“Licet esse beatis” or “it’s permitted to be joyful” is the motto of Squerryes Winery and what could be more joyful than to be handed a delicious glass of English Brut on a Saturday morning.  

This was how Matthew Peppitt’s Master’s day out started, and it set the tone for the rest of the day. 22 members of the Company assembled at Squerryes Winery in Kent for a wine tasting and lunch on a glorious Saturday morning in September.  

Squerryes is one of the south of England’s best kept secrets. It specialises in vintage English sparkling wine and only sells its wine at the vineyard or to members of the winery, so it isn’t found in supermarkets, and for most of us was an undiscovered delight. 

After enjoying a generous tasting of the Brut, our fantastic guide Suz, took us to see the vines where we learned about the history of the estate and the Warde family, and how an approach by a major French champagne house to buy sone of the land to plant vines prompted the Wardes to learn about viticulture and plant their own vines. The first vintage was in 2010 and since then the vineyard has gone from strength to strength. 

Having enjoyed the Brut, we then had a tutored tasting of the Rose and the Blanc de Blanc – both of which were absolutely delicious – with canapés, whilst learning about how sparking wine is made, before enjoying a lovely and relaxed lunch. Following lunch a number of us retired to the Westerham Brewery Tap next door to the Winery for a final drink (or two) before heading home.  

Thanks to Matthew and Suzanne for organising a wonderful and relaxed day to enjoy good food, wine and fellowship at a place which is clearly very special to them. A fitting end to a great Master’s year for Matthew!