Oastbrook Estate in Sussex is sharing a taste of English springtime and the flavours of the Med with food and wine lovers quarantined in London while they cannot enjoy the beautiful countryside.

America Brewer is owner and winemaker at Oastbrook Estate, the idyllic vineyard retreat in Robertsbridge in the heart of Sussex. While Oastbrook cannot welcome visitors for tours and tastings, this wine lover originally from Brazil has been adapting to the New Normal and innovating in her determination to share the joy of good food and fine wine in these lockdown days.

Together with Shoreditch Wine House, a hidden gem in hip Shoreditch, Oastbrook is offering two special wine and food pairing recipe boxes. Themed “Where England Meets Italy” the ingredients in these boxes create a fabulous dinner at home without foodies slaving for hours in the kitchen. Customers can feast on Mediterranean cuisine paired with award-winning Sussex wines and enjoy a little wanderlust without leaving home.

The Oastbrook Pinot Gris Primavera package features the 2018 summery and elegant still white wine with Burrata (two), Cherry Tomatoes, Basil and Balsamic Vinegar (with olive oil and black pepper added from home cupboard staples): £37.90, serves 2 people for a main course or 4 as a starter.

The Oastbrook Sparkling Rosé Risotto package features the 2014 vintage – an unusual blend of Auxerrois and Pinot Noir – with Risotto rice, Asparagus, and an Onion (with butter and vegetable stock added from cupboard staples, and an option to add in Reggiano Parmigiana or Pecorino): £43.80, serves 2 for a main course or 4-6 as a starter.
America Brewer comments, “We are working with amazing wine friends because even during these strange and uncertain times, we want to bring people a glorious treat. A taste of stunning wine paired with fine ingredients helps make life under lockdown more of a pleasure – especially if there is a birthday or celebration in the house. Right now, we can’t welcome people to visit Oastbrook, but by pulling together we can invite Londoners to indulge a little and cook up something simple and wonderful. At the same time, our customers can support local businesses and farmers and we are making charity donations. By staying positive like this, we can all get through these difficult days and embrace the New Normal.”

These Oastbrook wine and food packages can be ordered by calling Shoreditch Wine House on 020 7613 5601 or visiting the web shop. These “Where England Meets Italy” recipe boxes make glorious gifts and bring a slice of Sussex mixed with some Mediterranean flavours into the homes of East London. Shoreditch Wine House continues to deliver within a 2-mile radius, FREE of charge. Recipe preparations and cooking instructions will also be included into each food box. Delivery times are within 2 hours within the 2-mile radius from the time of ordering.
For wine lovers around the UK, Oastbrook Estate’s online shop also remains open, where customers can browse, discover, and then purchase award-winning sparkling and still quality English wines. These can be bought as single bottles, or in mixed tasting cases. Oastbrook is currently offering a 10% discount and making a 5% donation to local charity, The Friends Of Conquest Hospital (in East Sussex). Customers placing online orders over £72 can use code ROSE15 at checkout.

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Notes to editors
– Order “Where England Meets Italy” wine and food packages:
o by calling Shoreditch Wine House: 020 7613 5601
o via the web shop: https://www.shoreditchwinehouse.co.uk/shop?page=1
– Oastbrook Pinot Gris Primavera package: £37.90, serves 2 people for a main course or 4 as a starter
– Oastbrook Sparkling Rosé Risotto: £43.80, serves 2 for a main course or 4-6 as a starter
– Free delivery within a 2-mile radius of London E1 6HU
– Recipe preparations and cooking instructions included
– Delivery within 2 hours within the 2-mile radius from the time of ordering

About Oastbrook Estate
Neighbours of Bodiam Castle in Sussex, Oastbrook Estate is run by America Brewer. In 2013, after returning to England following seven years in Hong Kong, she and her partner Nick bought the estate, which was formerly a Guinness hop farm. America studied Viticulture & Winemaking at Plumpton College and has planted vineyards growing different varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meurnier, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. Her first release was Oastbrook’s 2014 Sparkling Rosé.

Originally from Brazil, today America takes care of most of the vineyard work at Oastbrook Estate, with Lora the vineyard dog by her side. While Oastbrook’s vines grow, America is working to craft award-winning sparkling and still wines made from Sussex grapes.

From spring through to late autumn, Oastbrook Estate is open for vineyard tours for visitors seeking a wine experience, which incorporates a tasting of the wines paired with local cheeses.

Guests looking to stay longer can book into Oastbrook’s vineyard hobbit house, which is the Quirkiest Place To Stay 2019 (Eviivo awards). This luxurious and cosy accommodation offers a magical atmosphere with two double bedrooms, an open plan living area with kitchen and a private outdoor seating area complete with its own hot tub. A footpath to the river leads onto pubs and Bodiam Castle, and with so much to explore nearby, visitors can be as energetic or as lazy as they like. Later in 2020, Oastbrook will also start to host weddings.