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As we enter the quieter months of January and February our winemaking team start getting ready for the year ahead, making their way to the vineyards to begin pruning the vines and bottling the delicious red and whites which are almost ready in barrels and in tank. David, our winemaker, has been looking back on 2019 and what is to come in 2020. '2019 was always going to be measured against the incredible vintage of 2018. It was a hard act to follow! Things began well, budburst was fairly typical, but what followed was a rather cool May. Eventually things warmed up and June and July were near perfect, resulting in the vines putting on good growth and flowering just slightly later than the previous year. The warm weather and light winds in early July were perfect for pollination and most varieties had good fruit set. The Summer weather was warm with adequate rain which continued to help the development of the grapes.' 'As Summer led into Autumn the rainfall increased further. These conditions were a challenge as they were near perfect for the development and spread of mildew and botrytis (a fungus) which we do not want. In early Autumn some varieties in our Portscatho vineyard were showing signs of Downy mildew, resulting in a slight loss in yield. It was also evident at this stage that despite the decent number of grapes per bunch, the average grape size was going to be quite small. September and October is the crucial time as it's when the quality of the crop is determined. It's when the sugars rise and acidity levels drop. The more sun and warmth, the faster and higher the sugars rise and riper the flavours in the grape gets. However in wet Autumns like this years, sugar levels struggle to rise as high or as fast as usual. We began picking our Rondo and Pinot noir précoce grapes on the 24th of September and harvest finished in the last week of October. Overall 2019 will be remembered as a more challenging year, yields and quality varied greatly from one variety to another, some faring better than others.' 'When the grapes do not reach as high levels of ripeness, the key to the winemaking is to be gentle. Gentle handling and delicate pressing. We do not want to extract too much from the skins or seeds of the grapes. For the reds we allowed a shorter time of skin contact and were very careful with how frequently we did pump overs and punch downs during the ferment. This will be evident in the finished red wines, where colour will be lighter than typical, but the wines are still balanced, soft and fruity on the palate. We have had a few ferments that are very slow, with a few barrels still fermenting in December!' 'The wines are showing great potential and there are a few that stand out. We have a very aromatic, powerful tank of Siegerrebe, which will go into our popular Trevannion blend, to be released in the Spring. Again we will also be releasing a potentially very interesting Bacchus, which we have been experimenting with fermenting in old french oak to add body and complexity.
Another wine to keep an eye out for will be our red Pinot noir 2019, partially fermented and aged in oak but it's likely this will not be ready until later next year.' We cannot wait to share news of our releases and look forward to announcing them when they are ready. Exploring Cornwall, one glass at a timeYou don't have to look far in Cornwall to find beautiful scenery, secret hideaways or hidden gems, no matter where you are in the county, but add a refreshing glass of English wine and an enticing Cornish menu to the setting, could there be anything more perfect? Here's a selection of our favourite spots throughout Cornwall to enjoy a glass of Knightor with cracking views and delicious local produce. The Idle Rocks, St Mawes Take a day trip exploring the Roseland Peninsular and explore the picturesque villages and secret coves before rounding off the day with a visit to The Idle Rocks Restaurant in St Mawes. Complete with a beautiful waterfront location and a delectable menu of French & Asian influences, the restaurant was recently named 'Best Restaurant' in the Trencherman's Guide 2018, as well as 'Best Dine & Stay Experience' for this year's Trencherman's Guide. We recommend: Knightor Vintage 2011 A special wine for a special occasion, just 2000 bottles of this English sparkling wine were made and where better to enjoy this elegant bubbly than in St Mawes? The Pandora Inn, nr FalmouthWith a long jetty extending onto Restronguet Creek and a cosy 13th century building complete with thatched roof, flagstone