A VINEYARD by the River Test has announced the return of its winemakers’ dinner in addition to a number of festive events in its new tasting room.

Test Valley vineyard and winery Black Chalk Estate is getting in the Christmas spirit with a winery tour and tasting event, a festive wreath-making workshop and the newly revealed Winter Winemakers’ Dinner.

The dinner is returning for a winter-themed special led by Black Chalk’s winemaking team Jacob Leadley and Zoë Driver on Friday, December 16.

Visitors will receive a four-course menu as well as wines hand selected by the winemakers themselves. Guests will be told stories from the vineyard, winery, and harvest while learning all about the winemaking process.

Events and marketing manager, Rebecca Herbert, said: “We are delighted to be hosting a ‘Winter Winemakers’ Dinner’ and will be planning a number of collaborations with local businesses over the coming months. 

“We opened our tasting room earlier this year, so this will be our first opportunity to host Christmas events at Black Chalk.  Our winery opened in late 2020, in the midst of the Pandemic, so this is also the first year we can properly showcase what we do at Black Chalk. Guests will have an opportunity to tour the winery and get a real understanding of small-batch English Sparkling Wine production, as well as taste the finished product.”

The winery, based near Stockbridge, has also launched Friday night pop-ups to promote local produce alongside its wines. The next ‘Friday Night Late’ event will be with Little Fish Sushi in the Sticks on Friday, December 2.

For the full list of Black Chalk’s Christmas events including tours and tastings go to blackchalkwine.co.uk/whats-on.