This June, we’re celebrating English Wine Week the HH&Co way. with a whole month of laid-back lunches, fresh seasonal fare, and a brand new pour from one of our favourite winemakers. Say hello to Rock Story, the bold and utterly distinctive sparkling wine from Sugrue South Downs, now available at Lime Wood.
To mark the occasion, we’re launching our special midweek Solstice Lunch Menu, served Monday to Friday throughout June. It’s all about fresh, flavourful ingredients – think courgette flowers stuffed with ricotta, delicious seasonal plaice, and sun-blushed tomatoes. Finish with sweet cherries, Isle of Wight apricots, or New Forest strawberries, and it’s summer on a spoon.
And the best part? Guests dining on the Solstice menu will be treated to a complimentary glass of Rock Story – what better way to toast to English Wine Week!
We sat down with Dermot Sugrue, the visionary behind Sugrue South Downs, to find out what makes Rock Story such a special addition to the English sparkling wine scene.
Rock Story is such a bold name, what’s the story behind it?
Rock Story tells a tale of the multiple terroirs nourished by chalk, limestone, sandstone, and clay, as well as the many vintages that Ana and I have worked over the past two decades in England. A Pinot-dominant blend including 40% reserve wines from six vintages between 2011 and 2022, Rock Story is dramatically different in style to our Chardonnay-led, single-vintage wines, but we couldn’t be happier to welcome it into the Sugrue South Downs family.
Can you describe Rock Story in three words?
Generous, lyrical, nonconformist.
What kind of moment is Rock Story made for?
With its indulgence and immediacy dialled up to 11, Rock Story is the perfect accompaniment to listening to your favourite record. We love it as an aperitif – it goes with just about everything!
What sets Rock Story apart from other English sparkling wines?
We have been lucky enough to build up an extensive library of reserve wines over the last two decades making wine in England. While many English wineries blend fruit from one or two years to make their fizz, very few are able to draw on the mature reserve stocks that we can. Just like Krug's spectacular Grand Cuvée Champagne, Rock Story is a true 'multi-vintage' wine.
If you could choose one meal to enjoy alongside a chilled glass of Rock Story, what would it be?
Angela Hartnett's mushroom risotto – with generous shavings of South Downs truffles!
What does innovation look like in the English wine industry right now, and how does Rock Story fit into that?
We're going to see more still wines being made as the climate warms up, especially from regions like Essex. People can't seem to get enough of Bonkers – our multi-vintage Chardonnay aged in different sized barrels – so I think we can expect more experimentation and novelty in the still category. As England builds up its stocks of reserves, the sparkling wines will only get more exciting and innovative.
What can guests expect in terms of flavour and experience when they taste Rock Story?
A richly layered, captivating English sparkling wine. Rock Story shows summer berries and pastry notes alongside a broad, satin-soft texture. Although very capable of ageing for a good few years, it's more than ready to rock and roll right now.
With English Wine Week in mind, how do you envision Rock Story contributing to the growth and recognition of English wines on the global stage?
I believe it's important for winemakers in England to continue to find an identity for their wines, and not to copy other regions or styles. We'll achieve this by highlighting England's varied terroirs and embracing the qualities that make our wines truly unique.
How does Rock Story celebrate English Wine Week?
Created as a special by-the-glass pour, Rock Story is a magnificent opportunity for us to consolidate our relationship with Lime Wood – a longstanding champion of both English wine and Sugrue South Downs – so English Wine Week is the perfect time for Lime Wood guests to try something new and support homegrown, local winemakers.
What do you think is the most exciting aspect of English Wine Week, and how does it help elevate the profile of English wines?
There are so many brilliant events going on at vineyards, cellar doors, and restaurants across the country – from one-off tastings to special retail opportunities – that there's something for everyone. It always surprises us how many people at home and abroad don't know that England produces great wine, so this week is a great opportunity to show just how far winemaking in this country has come.
Come and Taste Rock Story at Lime Wood
Whether you're a sparkling aficionado or curious to try something new, Rock Story is ready to pour – and it’s on the house when you dine from our Solstice Lunch Menu throughout June.
So book a table, gather your favourite people, and raise a glass to the sunshine, the South Downs, and a story worth sipping.
Book with code SOLSTICE for tables up to 8 people (available Monday to Friday lunchtime from 2nd June to 30th June 2025). Enjoy two courses from £39.50 or 3 courses from £45. Each guest dining on the Solstice menu will receive a complimentary glass of Rock Story to enjoy.
Secure your table here: Hartnett Holder & Co Restaurant | Lime Wood
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