We don’t know about you, but this warm Summer weather has got us thirsty for a tasty tipple!
What better way to quench our thirsts than introduce a new and exciting supplier, Ellis Wines.
We first crossed paths with the fabulous Ellis Wines a few years ago when a couple getting married at the venue had family connections to the company. The selection available throughout the couples stay was impressive and really complimented their taste and menu choice.
Fast forward to the present day, Ellis Wines now have a warehouse in Tiverton (a short drive from the venue) and we are thrilled to be introducing Ellis wine to the venue’s recommended suppliers list.
We caught up with the knowledgeable Chris White, Head of Regional Sales, to tell us a bit more about the business and what they can offer to clients hosting a wedding or event at the venue.
Tell us a bit about Ellis Wines
Ellis is family owned and run specialist wine merchant that has been supplying the trade for over 200 years. We work with large, national event caterers (such as the Open Golf, Chelsea flower show, Twickenham and a number of premier league football clubs), fine dining & Michelin star restaurants, 5 star hotels, and 100s of independent restaurants, pubs & wine bars. I have worked for Ellis for 8 years and used them as a supplier for 10+ years before that, in hotels & fine dining restaurants I was running.
What would be your tips to couples when selecting their drinks for the wedding stay? (Typically Fri – Sun)
With such a special occasion you want to make sure your guests feel looked after, so try new wines that are a little bit different, a new grape or region perhaps, but bear in mind that you’re trying to please a big crowd, so avoid wines that are too rich, full bodied or with overtly intense flavours. Think about what styles of wine you enjoy to drink without food as well as with your meals. Most of all use my/Ellis’ experience and knowledge to help guide you. (and most importantly, don’t run out!)
What would be your go to fizz for the Reception drinks?
Personally I prefer a drier style of fizz, so tend to avoid Prosecco. For me I think a good Cava or Cremant offer the best value for money, and often deliver better than Champagne quality for half the price, as they are made exactly the same way, but don’t have the ‘brand’. Needless to say English sparkling wine is easily an equal match for most Champagnes, albeit you are paying similar prices too, but at least they have more interesting provenance and stories.
Tell us a bit more about the Good/Better/Best range you have suggested for Huntsham Court
At Ellis we deal with customers and consumers on all budgets, so feel we’re well represented across our portfolio to suit all tastes. Our core business tends to be the classic ‘gastro-pub/casual dining’ market, so we know what wines tend to be the crowd-pleasers. The good/better/best suggestions are exactly this, for those with varying budgets, who want a range of wines they know will go down well, both with or without meals.
What would be your top Red Wine for those on a budget and why?
For those on a budget, I would choose the Impressionist Shiraz red. It’s an easy drinking style of the grape, with juicy tannins and nice jammy dark fruit character. It works well with a sit down meal, BBQ or just glugging too. It’s not overly complicated, rich & heavy, but will keep red wine drinkers happy and satisfied.
What would be your top White Wine for those who wanted to splash out and why?
My personal favourite wines of the moment would be either a Chablis or Albarino. Both wines deliver fresh, zesty citrus fruit, with hints of minerality, but also going great with white fish, shell fish and things like goat’s cheese. Needless to say you tend to get what you pay for with wine, and these 2 regions rarely offer cheap options, so they’re always a treat!
To discover more about Huntsham Court, its no Corkage policy, plus any other bar & drinks recommended suppliers for your event, head over to our website.