Billingshurst and District Wine and Beer Circle

03/03/2026

27/01/2026

January 2026

The new year brought a familiar face in the shape of Colin Nicholson from Pulborough Hennings, unfortunately it was to be his last as retirement beckons later this year. With this in mind he presented us with his favourite grape varieties.

First to taste was an Italian Baccolo Bianco, from the Vento region of Italy. This 2024 vintage is soft and easy drinking which shows ripe peach, melon and citrus on the palate and aromas of pear and apple. The pale straw colour underlines the wines freshness, the finish is light and smooth making it a versatile everyday white wine.

13% abv and £9.75 on the night.

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Next up was a Viognier in the Le Versant range from Vignobles Foncalieu in France, it focuses on carefully selected vineyard sites that bring out varietal character with precision elegance. The bouquet is expressive with apricot, peach and pear accented by honeysuckle and a touch of citrus zest. Both complex and well balanced,

13.5% abv and £10.95.

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The last white before the break for refreshments was a Spanish Ontanon Viura Rioja Blanco. Produced soley from Viura grapes and given four months in American Oak to mellow. It gives you just the right balance between ripe Tropical fruits and Toasty Brioche.

12.5% abv and £11.95.

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​The first red of the evening was a German Villa Wolf Pinot Noir, warm and medium-bodied, with a firm acid structure. It's dark cherry fruit is juicy, ripe and forward, with a spicy mid-palate. 12 months of barrique ageing gives the wine a smoky depth and a nice touch of earthy tannins. Germany is often overlooked when it comes to Pinot Noir, but Villa Wolf have produced a brilliant example, very grown-up and an excellent value for money for everyday drinking.

13% abv and £14.50.

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​Our next Red was a Portuguese Alianca Bairrada Reserva, produced from a blend of 70% Baga, 20% Tinta Roriz and 10% Touriga Nacional, indigenous to Portugal. Aliança Bairrada is full of full of vibrant fresh red berry and baked fruit aromas. With stainless steel tank fermentation, this is soft and rounded on the palate exuding black cherry, plum and a subtle hint of liquorice and rustic spices. Robust tannins, and finely poised acidity make for a clean finish.

13% abv and £10.25.



​Our last wine of the evening was an Australian Barossa Valley Shiraz,The Black Craft, this is a serious wine – it is an incredible bargain given that this is not your usual entry level Aussie Shiraz. It is a genuine slice of Barossa earth and spice with accurate tannins and honest, blackberry-soaked fruit. Nothing is manipulated here – what you see is what you get and what you get is l***y fruit, stoic tannins and a wine that says something to you, absolutely superb !

14.5% abv and £14.50.



Many thanks to Colin for a very enjoyable evening.



Sue White

27/01/2026

December

At the Billingshurst Christmas party the committee arrived at the venue ahead of members to hang lights and decorate the tables transforming the hall into a festive spectacle. The party was well attended and the evening began with teams of four taking part in a written quiz. Outside caterers provided an excellent variety of party fare with desserts being supplied by two of our committee members, Donna and Jill. There was a free entry raffle with bottles of wine and chocolates as prizes. Christmas music was played throughout the evening and an entertaining version of the Twelve Days of Christmas was performed by all members. Games included Irish Bingo, pass the parcel and an innovative team game involving paper cups, a ping pong ball and balloon. The evening went far too quickly but everyone appeared to enjoy themselves.

27/01/2026

November and once again it was time for our AGM. We were welcomed with a glass of fizz before the important business got underway, a welcome speech from Chris, minutes read and approved and financial report given before the election of officers which were:



President:​​​Chris Deefholts

Chair:​​​Maureen Burgess

Treasurer:​​​Jan Buttinger

Secretary:​​​Donna Townsend

Membership secretary:​Chris Deefholts

Social Secretaries:​Cath Furlong & Jane Saxton

Committee members:​Ray Deefholts

​​​​Ian Downey

​​​​Jill Philips

​​​​Brenda Jefferies

Afterwards we were presented with the following wines introduced by Emma, Jan, Ian & Eamon.

First was an Italian Peccorino from the Abruzzo region, dry with flavours of Peach, Apples and Pears. £9 from Waitrose.

