In the season of `mists and mellow fruitfulness`, why not try some delicious apple wine, fermented locally by the monks of St Hugh’s, just south of Cowfold.
Lindy Hawkins, manager of the Union Jack Farm Shop on the A281, is inviting you to a free sample of Parminster Apple Wine during the Horsham District Food and Drink Festival.
Lindy, who has managed the farm shop for 13 years after taking over from the previous transport café on the site, is firmly committed to stocking as much locally produced food and drink as she can. Her shelved are stocked with an extensive selection of tasty Sussex lines.
“I source locally whenever possible,” says Lindy. “Fruit and vegetables are all local, most of the cheese is and the meat and bacon as well as cooked items such as pies.”
Most local of all probably is the Parminster Apple Wine, prepared just down the road by the Carthusian monks, who have resided at St Hugh’s since it was built in the late 1800s - one of only two such sites in the country it is believed.
At 13% ABV, the wine is a heady fermentation. The wine is prepared from the monastery’s own apples – sugar is added to boost the alcohol content and the liquid matured in oak barrels for one to two years before bottling.
“Don’t drink it if you have to drive,” cautions Lindy, who describes the concoction as “a kind of strong dry cider”.
Available in one-litre and 500l bottles, the wine is becoming a firm favourite. “It has developed a big following locally and regionally,” reports Lindy. “I sell around 25 to 30 bottles a week and people come from as far away as Lewes to stock up.”
If you fancy sampling Parminster Apple Wine, Lindy is laying on free tasting sessions during the Horsham District Food and Drink Festival, which runs from this Saturday until 4 October.
Definitely worth a try with some Charmer cheese, recommends Lindy. .
Look out for the selection of game, such as woodcock, pheasant and partridge, that Lindy will be stocking at the farm shop from October.
Union Jack Farm Shop is on the Henfield Road, Cowfold, and is open 9:30-5.30pm Tuesday - Saturday, and 10am - 12pm Sunday (closed Monday). Contact 01403 865386 for more details. Tom James
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