A ripening relationship grows by the Dart

13th September 2011

The beautiful River Dart and its unique “terroir” have nurtured a growing relationship between two leading Totnes restaurants and the local vineyard.  For the first time ever, Sharpham Vineyard and a full range of five award winning wines receive centrefold coverage in a restaurant’s wine list, as featured by the New Walk Brasserie and the Waterside Bistro in Totnes.

Both the restaurants and vineyard are keen to strengthen local sourcing and promote the hall marks of quality and consistency in their family run businesses in South Devon.  The River Dart is the backdrop to the vineyard’s production of classic English wines and the happy marriage of soil, climate and grape variety known as “terroir.”

The two eateries owned by South Devon Restaurants are located by and close to the River Dart as it meanders its way through Totnes and downstream to the sea, a natural scenic draw that attracts visitors from all over the world to the historic town. 

Matt Buzzo, chef owner of the New Walk Brasserie explains how the development came about.  He said: “Our menus and choice of local suppliers reflect the feel and essence of this part of Devon so that you can almost taste where you are. We’re lucky to have right on our doorstep one of England’s foremost quality wine producers.

“We’ve always stocked a couple of Sharpham wines among 60 other wines from around the world but now we want to enhance our wine list by promoting the whole Sharpham range together with information of interest about the vineyard’s stunning landscape and wine heritage. I personally love all the wines and am assured of their locality, longevity and consistent quality for our customers to enjoy.”

Duncan Schwab, Sharpham’s wine maker states that this is the first time his wines have been featured so prominently in any restaurant wine list.  “It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our whole range of white, rose, red and sparkling rose wines in this way and give customers a wide choice of what we produce at these popular venues.  The Waterside Bistro and the New Walk Brasserie are both central locations in Totnes and have a good reputation for their extensive wine list, so it’s great the way our business relationship with them has grown.”

The new wine list was launched at a wine and cheese reception on Monday 12th September and will herald South Devon Restaurants participation in Celebration of Food 2011 with special foodie and wine events at both restaurants during October.