Last Updated on: 18th August 2024, 09:52 am
The first-ever Rye Harvest Wine & Food Fair will be held on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September at the Cricket Salts in Rye, East Sussex.
This new festival, organised by Jane Brook, a Rye business owner and festival director, with support from Rother District Council, aims to showcase the very best in wine and artisanal food from the local area.
The event will feature 13 local vineyards, including Gusbourne, Tillingham, Charles Palmer, and Oxney. In addition to the wines, visitors can explore market stalls offering a range of artisanal brews, premium meats, fresh vegetables, cheeses, and charcuterie.
Jane Brook comments, “We wanted to create an event to shine a spotlight on the award-winning distillers, brewers, winemakers, and food producers of East Sussex and Kent. For a small town, we have access to an incredible range of local produce from land and sea – the ethos of our event is to promote those exceptional producers within a 40-mile radius of Rye.”
“The weekend promises to be really memorable, not just a food and drink festival but a cultural experience. The line-up includes live music, talks, comedy, poetry, cookery demonstrations, and fine dining. It’s a completely unique event, and we’re thrilled that it is taking place within the Rye Arts Festival, which runs throughout September. Rye is a beautiful medieval town with a rich cultural heritage, and we’re proud to be adding to the impressive and diverse programme that the arts festival is known for.”
The Rye Harvest Wine & Food Fair will begin on Friday 13th September with an English Fizz & Canapé Party. This special event will feature a guest DJ set by horticulturist Auntie Maureen.
On the evening of Saturday 14th September, a Wild Harvest Supper will offer a hyper-local dining experience, prepared by the renowned forager chef, Flavour Fred. Each course will be paired with wines from local vineyards, making it a true celebration of Rye’s culinary excellence.
On Sunday 15th September, a Jazz Breakfast will treat guests to a locally sourced breakfast menu, accompanied by a live performance from Rye Jazz Festival favourite, Kitty LaRoar.
The fair will wrap up on Sunday afternoon with a free live comedy and cooking demonstration by the award-winning, hilarious comedian George Egg.
Tickets are on sale at https://www.wineandfoodfair.events/get-tickets
