- Friday 24 May / 15h42 (Paris)
| News by industry |
|---|
| Beer |
| Coffee, tea, soft drink, water |
| Food, gastronomy |
| Hotel, restaurant |
| Spirits |
| Wine |
| Friday, May 27, 2011 | 10:38 |
|
|
Company News
French Wine Producers Fly in to Taste Yorkshire’s Finest Tipple
(Drinks Media Wire). Launch of Jet2.com’s summer flights from Leeds Bradford to Bergerac brings wine exchange to Leeds
In the spirit of ‘entente cordiale’, a Bergerac wine producer and Yorkshire vineyard have been brought together to discover more about each others’ wines. Leading leisure airline Jet2.com flew in representatives from award winning Château Masburel to visit Leventhorpe Vineyard, Leeds’ very own wine producer.
The wine exchange celebrates the start of Jet2.com’s weekly flights to Bergerac and the beginning of English Wine Week (Saturday 28th May – Sunday 5th June). Flights start from £29.99 one way including taxes and operate through the summer until 24th September. Château Masburel’s representatives, along with members of the French media, flew from Bergerac in the Dordogne Valley to Leeds Bradford International Airport, bringing with them samples of their own wine to show.
The French delegation brought with them some wine varieties of their own for a unique wine exchange, which took place at Leventhorpe Vineyard. Following a tour of Leventhorpe, hosted by owner and winemaker George Bowden, and the chance to taste the locally produced wine and Yorkshire cheese, the visitors, including Arnaud Isnard, manager of Château Masburel, journalist Christian Lacome and Bergerac Airport manager Olivier Gribelin, were treated to a civic lunch with Alan Taylor, Lord Mayor of Leeds, and a tour of the city, courtesy of Marketing Leeds. Other guests included representatives from Marketing Leeds, Leeds Bradford Airport and Jet2.com.
There are 13 appellations in the Bergerac area producing a whole range of fantastic wines including Pecharmant and Montbazillac. Château Masburel produces red, white and sparkling wine including vintage lines from a range of grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. Meanwhile, Leventhorpe, which has won plaudits from Rick Stein and Oz Clarke amongst others, produces mainly white wine along with some sparkling and a small volume of red from early ripening varieties.
George Bowden from Leventhorpe Vineyard commented: “While winegrowing in Yorkshire might seem unusual to some people, wine has been produced in the region since the 16th century so we've certainly got some good heritage, with Leventhorpe producing fine wines for the last 25 years'
“It was a pleasure to welcome our guests to the vineyard – they really enjoyed all that Leventhorpe has to offer and of course it was great to taste some of the Dordogne’s finest wine.”
Managing Director of Jet2.com, Ian Doubtfire, said: “This is an excellent initiative which highlights the strengths of both regions. It has helped us to foster strong and mutually fruitful relationships with businesses and individuals associated with our Bergerac route.
“The Dordogne is a magical area for holidays, boasting some of the most beautiful countryside in France, picturesque villages and historical chateaus and ancient caves - and that’s before we even mention the wine! It’s also a great area for active holiday makers with excellent hiking and cycling available, plus the opportunity for water-based exploration.”
Deborah Green, Chief Executive of Marketing Leeds, said; “Leeds is a truly diverse city that offers a great experience for tourists and visitors alike and we are delighted to be working with Jet2.com and Leeds Bradford International Airport to showcase the city. This is a fabulous opportunity to highlight the fact that Leeds has a vineyard, justifying the claim that the city is full of fantastic surprises.”
Tony Hallwood, Leeds Bradford Airport’s Commercial Director, added: “We’re thrilled to be involved in this project – what a great way to celebrate the start of Jet2.com’s flights to Bergerac. Yorkshire passengers will be delighted this popular route has returned this summer and I’m sure they’ll enjoy sampling all the Dordogne has to offer.”
For further media enquiries:
Contact the Jet2.com Press Office on 0113 243 1355 or email pressoffice@Jet2.com
George Bowden, Leventhorpe Vineyard can be contacted on 0113 288 9088.
For more information on flights go to www.Jet2.com
Contact
| Name: Julia Trustram Eve |
| E-mail: Julia@englishwineproducers.com |
| Web: http://www.englishwineproducers.com |
| Company: English Wine Producers |
| Address: - |
| Country: UNITED KINGDOM |
| Phone: +44 01536 772264 |
 |
|
|
|
