We all know Jane Brook. Some of us know her through her Space Coworking offices. Some of us know her as the dynamic Chair of the Rye Chamber of Commerce. And then some of us wistfully remember her margaritas, in the Brewery Yard Club days.
From this September, she'll be known as the creator and driving force behind the Rye Wine and Food Harvest Fair.
In the twelve years I've lived here, the food, wine and hospitality on offer in our corner of south east England has changed dramatically, for the better. Whether I feel like seafood on the beach at St Leonards, a glass of sparkling desert wine in Winchelsea, or pizza in a Dutch Barn in Peasmarsh, the choices are many and the quality outstanding.
Jane also has been struck by the change and with her usual powerhouse attitude, views it as an opportunity to highlight and promote our town, our area, our producers and our vineyards; because we actually live in the wine capital of Great Britain. Don't take my word for it, Taittinger, the magnificent French champagne house, have purchased land across 'la Manche'. But not to be outdone, twenty minutes from Rye you will also find Gusbourne, the producers of the internationally renowned premier British sparkling wine.
Gusbourne are one of the twelve local vineyards taking part in the harvest fair, along with local food producers. Over two days, you will be able to sample and buy the best that our local area has to offer. September 14 and 15, coincides with the opening weekend of the Rye Arts Festival and so, in addition, the harvest fair will have music, talks and other activities.
With her usual style, Jane has commissioned the artist and wine label designer Tom Boucher to create the official poster.
There are two highlight events, a Saturday evening harvest supper prepared by the extraordinary George Fredenham, otherwise known to his 17k Instagram followers as @flavourfred and a Sunday morning jazz breakfast with Kitty Harrison, the inimitable @kittylaroar
Jane has all sorts of wonderful people and activities planned and she will update us with teasers along the way, leading up to the fair. A couple of people I can already tell you about are Graeme Foster, who will compare and Sergio and yours truly I will be overseeing the service. But more of that another time...
@ryeharvest www.wineandfoodfair.events
