Wine group to produce brews
The English Wines Group (EWG), normally associated with the best of English wines, is preparing to break new ground, by brewing beer.
However, it will be brewing with a difference as, under the brand name Curious Brew, EWG is aiming to produce a new line of beers using wine-making techniques.
The first Curious Brew in production is called Brut and is being made using champagne yeast.
The beer is currently being taste-tested and the group hopes it will be released later in the summer.
When asked why his company was entering the beer market, Frazer Thomson, managing director of the EWG, said people in his trade had a lot to offer.
"Wine makers are seen as the most refined of drinks makers," he added.
"But we have a lot to add, mainly in the field of making things taste great.
"We use the most magical of techniques of all drinks makers, when compared to brewers and distillers."
The English Wines Group is based in Tenterden in Kent and has vineyards both in Tenterden and nearby Lamberhurst.
The group produces a variety of wines, including the Curious Grape range, and a well-respected set of sparkling white wines.
EWG has been awarded the UK Vineyards Association's English and Welsh Wine of the Year Award for the last two years.
It is a busy time for EWG. Only last month Mr Thompson admitted that he was in talks with three major champagne houses to produce some sparkling white wines for them on this side of the Channel.
The three producers are interested in using EWG's vineyards in Kent as the land there and on the whole of the South Downs, which borders Kent and Sussex, is very similar to that in Champagne.
The champagne harvest this year was particularly poor after searing temperatures wrecked the latest crop.
The three producers hope that the cheaper land in the South of England and the more reliable weather will lead to a profitable collaboration with EWG.