floors and low-beamed ceilings, the The Pandora Inn has it all, whatever the season! We recommend: Knightor Madeleine Angevine A wonderful English alternative to Sauvignon Blanc, combine our Madeleine Angevine with delicate white meats, fish, creamy cheeses and salads - you'll be in heaven! Penrose Kitchen, nr TruroOn the outskirts of Truro lies Penrose Kitchen, an award-winning restaurant serving the very best local and homegrown produce. Enjoy a glass of Knightor wine and relax into the surrounding Cornish landscape, tranquil lily ponds and water garden. We recommend: Knightor Classic Cuvée White A fun and fruity blend well suited to the tranquil setting and delicious produce of Penrose Kitchen. Sardine Factory, LooeHaving recently won their place in the Michelin Guide 2020, The Sardine Factory is one to watch and definitely one to explore when visiting Looe. With a stunning waterside location and a strong Cornish heritage translated through their ethos, menus and styles, their fresh, seafood dishes are a perfect match for Knightor wines. We recommend: Madeleine Angevine 2016 It's always a delight when wine is an excellent match to other local produce and that's exactly true for our light and delicate Madeleine Angevine. Cornish mackerel or skate - the perfect pairing! Bin Two, PadstowLocated in the heart of Padstow's bustling centre, this independent wine merchant is a treasure trove of wine and a must visit when exploring North Cornwall's secret coves, harbour villages and striking landscapes. With an impressive selection of wines by the glass and irresistible tapas dishes of local produce, you'll easily while away a couple of hours at this harbour hotspot, Bin Two. We recommend: Carpe Diem White This English example of a Vinho Verde is just the thing for a sunny afternoon, sitting harbourside with nibbles and a cool glass, watching Padstow go by. Who needs Portugal..? Fistral Beach Hotel, NewquayComplete with jaw-dropping ocean views and an enviable setting on Newquay's scenic coastline, foodies and adventures alike will be in seventh heaven at the Dune Restaurant of Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa. What could be better than a coastal inspired menu, with the Atlantic beside you and a glass of crisp Cornish wine to compliment? We recommend: Madeleine Angevine 2016 Incredibly light and delicate in body with good acidity and ripe flavours, this blend is great with spicier dishes. The Rock Inn, RockJust across the estuary from Padstow lies Rock, a beautiful village inspired by the white, sandy dunes and plentiful local produce surrounding it. Tucked right in the centre you'll find The Rock Inn, a hub of great local food with a sea-view balcony and great menu to boot! We recommend: Madeleine Angevine 2016/201 Sipping on a cool glass of this after rounding off a day of Cornish adventures, what more could you want? Pair with local white fish, creamy cheeses from Cornwall or balanced with a fresh, summer salad - it's fantastic! Le Vignoble, Bath and PlymouthNow we know this one isn't Cornwall, but Le Vignoble is well worth a visit when exploring Plymouth or Bath and is a treasure trove for learning and experiencing wines from England and across the world.
From their central city locations, you can take a tasting, enjoy authentic tapas dishes, experience a wine talk or shop wines, guided by their knowledgable team. We recommend: Knightor Mena Hweg Inspired by the great wines of Germany, our Mena Hweg marries flavours of apple, sherbet and citrus to create an easy-drinking, balanced wine that's great with summer sunshine and mild evenings in the city.  Easter is a time for well-deserved indulgence and we have the perfect place in mind to enjoy a cocktail (or two!) while enjoying the most scenic and stylish locations. Whether you're eager to discover some of the South West's hidden coves and beach retreats, or heading to soak up the vibes in the big city, we know the best place to go! Star & Garter FalmouthA gourmet gastropub in the heart of Falmouth, the Star & Garter is perfect for bottomless brunch, harbour-side dining and a tempting cocktail selection imbued with Falmouth's coastal Cornish heritage. They have an exciting cocktail list full of the county's finest alcohol and classics no bar can be without! Our Favourite Cocktail The deep & fruity 'Plum New Depths' - Gosling's Rum infused with plums & figs and Knightor Rosé Vermouth Doctor Ink's Curiosities ExeterTucked away on Exeter quay, blink and you'll miss this Victorian-inspired cocktail den and winner of Food Magazine's 'Best Bar 2018'. Guided through the secret