Following that was an Oak aged French Viognier with notes of White Peach and Apricot. £5.80 from Asda.

After a refreshment break and the raffle we were poured a South Australian shiraz / Grenache blend, this is a full-bodied red wine known for combining Shiraz's dark fruit and spice with Grenache's bright red berries, soft texture, and vibrant juiciness. £8 from Tesco.

Last of the evening was a Gran Reserva Cune Rioja, at 14%, with flavours of black fruit and hints of leather. This was a serious wine to finish with ! £12 from Sainsburys.

A very enjoyable evening.



Sue White

27/01/2026

October, and we welcomed Luke Smith from Horsham Cellars to give us wines for the festive season.

Aged on the lees for 2 years this Benguela Cove Cuvee Brut from South Africa consists of 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Pinot Noir and 5% Chardonnay. This method of Cap Classique allures with vivid aromas of candied apple, pear and sweet grass that comes to life when the fine mousse explodes on the surface, the expected bright acidity is balanced with a tangy finish, concluded with a fresh floral note.

12% abv and £14.44

​The next white was a food friendly Sauvignon Blanc from the Touraine appellation of the Loire region found of the left bank of the river Loire. The soil is clay and limestone, with flint. It is the flint that gives the wine its trademark crisp minerality fruit flavours with refreshing acidity.

12% abv and £14.44

​The last white before the break for refreshments was a bright and expressive Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch. Aromas of quince, pear and stone fruit are lifted by hints of honeysuckle and citrus zest. The palate is fresh and textured, with ripe orchard fruit, balanced acidity and a clean, mineral-driven finish. Elegant and versatile, it showcases the purity of South African Chenin.

13.5% abv and £16.82

​After the break we tasted a Villa Wolf Pinot Noir from southern Germany. Warm and medium-bodied, with a firm acid structure, it's dark cherry fruit is juicy, ripe and forward, with a spicy mid-palate. 12 months of barrique ageing gives the wine a smoky depth and a nice touch of earthy tannins. Germany is often overlooked when it comes to Pinot Noir, but Villa Wolf have produced a brilliant example, very grown-up and an excellent value for money for everyday drinking.

12.5% and £14.27
​Have you heard the legend of the Specialyst ? Some swear they have seen him riding in the fabled old vine Zinfandel vineyards of Lodi late at night, bending the moonlight and serenading the grapes. This Zinfandel has rich aromas and flavours of sweet cherry, bramble and spice, with a caramel finish. Beautifully ripe dark fruit was selected from top Zinfandel vineyard partners throughout Lodi, an area renowned for Zinfandel. A splash of Petit Syrah adds roundness. The majority of the 35 members present voted this the wine of the evening !
14.5% abv and £14.27
​Our last wine of the evening was a truly Christmas special ! Nick had brought his baby burco with him to warm up a Lyme Bay Damson & Elderberry Mulled wine, a delicious blend of damson and elderberry with notes of festive spices.
5.5% abv and £7.99
It is always a pleasure to spend an evening in Nick`s company, and the wines he presents are always superb, a lovely time was had by all.
Sue White

07/11/2025

The next wine tasting is Friday 14th November 2025. This meeting will also be our Annual General Meeting. We would like to encourage as many people as possible to attend as we appreciate your support and ideas going forward (and maybe join the committee?) Historically, the business part of the evening only takes 30/40 minutes and then the committee presents 4 wines. Everyone will be greeted with a glass of sparkling wine to enjoy whilst the AGM takes place. This evening is only £5 for both members and guests.

Please email me with table reservations as usual. Donna at [email protected]

02/10/2025

Our next wine tasting is Friday 10th October 2025. Luke from Horsham Cellars will be presenting his choice of 6 wines. Please email me with reservations. [email protected]

Christmas Party Saturday 13th December 2025
The committee is pleased to announce the tickets for this popular fun event will remain the same as last year £16. This is great value and includes a sparkling drink on arrival, white/red wine with the buffet meal, music, quiz, raffle, prizes and for the brave, games!

We ask you to book and pay for your tickets at our October wine tasting or alternatively, by bank transfer no later than 31st October. Bank details below. A reminder that only members can attend the party. Membership is £10 and can also be paid by bank transfer.

