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Sunday 24 July to Sunday 7 August is The Wildlife Trusts’ National Marine Week celebrating all things marine over a fortnight of festivities that belies its name.
Here in Devon, where Lyme Bay Winery is based, we are fortunate to have wonderful and varied coastlines to the north and south, managed by Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) – of whom we have been a corporate sponsor since last year.
“Devon’s stunning natural environment is part of what attracts people to the area, and is a huge inspiration for our work”, says Lyme Bay Managing Director James Lambert, setting out the thinking behind some of the Winery’s award-winning drinks that give more than a passing nod to our coastal setting.
As well as creating award-winning drinks inspired by our proximity to the sea, the team also recognise the importance of giving back and in February this year took to the beach – the closest one to the winery which is Seaton – for a group beach clean. Take a look at what Devon Wildlife Trust has organised for National Marine Week to see what you can get involved with – you may see some of the Lyme Bay team there too!
English Wines in a seaside setting
Each Lyme Bay wine is fermented, blended and aged under the supervision of our experienced team with a focus on producing quality English wines.
We are one of a very few wineries that work with growers all over the country to get the best fruit rather than relying on what is grown in our own vineyards. This means we have access to different grape varieties that grow better on different soils and microclimates across the country which can use to make exceptional, characterful still and sparkling wines that suit every palate and occasion.
New vintage Shoreline and Bacchus
The latest fruits of these endeavours are the new 2021 releases of our Lyme Bay Bacchus and Shoreline vintages.
Wherever you are tucking in, a bottle of well-balanced Lyme Bay Shoreline with its complex layers, enticing notes of pineapple and lime, and crisp, saline finish makes a great match for seafood dishes.
Made from 100% Bacchus grapes, our Bacchus 2021 includes fruit from Essex, Kent, and Hereford to create an intense, aromatic, fresh and zesty wine with a balanced, rounded body that also makes a perfect accompaniment to any fish feast.
Fish, chips, and cider
If you’re lucky enough to be beside the seaside, then no stroll along the beach is complete without an aromatic parcel of fresh fish and chips – and we happen to think a freshly chilled bottle of cider makes the perfect partner for this salt-and-vinegary fingered treat.
Our recommendation, of course, would be our award-winning Jack Ratt ciders, named after another seaside legend, the infamous 18th Century South Coast smuggler Jack Rattenbury.
A particular favourite is our still, full-bodied Jack Ratt Vintage Cider, as the tartness of the apples balances the sweetness of battered fish, while the acidity of apples helps with digesting these kinds of occasional fatty-yet-delicious treats.
A dash of rum as the sun goes down
Unsurprisingly, Lyme Bay Winery’s own coastal location also adds to our affinity with the traditional seafaring drink of rum – and we produce two of our own distinctive versions here at the Winery.
Our Jack Ratt Lugger Spiced Rum is made from aged Caribbean rum in bourbon-charred oak barrels right here in Devon before we spice it with nutmeg, orange peel, cloves and vanilla to create a superlative spiced rum, perfect for raising a tot to salute the setting sun and sailors around the globe.
And with a nod to a slower pace of life, our 8-year-old Jack Ratt Lugger Golden Rum is a gorgeous sipping rum, many years in the making. A carefully considered mix of 8-Year-Old Barbados Rum, 8YO Dominican Republic Rum, 8YO Venezuela Rum and 8YO Panama Rum, the final blend is aged in ex-Bourbon wooden casks to give lovely wood notes on the nose and a rich rum character alongside a wonderfully smooth front palate with a lingering finish and gentle heat.
Order drinks online for delivery
Whether you are packing a picnic for the beach, stocking up on sipping options for a pool-side party, or simply wanting to bring a touch of coastal tastes to your drinks cabinet, you can order all these drinks – and more – from Lyme Bay Winery online faster than you can say ‘captain’s orders’.
We welcome customers to our bricks-and-mortar Lyme Bay Winery shop, which is an established Devon stopping-off point for those in the know to purchase our locally produced quality wines, so do pop in for a chat and a sample of our drinks – we’re open every day.
Alternatively, you can always get in touch with our friendly team here at the Winery via email at [email protected] or by calling us on 01297 551355 if you’d like to order by phone. Order before 2 pm for despatch the next working day – with free delivery for all orders over £45, and a 5% discount on all orders over £150. You can also find Lyme Bay on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for updates, offers and giveaways, and we’d love to see how you are making the most of the coast with a cool glass of one of our drinks.