doorway, a charming and knowledgable team welcome you and are more than happy to matchmake you with the drinks menu - great if you're keen to try something new! Our Favourite Cocktail Try 'Revelations' - a crisp and complex blend of Hendrick's Orbium Gin, Knightor Dry Vermouth and Orange Bitters Salcombe DistilleryNestled on South Devon's picturesque coastline, Salcombe Distillery has become synonymous as a yachting and gin-lovers haven - and for great reason! With an idyllic waterfront location and a calendar of exciting events throughout the year, the distillery is a bursting with activity whatever the time or weather! An impressive cocktail list awaits you, and if you don't have chance to explore the distillery, the large copper stills can still be viewed from the bar. Our Favourite Cocktail Inspired by the South-West coastline and created by Mark Hix MBE, The 'Scallywag' is flavoursome blend of Salcombe Gin Voyager Series ‘Mischief’, Knightor Rosé Vermouth, Sacred Rosehip Cup and Pastis. Abbotshill Wine Shop & BarExperience the Spanish tradition of 'La hora de vermut'/ vermouth hour with Cornish vermouth at Abbotshill Wine Shop & Bar in Ealing, West London. A carefully crafted menu of tapas-inspired dishes is just the place to enjoy a glass of vermouth or a cocktail. Choose from Mediterranean antipasti, bruschetta or organic British cheeseboard, all British, organic & more-often-than-not from small independent farms. Our Favourite Cocktail Try 'Tim's Negroni', a delightful blend of Hepple Gin with Rosé and White Knightor Vermouth Colwith DistilleryCornwall's first plough to bottle distillery is located just a short distance from Knightor Winery at Colwith Farm near Lanlivery. 5 generations of the family have farmed here, utilising their potato crop and Cornish mineral water to create a family of unique gin and vodka. Their distillery bar is fully stocked, serving the finest Cornish cocktails and samples with beautiful country views to boot! Our Favourite Cocktail 'Stafford's Negroni' - Stafford's Gin, Knightor Rosé Vermouth and Campari for a deliciously Cornish cocktail. Knightor WineryOur vermouth is taken from grape to glass right here Knightor Winery and we highly recommend a visit to where the magic happens. See our winery in action, walk amongst our display vines and visit our herb garden, where many of the herbs for our vermouth are sourced. Our bar team will happily guide you through our vermouth and in nearly all cases will have been involved in the vermouth-making process, whether that be harvesting the grapes, bottling or waxing! Our Favourite Cocktail The Cornish Spritz is a light, easy-drinking aperitif that's full of botanical flavour and the finest English wines. With equal parts Knightor Rosé Vermouth and soda with a slice of orange, it's so simple, yet so delicious! The LongstoreSituated in the picturesque harbour of Charlestown, The Longstore have a great passion for steaks, seafood and cocktails with the ultimate seaside location to match! Our Favourite Cocktail Get in there quick and be the first to try a 'Cornish Cobbler', new on the cocktail menu for spring. A complex yet fruity cocktail with Apricot Brandy, Knightor Dry Vermouth and Peychaud's Bitters, this one is made for Cornish evenings by the sea! Where is your favourite place to enjoy a vermouth cocktail? Did your favourite make the list?
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Knightor Winery, Trethurgy, Cornwall, PL26 8YQ
Call: 01726 851 101 Email: info@knightor.com 
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OPENING TIMES
Wine shop opening: Winter 2020 - Fridays 11-4pm Open by appointment at other times, more info here. Events barn and bar: January 2020 closed for Sunday lunches From 9th February - Sundays 11-4pm, lunch served 12-2.30pm Note the events barn is not open on a daily basis but can open for appointments, feast nights or events. Please call ahead if you wish to view the barn for an event. |
Please note Knightor is a working winery and old farmstead so there are areas of rough ground, uneven levels and steps and thresholds to be negotiated. Visitors and guests need to wear appropriate footwear and take extra care.
This project is supported by the Rural Development Programme for England, for which Defra is the Managing Authority, part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.
Privacy Notice | Refund Policy
This project is supported by the Rural Development Programme for England, for which Defra is the Managing Authority, part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.
Privacy Notice | Refund Policy