Donna

29/09/2025

September was an in-house tasting presented by committee members, Ian, Cathy and Jan.

Ian presented the first to taste, which was a Sparkling Rose Prosseco, made using Glera and Pinot Noir grapes, strawberries and raspberries on the nose with hints of peach and rose petals. A dry style, a touch on the sweet side, 11% vol, ideal with sea food or salads.

£9.70 at the Co-op.

Cathy then gave us a 2024 South African Fairtrade Swartland Chenin Blanc. Dry, fruity and spicy style with tastes of citrus and tropical fruits, can be paired with mild curries and veggie burgers. 13.5% vol,

£6.99 at Lidl.

She followed this with a South African Degrendel Sauvignon Blanc grown in the Cape Town region which has a cool growing climate and provides slow ripening fruit which results in wines of a distinctive character and style. At 13.5% vol it goes well with shellfish and salads,

£12 at Waitrose.

After the break for refreshments and the raffle, Ian then presented his second Rose of the night, he did say he`d drawn the short straw ! This time a French offering, a La Vieille Ferme, more blush than Rose made from Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah grape varieties. Light, refreshing, crisp and dry with strawberry and raspberry flavours, 12.5% vol, serve with grilled meats and salads.

£9 at Tescos.

Jan`s first offering was a Californian Six Poets Cabernet Sauvignon, which is youthful, hot bloodied and carefree. Full of flavour with enticing aromas of ripe blackberries and brambly forest fruits, dry smooth and soft, 12.5% vol, if you are a red wine drinker, on it`s own or with practically any red meat dish.

£10.69 at Tescos.

Jan`s second wine and the last of what was a very enjoyable evening was a Chiean Errazuriz Gran Reserva Carmenere from the Aconcagua region. Aromas of ripe figs, juicy plums, roasted coffee and a hint of bell pepper. On the palate, delicate notes of paprika, black pepper and caramel, silky tannins and a lingering velvety finish. Aged for 10 months in a barrel, 13.5% vol. Goes well with most red meat dishes or on its own, personally the best of the evening.

£12.80 at Tescos.

Many thanks to Ian, Cathy & Jan for an enjoyable evening.

Sue White

09/09/2025

A message from one of our members.

Hello fellow wine club members,

I am asking if you would be able to support our fundraising to stop the oaks in Willow Drive being felled by making a small donation https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/save-billi-oaks/

The PC has called an extraordinary meeting next Tuesday 16th at 7 at the Community Centre.Please come if you can.

Many thanks,

Jane Chittenden

We are a group of Billingshurst residents who want to save two magnificent oak trees from being cut down by Axa.

03/09/2025

Our next wine tasting is Friday 12th September. Three members of the committee will be presenting 6 wines and each committee member will be adding their own spin on the presentation. Watch out for chocolate prizes. As always, please email me for seat reservations. Donna at billywine&[email protected]

September brings the renewal of all memberships. The price remains the same. Chris will be collecting the £10 new membership subscription on the door next Friday or you may wish to transfer the money directly to our bank account. Please reference your name/names. A reminder that members pay £8 for each tasting and guests pay £11.

Bank account details
BILLINGHURST & DISTRICT WINE & BEER CIRCLE
Account Number 79813925
Sort Code 60 02 31

Our popular annual Christmas party will be Saturday evening 13th December 2025. Members only are invited to this event which includes a buffet meal , crackers, party poppers, sparkling wine on arrival, red or white wine with the meal, music, raffle and games. We will be taking bookings and payment at our October wine tasting. Price is not confirmed yet but we hope to keep the cost the same as last year which was £16 - a bargain. Last year, we were almost at capacity so I strongly recommend you book early to secure a place. We will be asking for volunteer pudding makers nearer the time.

22/08/2025

This is a reminder for all members and guests that it is the curry night at the Railway Inn in Billingshurst on Wednesday 27th August between 6 and 9 pm. The cost is £16 including a drink to the value of £6.75.

If anyone would like to attend this event please let me know so that we can book a table and let the chef know how many people to expect. We suggest meeting at 7pm