me by a friend through personal invitation. As always all opinions expressed will be my own and I only promote and review brands which I am interested in that focus on Men’s Lifestyle and Luxury market.

STYLE DIARY HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA | WHAT I WORE THE 4TH JULY

Henley Royal Regatta Dress Codes
Joey wears Men’s Watch Accessories James Bond 70’s Style Army Field Striped Iconic Nato Strap, UK Stockist at Henley Boutique

Henley Royal Regatta Dress Codes

Henley Royal Regatta Dress Codes

Henley Royal Regatta Dress Codes

Henley Royal Regatta Dress Codes
Joey wears Menswear Vintage Rowing Blazer – Bloggers own, Striped Shirt, Neck tie, Skinny Belt, Slim fit Chino at Polo Ralph Lauren, Men’s Sunglasses from a selection at Prada Eyewear

If you like what you just read, please share this post so that others might stumble across this review. For more Styling Tips like this, scroll down and follow The Joey Journal.

The Joey Journal on Facebook and Instagram

Editorial Disclaimer: I Attended Henley Royal Regatta as an invited guest of a friend. As always all opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any brand and have not been reviewed or approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

HOW TO WEAR THE POLO SEERSUCKER SPORT COAT FOR SUMMER | CHESTERTONS POLO IN THE PARK WEEKEND

RE-DISCOVERING MY LOVE FOR THE RALPH LAUREN CLASSIC SEERSUCKER BLAZER THIS SUMMER

By Posted on 0 Comments Location: 2min read2144 views

A GENTLEMEN’S GUIDE TO POLO SEASON SPORTING ATTIRE: STYLE DRESS CODES 101

With the all important summer social events and invitations coming in all at once dress codes are crucial to make the right impression with the exception of Polo In The Park for a fun day divot stomping in between chukkas. Dressing to impress is a must where not only the elite polo players take centre stage but so does style.

Here’s my Essential Guide on Menswear Polo Style how best to incorporate vibrant pastel colours into your summer wardrobe during the English Sporting Social Calendar.

how to wear a seersucker blazer

The polo is always fun day out people watching from the Celebrities to the Spectators to who’s wearing what this year and where to be scene at the After Parties such as the Mahiki Enclosure. From today’s event here are my observations of the movers and shakers of the elite polo crowd veterans take on style and what they wore.

It’s a known fact guys hate shopping, but in fact it’s quite the opposite when it comes to summer social event’s, even the debonair man needs to look his best. From experience I learn what suits best and give my recommendations for outfits and how to wear them by including these in your daily style edit.

“The Ralph Lauren Seersucker Blazer the Ultimate Classic Staple for Summer”

Why not take an optimistic approach to colour and pairing your outfit with a bold statement set of bright trousers and the contrast of colours from red, green and yellow which are available to purchase from the high street to designer labels. These are worth investing in especially if you’re looking at brightening up that essential summer wardrobe so you’ll be sure to blend right in with the Chelsea locals alike.

Fitted shirt styles from Ralph Lauren are always great because they come in a variety of classic styles in the white button down collared shirt to pastel shades and bold stripes in blue. Then finish off the look with a neutral seer sucker blazer to even out the contrast of shades. A Seer Sucker blazer is unlined, so designed to keep you cool during the hot summer months at event occasions.

how to wear a seersucker blazer
Top image: Polo Seersucker Sport Coat Lauren by Ralph Lauren; shoes Toddsi; Sunglasses DIOR Homme Paris. This image: Shirt Polo Ralph Lauren; Chino jeans ZARA Man

STYLE TIP: Seersucker blazer is unlined, so designed to keep you cool during the hot summer months.

With the English social calendar upon us we focus our attention towards stylish sporting events from the Varsity Polo, Polo in the Park to the Gold Cup at Cowdray.

For this look at Polo In The Park, I decided to keep it neutral but relaxed and I felt I had to express a style identity of my own. With summer you can’t go wrong and what better way to do this is to keep it neutral with a classic Ralph Lauren Seersucker Blazer but still include a splash of colour as you find the contrast helps bring out the best of both shades.


Wears this Summer’s Classic Trend with Confidence Ready for DIVOT STOMPING’— in between Chukka’s


Even by adding the slightest finishing touches to a look such as a colour coordinated pocket square to tailored jackets can overall emphasize the best features of the whole outfit’s attire.

how to wear a seersucker blazer

Looking for the perfect summer shoes can depend on the softness, texture and comfort to make it easier to walk on the lawn and inside the marquee enclosures. A slip on suede loafer in tan or dark brown rather than leather shoes helps the foot breathe more freely during the spring summer season.

Finally, your accessories choice can either create a luxury feel of sophistication or faux pas which is all down to preferential discerning taste. You can’t go wrong with skinny belts either in brown is minimal. Less is more. One of my personal favourites is a preppy style collegiate belt in dark navy with diagonal red stripes which adds a bit of character.

Next up, let’s think about that final touch of elegance such as Accessories and the best luxury Watches on the market to consider would be ‘The Chronograph’ Wrist Watches for Men. So far these are my favourite picks and there are quite a few Brands out there I’m crushing over this season to match my Sporting Attire. Whatever takes your fancy, so take your pick from these on my wish list to covet now.

 
 

That’s it, you’re now ready to be fully kitted out for a Polo Match so let’s bring on the rest of summer it’s not over yet!